Blogcritics Comments on Infusion by Clint Smith

Comment by Eric Berlin on Infusion by Clint Smith

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 12:54:35 EST

I was under the impression that spec fiction was kind of an umbrella term that could relate to anything from the softest sci fi to the hardest Asimov-esque fiction. I'm definitely on the very soft socio side. In fact, everything I write tends to morph into a complete genre blend: sociological sci/fi with elements of comedy, suspense, and romance thrown in. It's really amazing how little control writers have over the stories they create. ]]>

Comment by Anna on Infusion by Clint Smith

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 12:20:37 EST

Hart science fiction and speculative fiction could be kissing cousins, in my dictionary. Soft SF is probably the sociological SF you mention. That's more my kind of SF, to be honest, and it's what I was expecting from Infusion based on what the publisher is pushing. ]]>

Comment by Eric Berlin on Infusion by Clint Smith

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 03:24:09 EST

This book review has been selected for Advance.net. You'll be able to find this and other Blog Critics reviews at such places at Cleveland.com's Book Reviews column. ]]>

Comment by Eric Berlin on Infusion by Clint Smith

Sun, 13 Feb 2005 03:23:56 EST

Very nice review, Anna. It's unfortunate that good ideas and premise can often get bogged down in poor writing or poor story telling. You've provided a definition of "hard" science fiction, which I like, by the way. I'm wondering what your definition of "soft" would be. I've also heard the terms sociological sci fi and speculative fiction thrown about, as well as the rare "mystic realism" thrown about. I tend to consider a lot of my fiction to be spec fiction, but I'm curious to hear your take on it. ]]>

Comment by DrPat on Infusion by Clint Smith

Mon, 7 Feb 2005 19:36:59 EST

Many authors find it difficult to publish their first novels, allowing time enough for them to reassess the quality. When someone has a track record in another genre (such as technical manuals), the shortened lead time allows release of something half-baked. It sounds like this book shares another common fault of first novels: preachiness. ]]>

Comment by Anna on Infusion by Clint Smith

Mon, 7 Feb 2005 16:21:15 EST

"Technical author" means that prior to this book, Smith has written technical books, such as those listed above. The "hard science" fiction genre takes technological theory and puts it into a fictional setting. ]]>

Comment by Aaman on Infusion by Clint Smith

Mon, 7 Feb 2005 15:37:06 EST

What, precisely is meant by technical author? Does he normally write about technical topics? Does he demostrate good science in this book? The tendency to anthropomorphize aliens is one of the most common failings in alien scifi. Perhaps we really do know no different. This does not mean however that the author must 'Americanize' their society. Curse the Zenon! Send the Space Marines after them! How dare they steal our dattan! ]]>