[Women in Genre, Day 28] Shanna Germain and Janine Ashbless Bring Sexy Back

Geek LoveLet’s talk about sex, baby.
Let’s talk about genre and kink.

Not the best Salt-n-Pepa rewrite admittedly, but it serves as an appropriate introduction to these wonderful, wonderful editors. I’m breaking my rules (I’m a bad boy, deal with it), because each day should celebrate a single woman in genre, but both Germain and Ashbless are responsible as chief editors for Geek Love. Therefore, I don’t have the heart to separate them. Consider them an inexplicable dual-mind entity. Done? Good.

Back to sex and genre. Genre lends itself to sex more than one would imagine. Oglaf serves as an excellent example of how sexual fancies can really take flight. Creative couplings, naughty talk and ludicrous sexual behavior mash into a colorful orgy and mind you, I’m talking about Oglaf. Erotica in fantastic stories has been present since humans first developed storytelling and can be found in every era. Most recent examples include Cthulhurotica and Rigor Amortis (both edited by women – yes!), though the Internet has got you covered when it comes to fantastical erotica whether we talk about slash fiction or original amateur work.

Then what makes Geek Love so darn special? Why are Shanna Germain and Janine Ashbless the editors of note? The answer is twofold and goes beyond the fact that I’m in it (though let me tell you I’m quite happy to be featured in the TOC). Geek Love has claimed nerds and geeks as new sex symbols at a time when mainstream media has finally picked up that geeks are hot beyond all conventional tropes. It’s a timely release as it comes during the process of rebranding geeks as a new category to lust over. Naturally, geeks have always known how to have fun in the sack well and beyond the vanilla, but a book that proves the virility of spec fic writers’ imaginations is the best thing to happen to geeks (especially those who like their fiction with a bit of a kink).

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[Women in Genre, Day 13] Jaym Gates - The Queen of Deadlines

Jaym GatesIt’s Saturday, the first day in two weeks, I have had some free time to rest, catch up on TV series and even read. Having almost to no free time has become feature presentation in my life. When I think my schedule has grown too overpopulated, I look over at Jaym Gates, Queen of Deadlines, Slayer of Schedules. Gates is perhaps the most industrious woman in genre I’ve met and she has contributed a lot to the whole US scene. I certainly can’t imagine what genre would be without her being involved in it.

I really have to thank Twitter, because I think I initially came to know her awesomeness through there. Being fabulous as she is, it was easy to transfer the chemistry to Gmail Chat and Facebook and I had the best of times to hear her threaten the world and fabric of reality with complete and utter annihilation. And you know what? She can follow up on her threats, cause she drinks coffee brewed in hell. That’s how hardcore she is.

I find it hard not to admire her deeply for her inner strength, drive and perseverance to do what is in her heart. Seriously, we need PSAs on her work ethic, because she works harder than anyone I have ever seen. Gates is the publicist you want to represent you. There’s nothing she won’t do to get her job done. I can tell, because I have worked with her as an assistant on a few projects and have learned a lot about taking up responsibility and following through your promises. The most valuable lesson I have learned from her is to know what to promise and whether you can deliver. Naturally, she can deliver it all. Continue reading »