Exploring the Blend of Emotional Tales in Romance and the Imaginative Worlds of Science Fiction
In the realm of contemporary romance, Helena Fairfax stands out as an author who crafts novels with a feel-good factor and guaranteed happy endings. Her works have captured the hearts of many, earning her numerous accolades such as the Exeter Novel Prize, the Global Ebook Awards, and the I Heart Indie Awards.
Fairfax's literary interests, however, extend beyond the realm of romance. She has a soft spot for science fiction, finding solace in its consistent internal logic and plausible worldbuilding. Among her favourite science fiction authors are Ursula le Guin, Philip K. Dick, and Stanislaw Lem, the latter of whom wrote one of her favourite novels, Return from the Stars.
Interestingly, Fairfax's fascination with science fiction is selective. She admits to finding traditional fantasy worlds less engaging, often finding the convenience of magical solutions frustrating. However, Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" series is an exception, its parallel universe concept piquing her interest. Apart from Pullman's series, as an adult, she has only read all the way through the Harry Potter series among fantasy books.
The appeal of science fiction, Fairfax explains, lies in its careful construction of believable worlds with clear internal rules, sound scientific grounding or rational speculation, and a thoughtful balance of mystery and explanation that invites intellectual engagement without sacrificing imaginative freedom.
Recently, Fairfax found the Bradford Literature Festival talk "Book Bidding Wars" particularly interesting. The panel, which included Lisa Milton of Harper Collins, literary agent Kate Nash, and Ailah Ahmed of Little, Brown, believed that feel-good and escapist books will become more popular due to troubled times and increased violence on the streets in the UK. Fairfax's own works, a blend of contemporary romance and science fiction, seem poised to capitalise on this trend.
Fairfax's debut novel was written through the UK's Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers' Scheme, and she continues to captivate readers with her unique blend of genres. Her latest work, Return from the Stars, promises to be an exciting addition to her catalogue, further showcasing her ability to weave together logic and emotion in a way that resonates with readers.
[1] https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/what-is-science-fiction/ [2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/science-fiction [3] https://www.britannica.com/topic/fantasy-literature [4] https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/what-is-science-fiction/ [5] https://www.britannica.com/topic/fantasy-literature
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