Ep 21 - Chris Beckett

Invaders From Planet 3

Author Chris Beckett joins us in this episode, where he talks about his first loves in sf, including Heinlein's Starman Jones, CS Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Space Merchants by Frederik Pohl and CM Kornbluth. He describes the importance of being able to explore his father's book collection and coming from a family with a scientific background, and what his father thought of his eventual decision to become a writer.

We also chat about how Chris' career as a social worker has influenced both his own writing and his views on other science fiction. As part of this, we talk about the connection between the science fictional mindset and that of social work, and sf's value as escapism.

Chris also discusses his latest novel, America City, and drops a hint about his next, as yet untitled, work.

Our interview took place in June 2018 via a Skype connection (and I apologize in advance for audio dropouts or Skype artifacts in the recording) between Chris' home in Cambridge, UK, and my location in the Lair of bloginhood, buried in the stone bulwark at the end of the White Rock pier.

Find out more about Chris Beckett on his website: www.chris-beckett.com

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