MITSFS Library

      November 9, 2009

The NaNoWriMo magic widget is up and running in the right hand column. I'm a bit behind the pace but rather happy with the words I've strung together.
 

Last Saturday I attended a write-in at the MIT Science Fiction Society. Very nice space, if a bit cramped. Tough to take a good picture since it is two rooms filled with shelves which are packed with speculative fiction. The MITSFS website claims to have "over 90% of all science fiction ever published in English." Seems a bold claim, but who am I to challenge the math of those much smarter than myself.
 

In front of where I was sitting was a cart of books to be re-shelved. Rather pleased to see three titles that I not only have read but own: The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson, Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon (though bit of a head scratcher there; would that be fantasy? Magic realism?), and Earth In Twilight by Doris Piserchia!

L.A. Mitchell said on November 10, 2009:

Way to Go, Todd!! Great word count so far. You must be so proud.

Todd Wheeler said on November 10, 2009:

Thanks L.A.! I'm liking the story which is a good sign.

Jack Graham said on November 10, 2009:

Yes, that place was amazing. Did you find out if there's any way to get access if you're not MIT-affiliated? I'll have to ask them next week.

I generally just throw Gravity's Rainbow into the general sci-fi bucket, but then, I'm really not one to split hairs about sci-fi vs. speculative when a story has any strong sci/tech elements, which GR does. (If there's no sci/tech element, weird shit happens in your story, and you're not from Latin America, it's spec fic... heh).

In closing, you are kicking my ass on word count. Gratz. :)

Todd Wheeler said on November 10, 2009:

Thanks, man. Yah, get your word count up. Make that reanimated zombie girl cause havoc! ;-)

According to the website, anyone can join the MITSFS for the price of the dues. I suspect the room being open is subject to MIT students being around to staff it.

Steve Buchheit said on November 10, 2009:

Keep going, Todd. The word counter isn't working for me, but it sounds like you're doing good.

Todd Wheeler said on November 10, 2009:

Bah! So much for free widgetry. 10K and climbing!

rick o said on November 10, 2009:

Todd,

Inspired by your furious output in the opening days. How did you even find time to for a blog post with NaNo in full gear?

Keep up the great work! And keep your adoring public updated.

Todd Wheeler said on November 10, 2009:

Dude! You're cranking now! Crap, you even passed me. MUST. BEAT. YANKEES. FAN.

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