I was just reading this interview with Geoff Ryman over at InfinityPlus, where he discusses his new novel and discusses something he calls ‘mundane science fiction’. There’s a site at www.mundanesf.com. According to Ryman, “… the word Mundane means of the world. So by and large Mundane SF sticks to Earth or the nearby solar system. For example if we can’t get to the stars, aliens can’t get to us. Quantum uncertaintly works only at the micro level. Parallel universes are unlikely. So two years ago, out of Clarion a bunch of young writers decided they wanted to limit themselves to the most likely future. This meant facing up to what we know is coming, dealing with it and imaging good futures that are likely.” Read the manifesto for more info. Seems pretty sensible to me, and it looks like it describes work by some of the more interesting writers in the field today. Still, do we need another movement?

Got the flu or some other bug. Left ear blocked. Portable cd player just died, and need to get another one. Sniff. Feeling fractionally sorry for myself. I’m past the half-way mark on Stamping Butterflies. Good, but I’m not really sure what Grimwood’s on about at this stage. Once I’m finished that, on to The Runes of the Earth, which I want/need to finish before I get on the plane on the 24th. I’d also like to read The Algebraist before I go, but who’m I kidding? Also lots of planning etc to catch up on so that I’m ready for the trip. I will be, but I never feel like I will be at this stage of events. I am looking forward to it, though.