Scandals in sci-fi, fantasy, and poetry worlds discussed with a focus on Hugo Awards drama, AI in books, and controversies. Western sci-fi fandom reactions to Chinese community allegations examined. Conversations on censorship at Hugo Awards and social media platforms. Insights on poetry in academia, AI-generated chapbooks, and the evolving landscape of poetry in the digital age.
Controversies in the Hugo Awards highlight censorship issues in sci-fi and fantasy literature.
Poetry contests offer prestige but often leave poets in debt with low financial rewards.
AI's role in poetry creation sparks debate on balancing innovation with artistic integrity.
Deep dives
The Expensive World of Creative Writing MFA Programs
Creative writing MFA programs are a costly educational choice that often lead to expensive degrees that may not pay off in the literary world. These programs can cost upwards of $60,000 and offer little guarantee of success in the highly competitive publishing industry. The focus on short stories and poetry may not align with market demands, leaving graduates with hefty student debt and few viable career options.
The Poetry Contest Pyramid Scheme
In the world of poetry, aspiring poets often enter contests to get their work published, with submission fees ranging from $25 per entry. Winning these contests typically awards poets between $1,000 to $2,000 in prize money and a mark of prestige. However, the odds of winning are stacked against many poets, with some spending years submitting to contests before finding success. These contests have low financial rewards but high stakes in terms of industry recognition.
The Diagram Chapbook Contest Drama
The Diagram Chapbook Contest, hosted by the online literary magazine Diagram, is one of the notable contests in the poetry world. Despite being a chapbook contest, which typically publishes smaller poetry collections, it has been a source of significant controversy. The most recent winner of this contest, which caused a stir on Twitter, is a notable example of the drama that unfolded surrounding the competition.
Andrew Monson and Diagram Magazine
Diagram Magazine, an online literary publication, is overseen by editor Andrew Monson, who is also associated with the MFA program at the University of Arizona. Despite his ties to the university, Diagram is self-funded and operates independently of the institution. Through this platform, aspiring poets seek recognition and publication opportunities, navigating the competitive landscape of poetry contests and literary acclaim.
Use of AI in Poetry and the Debate Over Traditional vs. Tech-Assisted Creation
The podcast episode delves into the controversy surrounding the use of AI in poetry, focusing on how poet Lillian Yvonne Bertram generated a chapbook with the help of GPT-3. The discussion highlights the backlash from fellow poets who deemed it unfair that an AI-assisted creation won a literary contest, contrasting the traditional manual effort with Bertram's innovative approach. The episode examines the implications of AI in creative writing, with a spotlight on the fine balance between technological assistance and artistic integrity.
Evolution of Poetry in the Creator Economy and Poets' Resilience
The podcast explores the shifting landscape of poetry in the creator economy, emphasizing the rise of poets like Kate Baer and Maggie Smith who connect directly with audiences on platforms like Instagram, achieving book deals and commercial success. It touches on the contrast between academic poets and modern creators, discussing the resilience of poets in adapting to changing trends and the importance of establishing a bond with readers for lasting impact and success in the evolving literary world.
This week on Blocked and Reported, Katie is joined by novelist, poet, and critic Leigh Stein to discuss scandals in the worlds of sci-fi fantasy and poetry.
