Alternative history is a subgenre of speculative fiction. It asks, “What if…?” and creates a story about something that didn’t happen but perhaps could have. Alternative Historian is a play on the term. It is also a nod to my deep love of science fiction and fantasy. When I was young, I was told such stories were frivolous. What could be more important than imagining a new world?
My novella. Set in a 19th century where magical shotguns exist.
J. Michael Cobb, aka Dr. Mike, owns Dr. Mike's Shaving Emporium. If you're at all interested in early 20th century grooming, smelly good, or mustaches, then Dr. Mike's is the place to be. Recorded at AnachroCon. Listen here.
Today on Change Over Time I’m geeking writers. I’m highlighting conversations I had with three writers at AnachroCon, an alternative history convention held annually in Atlanta. They are Leanna Renee Hieber, Cecilia Dominic, and Dacre Stoker. Leanna writes gothic gaslamp fantasy and Cecilia writes steampunk. Dacre is the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker. I talk with Leanna and Cecilia about their writing and aesthetic. My conversation with Dacre revolves around the historical interpretation of Dracula. The show mentions articles and books. Links to everything is below. You can also find information, as well as pictures of all the authors (and their cosplay) on the AnachroCon pics page.
Other Links: “Buffalo Bill Meets Dracula” and The Shoulders of Shasta.
Part of the joy of oral history is talking with interesting people. This series, Geeking with…, features great conversations with fascinating folks. Edward Austin Hall is a perfect person for the first launch.
Ed is a writer, editor, poet, and journalist living in Atlanta. He co-edited Mothership: Tales from Afrofuturism and Beyond. I talked with Ed as part of an oral history project of authors of color of speculative fiction.