The Adventures Of The LA Science Fantasy Society

My latest post is up on Kirkus Reviews, and it's all about the L.A. Science Fantasy Society, the longest-running science fiction fan clubs in the world.

Fandom is a really interesting thing in the SF/F world, because the edges between professional, amateur and fan are very blurry. Fans often go from engaged readers to active writers, or simply contribute by remaining involved in the community.

The LA group is particularly interesting, because they've had such a major hold on fandom, and some of the genre's best-known writers, from Robert Heinlein to Ray Bradbury, have been part of their ranks.

I want to take a moment as well to recognize Chelsea Langford, who's been editing the column for the last couple of years. She's recently picked up a new job, and won't be editing the column. She's been great all around, and I'll miss working with her.

Go read The Adventures Of The LA Science Fantasy Society over on Kirkus Reviews.

Sources:

• The Creation of Tomorrow: Fifty Years of Magazine Science Fiction, Paul A. Carter. There's some good details about the society here.
• Seekers of Tomorrow: Masters of Modern Science Fiction, Sam Moskowitz. Moskowitz has a good section on Bradbury and Heinlein here, with some interesting details.
• Robert A. Heinlein: In Dialogue With His Century, Volume 1: Learning Curve, 1907-1948, William H. Patterson Jr. This is a fairly comprehensive biography (if at times flawed), but there's some details about Heinlein and this group.
• Bradbury, An Illustrated Life, Jerry Weist. Weist mentioned Bradbury's involvement, as well as his friendship with Leigh Brackett.