Mohanraj and Rosenbaum Are Humans

In this episode of Mohanraj and Rosenbaum are Humans, the hosts are joined by Sofia Samatar. They discuss her new novella "The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain" as well as the persistence of myths and the ways speculative fiction can highlight issues within our own world.   Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-66-show-notes/    

In this episode, the hosts of MRAH return to their AI investigation. They discuss AI's use in creative industries,the workplace, and the longstanding history of technology changing the world.  Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-65-show-notes/

Welcome to Season 3 of Mohanraj and Rosenbaum are Humans! In this episode (originally recorded in January 2024), the hosts of MRAH tackle AI and its rapidly expanding impact. They also discuss the history of AI/language learning models and the difference between genuine and simulated emotion. Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-64-show-notes/

Joining Mary Anne and Ben on this episode is Anya Johanna DeNiro, a trans woman and writer who recently published her novel, OKPsyche. The book follows the story of an unnamed trans woman on an epic journey to find the place where she belongs. Mary Anne and Ben discuss DeNiro's inspirations for OkPsyche, its genre-bending elements, and the second-person POV. Check out OKPsyche: https://smallbeerpress.com/books/2023/09/12/okpsyche/ Watch the video version of the episode: https://youtu.be/u42jWOCtFvw Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-63-show-notes/

This episode was inspired by a meme Mary Anne came across concerning landlords, and their somewhat... unpopular reputations in society. The hosts of MRAH contemplate the positions of power and influence that people like landlords and property owners can have over the world. Mary Anne and Ben also compare the cultures and societies that they read about in sci-fi futures, and whether they can be achievable with the trajectories of our day. Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-62-show-notes/

In this episode, Mary Anne Mohanraj and Benjamin Rosenbaum take some time to share their grief and complicated feelings about the devastating conflict occurring between Israel and Palestine. They discuss the ideas of isomorphism and symbiosis, the history of Zionism, the origins of war and nationalism, and the need to stay connected during difficult times, to reach out to all who are hurting from the events of the past few weeks. Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-61-show-notes/

Today we bring you episode 137 of the podcast Our Opinions Are Correct, graciously shared with us by hosts Annalee Newitz and Charlie Jane Anders. The episode features Mary Anne Mohanraj, who was very excited to be invited on the show, to talk about AI in the classroom. We highly encourage our viewers to check out the Our Opinions Are Correct podcast, and we invite their audience to our show. Episode description: "What does it mean to be a creator at a time when creativity is completely commodified? In this episode, we talk about the status of the author, and how audiences have idealized artists while also celebrating the so-called death of the author and rise of the reader. Plus: how AI converts our minds into apps, and why the intentional fallacy blew up the literary world in the 1940s! Later we're joined by Mary Anne Mohanraj, an author and professor of literature at the University of Illinois at Chicago, who tells us about using AI in the college classroom." Episode show notes: https://www.ouropinionsarecorrect.com/shownotes/2023/9/19/episode-137-the-creativity-fallacy Check out the Our Opinions Are Correct podcast: https://www.ouropinionsarecorrect.com/

Coming on the show is Ruthanna Emrys, author of the recently released sci-fi novel, A Half Built Garden, as well as The Innsmouth Legacy series. In the first half of the episode, Mary Anne and Ben talk about Emrys' latest book and the writing of characters with conservative ideologies, especially in the future. And in the second half, Emrys' explains the Lovecraftian influences and mythos on her work of cosmic horrors and empathies, as well as the Jewish themes that run throughout her stories. Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-60-show-notes/

In this episode of MRAH, Mary Anne and Ben talk about the complexities, wonders, and difficulties of living communally. They explore the systems we put in place to make decisions amongst our own groups, and to deal with potential bad actors in close-knit communities. They also discuss the importance of restorative justice and supporting one another through the fallow periods of our lives. Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-59-show-notes/

In this Deep Dive, Mary Anne Mohanraj and Walter Jon Williams cover the three R's of writing craft: Raising the stakes, Reveals, and Reversals. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. Find out more about the Portolan Project here: www.speclit.org/portolan-project Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-58-show-notes/

In this episode, Mary Anne and Ben explore the infinite forest of science fiction and other genre work with Jonathan Strahan and Gary Wolfe, the hosts of The Coode Street Podcast. The four podcast hosts explore the ethical responsibilities of reviewing, the idea of a global cannon of science fiction, and the importance of anthologies and magazines in the field.  Check out The Coode Street Podcast here: https://jonathanstrahan.podbean.com/ Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-57-show-notes/

Mary Anne Mohanraj takes a Deep Dive with author Nicola Griffith on her work in Hild, So Lucky, and Spear, covering pacing, disability, and historical research. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. Find out more about the Portolan Project here: www.speclit.org/portolan-project Episode show notes: speclit.org/ep-56-show-notes

In this Deep Dive former SLF staff member, Meghan Lamb, talks with the editor of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine, Sheila Williams. They discuss Williams' most influential childhood reads, the importance of editorial letters in magazines, and how to make the best first impressions when submitting your stories. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. Find out more about the Portolan Project here: www.speclit.org/portolan-project Episode show notes: speclit.org/ep-55-show-notes

In this episode, Mary Anne recounts a recent trip she took to Pakistan to teach science fiction writing at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. The two discuss her experiences of gender in Pakistan, as well as the broader cultural, religious, and material prohibitions of Lahore and the other countries, including our own. All leads to the question of whether one can and should risk transgressing from societal norms in an "authentic" and progressive manner. Episode show notes: speclit.org/ep-54-show-notes

Dragons and alternate history; the research process; writing with particularity, and courage; character work; and more on this Deep Dive with author Jo Walton about her work across multiple genres. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. Episode show notes: speclit.org/ep-53-show-notes Find out more about the Portolan Project here: www.speclit.org/portolan-project Content warning: discussion of rape in Greek mythos in relation to Walton's The Just City trilogy

Shaun Duke and Brandon O'Brien are the hosts of the four time Hugo-finalist Skiffy and Fanty Show, a science fiction and fantasy based podcast that covers major topics in the field and interviews with authors and creators. Mary Anne and Ben invited them on the show to talk podcasting, committing to diversity, and connecting with audiences.  Check out The Skiffy and Fanty Show at skiffyandfanty.com Episode show notes: speclit.org/ep-52-show-notes

Mary Anne Mohanraj takes a deep dive with authors A. M. Dellamonica and Kelly Robson on their writing, dealing with impostor syndrome, how to provide compelling characterization, setting fantasy in North America, and the writer's life. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. Episode show notes: www.speclit.org/ep-51-show-notes Find out more about the Portolan Project here: www.speclit.org/portolan-project

This time around, Mary Anne and Ben are okay with being slime mold gods, (or perhaps writers?) The two divinely intelligent molds of slime examine how they organize their lives around their shared passion of writing and how they fit in other hobbies like gaming and gardening. The hosts also consider the motivation that pleasure plays in their lives, and how they cope when writer's block rears its ugly head. Episode show notes: www.speclit.org/ep-50-show-notes

Mary Anne interviews Ursula Vernon, a.k.a. T. Kingfisher, about her work, with an interest in how Vernon pivots from writing for adults, to creating children's fiction. Is writing for certain ages really all that different? Mary Anne is also interested in how Vernon approaches worldbuilding in her imaginative work. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. Episode show notes: speclit.org/ep-49-show-notes

This week, Mary Anne and Ben explore the magic of theater, discuss the importance of representation and research, and address the difficulty in working with dark and difficult material in speculative fiction with author Andrea Hairston. They discuss Hairston's body of work, including her recently re-issued novel "Will Do Magic for Small Change," which you can find out more about on andreahairston.com/novels. Episode show notes: speclit.org/ep-48-show-notes

Mary Anne interviews editors Tom Gammarino, Bryan Kamaoli Kuwada, D. Kealiʻi MacKenzie, and Lyz Soto about their anthology of speculative works of literature, poetry, and art from Hawai'i and beyond: "Snaring New Suns." Together, they discuss the initial difficulties they faced when putting together the anthology, the types of submissions within the collection, and what it means to be a local of Hawaii. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. You can check out the anthology at Bambooridge here: https://www.bambooridge.org/bookstore/snaring-new-suns/ Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-47-show-notes/

Mary Anne and Ben find themselves feeling a particular sort of grief: the anticipation of the empty nest kind of grief. Both hosts have children that will one day leave the nest to become individuals of their own in the world, and they're not quite sure how they feel about that. The two also discuss projects they are working on, time management, and the implications of where people choose to live.  Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-46-show-notes/

On this episode of MRAH, a high number of humans joins Ben to discuss a table top role playing game in the making: Hollyhock. This TTRPG is set in the surreal and theatrical world of the Fae, during an infamous holiday known as the mysterious and delightful Hollyhock Festival. The creators and designers behind Hollyhock: Alanah Tuohey, Daniela Vega, Katherine Townsend, and Milo Duclayan join the podcast to ask seasoned game creator Jay Dragon, of Possum Creek Games, and podcast host Ben questions on game creation, publishing, marketing, and networking in the world of TTRPGs.  To find out more about the Hollyhock TTRPG and where you can follow them, visit: https://linktr.ee/nervousplayhouse Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-45-show-notes/

The host of MRAH, Mary Anne Mohanraj, interviews African-American writer, editor, and journalist Nisi Shawl, best known for her 2016 novel, Everfair. Mohanraj and Shawl take a Deep Dive into the violent realities of history in relation to their work, the difficulties that writers of color face in the publishing world, the recent proliferation of Black speculative fiction, and more. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. Episode show notes: www.speclit.org/ep-44-show-notes/

Mary Anne and Ben have been invited to teach in the first week of the famous writing workshop, Clarion West! Drawing from their past experience as students of the writing workshop, the hosts of MRAH take some time in this episode to brainstorm what their lessons are going to look like for the incoming students. Should the students be taught how to properly critique? What is a sustainable praxis and the Clarion ditto? All these questions and more are explored in this week's episode of MRAH. Episode show notes: www.speclit.org/ep-43-show-notes

Humans Mary Anne and Ben interview Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, (also human), as well as a Zimbabwean sarungano (storyteller), about her work in her recently published short story collection "Drinking from Graveyard Wells." The hosts of MRAH explore what it means to be a writer from the diaspora with Ndlovu, as well as how she walked the line between speculative fiction and surrealism while ruminating on the rich historical, cultural, and mythological stories of her homeland. You can find out more about Ndlovu and her short story collection, "Drinking from Graveyard Wells," at www.yvettelisandlovu.com. Episode show notes: www.speclit.org/ep-42-show-notes

Mary Anne Mohanraj takes a Deep Dive with author K. Tempest Bradford on her work, themes of ritual magic, and travel research. This interview is a part of the Portolan Project, an initiative to provide a wealth of exceptional creative writing courses and resources. This interview has been “Charted” by creative writer and instructor Jasmine H. Wade, with supplemental material in the form of discussion questions and writing exercises that further explores the topics of grief, memory, and structure in the interview: www.speclit.org/portolan-project/k-tempest-bradford/ If you liked the K. Tempest Bradford Deep Dive, you can check out our other “Charted” interviews at: www.speclit.org/portolan-project/ Episode show notes: www.speclit.org/ep-41-show-notes/

The hosts of Mohanraj and Rosenbaum Are Humans return for season 2! Mary Anne and Ben ease back into podcast mode by reflecting on the first season of the show, as well as the kinds of guests they should invite and topics they should explore in the coming episodes. Of course, it wouldn't be an MRAH without the tangents on American politics, the ecological question, and dystopian writing. Welcome back humans!  Episode show notes: www.speclit.org/ep-40-show-notes/

Surprise! It's a bonus season 1 episode we've been keeping on the back burner! Ted Chiang comes onto the show to have a discussion with Ben about what it means to be a person, whether Alan Turing's test for artificial intelligence still holds up, and the persistent themes of parenting and religion in Chiang's work. Link to upcoming Ben and Ted virtual event for Skylight Books: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/skylit-rosenbaum/register Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/show-notes-for-ep-39/

Mary Anne, Ben, and Jed open the episode with a discussion on writing workshops. They explore the kinds of people and critique you can find within them, as well as the hierarchies that can form between student and teacher, between unexperienced and experienced writer. In the second half of the episode the trio react to some of the writing terms and axioms found in Bruce Stirling's "Turkey City Lexicon." Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-38-show-notes/ Link to Turkey City Lexicon: https://www.sfwa.org/2009/06/18/turkey-city-lexicon-a-primer-for-sf-workshops/

As we draw close to the end of season 1 of MRAH, producer Darius figured it would be a good idea for Mary Anne and Ben reflect on some of their most influential writers and books, particularly the ones that have been mentioned a lot on the show. From the authors they adore, to writers couched in controversy, Mary Anne and Ben consider their importance to the podcast , the field, and their own writing. For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-37-show-notes/

In this follow up to episode 34, Mary Anne, Ben, and Jed continue their discussion about revising and workshopping, while giving advice on how to manage critique of your work, both good and bad.   For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-36-show-notes/ SLF Co-Writing details: https://speculativeliterature.org/saturday-co-writing-sessions/

Fred Berman reads a five minute sample from Ben's book, The Unraveling.  If you're interested in purchasing Ben's audiobook, read by Fred Berman: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Unraveling-Audiobook/B09NZLMRYM

Mary Anne and Ben invite actor, producer, and podcast host Fred Berman to discuss another part of his career in particular: audiobook narration. Starting with Fred's experience of reading Ben's new book, The Unraveling, the trio discuss the intricacies of audiobook narration, the voicing of characters outside our own experience and background, and the financial aspects of being an audiobook narrator.  If you're interested in purchasing Ben's audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Unraveling-Audiobook/B09NZLMRYM Check out Fred's podcast: https://www.fredberman.net/opening-weekend-podcast For episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-35

In the first part of a long discussion about the revision and workshop process, Mary Anne and Ben invite Jed Hartman on the show again to explore questions of inspiration, maturity, resilience, and voice when it comes to writing. For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-34-show-notes/ If you're interested in applying for any upcoming SLF grants check out: https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/

Mary Anne interviews George R. R. Martin about the writing of epic fantasy. How does one balance realism with fantastical elements? How did Martin approach the creation of the world of Westeros in Game of Thrones? What's the difference between the two kinds of writers Martin refers to as "architects" and "gardeners?" For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-33-show-notes/

How does a writer choose a theme to write about? Is it a conscious project, or more of a thing that comes to a writer through time and experience? This is the central question Mary Anne and Ben try to answer in this episode, using their own experiences, as well as the writing exercises, practices, and advice that have been helpful to them.  SLF Convention Support Grant: https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/convention-support-grant/ SLF Art Contest: https://speculativeliterature.org/call-for-artists-2022/ Show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-32-show-notes/

Mary Anne interviews Filipino writer Vida Cruz about her experience going to cons, winning the Tiptree (now known as Otherwise) award, and what the sci-fi and fantasy community is like in the Philippines. For show notes, visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-31-show-notes/

Portolan charts were maps used by sailors long ago to navigate the seas of the world, and to find harbor. Similarly, the Speculative Literature Foundation wants to chart the way for writers with Mary Anne's newest endeavor and baby, the Portolan Project. Mary Anne talks with Ben and show producer Darius about the ins and outs of the project, as well as its future goals and concerns.  We are running a Kickstarter right now to help fund the project, which you can find here at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mohanraj/the-slfs-portolan-writing-project-phase-1 For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-30

Jed Hartman joins Mary Anne and Ben again to talk editing. From acquisitions to development, they discuss the many complex levels of editing as well as the editorial cultures that can arise in a workplace. Also important to the conversation is how they engage with dialectic decisions, especially when it comes to swearing, and whether or not you should hire an editor. For show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-29

In a bustling café, Mary Anne sits down with writer, poet, and community organizer Scott Woods to talk about the importance of creative space and culture in a community. They also touch on Woods' Streetlight Guild space in Columbus, Ohio, as well as the importance of persistence in aiming for success. For show notes and a transcription of the interview, visit www.speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-28

Coming onto the show is Avery Alder, a game designer bringing a queer perspective to roleplaying games. Mary Anne and Ben talk with Avery about her various projects, the interesting aspects of narrative scaffolding and restraint offered by RPGs, and the genesis of Ben and Avery's collaboration on "Dream Askew" and "Dream Apart", two games of Belonging Outside Belonging. To find out more about Avery and her games, you can visit https://buriedwithoutceremony.com/ For show notes and more links, visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-27

Is there such a thing as good and bad writing? What place does absolutism and relativism have in the critique of writing quality? Or is it all just about reader pleasure? These are the questions that have been brought up time and time again over the years in heated debates between Mary Anne, Ben, and Jed. This time, they are bringing it to the podcast. For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-26 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

Mary Anne speaks with Kate Elliott about map making. What is the significance of having an internal map when world building? What are cultural icebergs and how can writers think about them? What types of things should be researched when building a believable world? For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-25 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

In this episode, Mary Anne brings on Ben to discuss agents. Both recount their experiences finding and working with agents, their importance to the field, proper etiquette in finding and speaking with them, and how Mary Anne should navigate her wide array of genre projects with an agent. For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-24 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

Mary Anne interviews Nalo Hopkinson, Andrea Hairston, and Sheree Renee Thomas about how the genre has evolved during their careers and how we can raise awareness of Black writers and their work. The four also discuss the dangers of self-selection and the importance of writing in community.  For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-23 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

A live reading of Benjamin Rosenbaum's short story "The Orange" by John Cameron Mitchell. Originally aired on the Selected Shorts Podcast in the episode "Improbable Dreams." Link to Selected Shorts site: https://www.symphonyspace.org/selected-shorts/episodes

In this vulnerable episode, Mary Anne and Ben share some of their biggest failures in their writing careers. The discussion also encompasses what it's like to deal with imposter syndrome, while also bearing the weight of creative ambition.  For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-22 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

On his second appearance on the show, Jed Hartman discusses the origins of Strange Horizons with Mary Anne and Ben, and the difficulties they encountered with establishing its reputation and bringing a diversity of voices to the field. For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-21 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

In the second part of their discussion, both Delia and Ellen are present to talk Shakespeare, writing style, character realism, dialogue, the queer side of the genre history, and more with Mary Anne and Ben. For show notes and links to some of Delia and Ellen's works visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-20 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

Mary Anne and Ben catch up with old friends Delia Sherman and Ellen Kushner. In the first half of the episode, the hosts of MRAH speak to Delia about her balladic influences, formula fiction, and the process of writing Freedom Maze. In the last half of the episode, Ellen switches with Delia to talk about her book Swordspoint, the intricacies of collaborative writing, and more.  For show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-19 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.