Author Jon Mollison explains why he’s optimistic about the future of the Pulp Revolution.
Everybody I interact with in the Pulp Revolution has a winner’s mindset. They are relentlessly positive individuals who channel their energy into their work and into each other. They don’t just work alone, tossing stories into the cold, harsh marketplace. They have the brains to look back at what worked with the pulps, to take them apart, and put them back together again. They have the desire to dig down into the roots of sci-fi, even the obscure little off shoots, to learn more about them. They have the energy – writing their own works, reading, discussing, analyzing, experimenting, all of it in addition to handling the daily stress of their normal lives. They have the sort of open-mindedness, the willingness to reconsider their beliefs in light of new information, the willingness to listen to enthusiasts of the Campbellian and New Wave revolutions – provided they bring their A-game and present cogent arguments, they have been embraced by the Pulp Revolution.
The Pulp Revolution has gone from a handful of people to a mob in less than a year. Just imagine how much further it’s going to go in the next year, or two, or ten. And keep imagining it, because that’s how winner’s think about the future.
Anyone who’s tempted to despair over the future of print science fiction would do well to heed Jon’s words. Habitually spewing pessimism just so you can have the satisfaction of being right anytime Murphy’s Law takes effect is for losers. Winners stay focused on the prize, because success requires persistence, and morale is absolutely essential to putting in your best effort day in and day out.
Yes, sci-fi is the worst selling genre. Yes, the Hugos are an orgy of intersectional logrolling. After the New York literati and their sycophants have burned the genre down, the indie and small press authors who are currently toiling to cultivate careers will find the field rich for sowing.
Now let’s go out there and entertain some readers!
Speaking of which, you can get all three books in my award-winning Soul Cycle for less than the cost of one eBook from Tor.
