Favorite Authors

I found myself at a small science fiction convention a few months ago. There is nothing so wonderful as finding yourself in the presence of fellow nerds, dweebs, geeks and dorks. There is nothing so pleasant as sharing your love of "Battlestar Gallactica" with fellow spazzes capable of analyzing the most minute plot points along with you as if they were breaking down some difficult bit of rocket science, which oddly enough, many of them made a living out of. There is, of course, as in any companionable gathering of like minds, the inevitable fly at the picnic. It is of this, or rather her, that I am about to write.

There was a delightful panel of authors set to discuss Romance and the modern vampire. Various discussions took place on such topics as the shift in the literary market in terms of fantasy and horror popularity and the changing face of science fiction. Various authors were discussed and their success and place, relative to aforementioned changes, were tossed about the room. In the course of things someone mentioned Laurell K. Hamilton, a favorite author of mine and so I assumed of everyone else's. That is until some horrible woman in the back of the room (where those types always sit) began to disparage Mrs. Hamilton and toss aside her work as little more than pornography. Needless to say I was insulted on her behalf and more than a little outraged.

Let me say at this point, that with a few test tube baby exceptions we are all on this earth because one man and one woman spent some time alone. Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it so let's get out of the way right now that sex occurs on planet Earth. That intercourse should be included in the telling of any character's story seems to be, to me, a necessary addition if said character is of a species to do so. It is , after all, a part of life without which none of us would be here to complain of its inclusion in literature.

I did not know that we were still living in such a staunch and conservative age that any mention of the "beast with two backs" would cause an uproar among the common folk. I thought we had progressed to a time in our society where we had finally come to terms with the fact that humans, on a regular basis, copulate. Evidently not. To say that this red haired woman was haughty and ludicrous in her feigned righteous indignation is to say too little. I expected to turn and see her swathed in lace, petticoats and a high necked collar such was her agitation. She went on and on railing against the detriment to society she perceived Mrs. Hamilton to be, outraged even that some disreputable house would publish such filth.

For my part I quickly lost patience with her tirade. I found her views silly and backwards. I thought that if she continued her vehement attack against Mrs. Hamilton a wrestling match between us would surely ensue. I have no doubt that I would have won, being younger and more affronted but indignant, conservative soccer moms are a vicious breed and she no doubt would have given me a run for my money.

Laurell K. Hamiton's work is NOT pornography. I would venture that any who think so are the very definition of uptight and are no doubt grumpy due to having to carry those sticks about where the sun doesn't shine. I would also venture to say that if reading about adults doing adult things in a non gratuitous manner offends your tender sensibilities than it would be best if you stuck to either children's books or literature produced by the Bronte sisters who were equally as flabbergasted by amorous physicality.

It is 2008 and this is NOT the age of silk hankies and fainting when your suitor is so bold as to ask for a kiss. Red haired soccer moms aside modern authors include in their works the reality of humanity. Humanity is forever propelled forward by acts these staid, matronly, dusty types would prefer to ignore or pretend don't exist. These types are no doubt of the "only with the lights off" variety. As an adult reader how goofy is it to either giggle at or be offended by adult situations? Laurell K. Hamiton's work is not Larry Flynt's work and to compare the two is the height of idiocy. To condemn work such as hers for "porno trash" is to do such a severe injustice to her extreme skill and craft that I propose old RHSC (Red Headed Soccer Mom) should have her library card revoked forthwith!


For those unfamiliar with Laurell K. Hamilton's work you should visit http://www.laurellkhamilton.org

There is her Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series which, in my humble opinion, is brilliant and beyond fabulous and then there is her Meredith Gentry series filled with royal intrigue and commando fairies also brilliant and beyond fabulous.