Author Archives: J.L. Hilton

Costumes and coolness at ConCarolinas 2012

This weekend, I attended my first ConCarolinas, an annual sci-fi convention in Charlotte, NC. I met actor Jeffrey Combs (Weyoun/Brunt in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Kevin in The 4400, and many more), who autographed a picture for me with … Continue reading

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You can’t take the sky from me

This year, I am a global sponsor of Can’t Stop the Serenity 2012, an annual event where Browncoats — fans of Firefly — coordinate special screenings of the movie Serenity to raise money for Equality Now, an organization that works … Continue reading

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Win two steampunk time travel titles

I love time travel stories. Whether its Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Somewhere in Time, or Time Machine (1960 version), if it involves a mash-up of two or more time periods, I’m there with bells on. In this case, Christine … Continue reading

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Real-life river dwelling tribes face genocide

This post originally appeared on the Contact – Infinite Futures SF blog on May 8, 2012. I think one of the important features of science fiction has always been its ability to draw attention to injustice, to suggest better possible … Continue reading

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One reader’s trash is another reader’s treasure

If there’s anything I’ve learned from being a published author, it’s one reader’s trash is another reader’s treasure. I used to be a ruthless reviewer, when I wrote entertainment columns for newspapers. Movies, music, books, and events all filtered through my personal … Continue reading

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I will be a panelist at NC Spec Fiction Night

I will be a panelist at the Spring 2012 NC Speculative Fiction Night: The Science of Science Fiction 5-7 pm, Sunday, April 15 (my birthday). Includes a half-dozen local and regional authors, artists, and creators with short readings, talks, and a science … Continue reading

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A writer and a parent: Living in two worlds

The selkie wizard shed his seal form and stepped onto the sand. The white-capped waves of the Knock at the door. Child enters without waiting for an answer. “Mom, look at this thing I made with the glue and the … Continue reading

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Imagination will continue, with or without paper

In opposition to eReaders, I’ve been hearing a lot of people say, “But I like books. I like the way they smell, I like turning pages, I like libraries and book stores…” I’m going to dust off my psych degree … Continue reading

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The not-so glamorous life of a writer

Being a published author, like being a reporter, is one of those “glamorous” jobs that isn’t. Anyone not in the news business may think being a newspaper reporter means looking like this guy. Reporters hang out with celebrities and politicians, travel to … Continue reading

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Bots and bulges at StellarCon 36

I spent the weekend at StellarCon 36,  a science fiction & fantasy convention in High Point, North Carolina. It was a fun three days, full of interesting people. Mark Poole was the StellarCon artist guest of honor. He’s from South Carolina … Continue reading

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