I offered the following thoughts (or words to the effect) over in a comment on Lou Anders’ blog. Lou’s new anthology, FAST FORWARD 1: FUTURE FICTION FROM THE CUTTING EDGE, (published by Pyr), debuted this week via booksellers everywhere, and in fact, I just recently received a few comp copies from the publisher over here. In a nutshell, I’m so thrilled to be a part of this book. When I saw the finished product for the first time, I felt very fortunate to do what I do for a living. The reviews for the book are starting to roll in and it’s getting raves from many corners. I couldn’t be happier for Lou and Pyr.

As far as the cover goes, it’s no secret how much I admire Richard Powers and his art. Here’s an expanded version of my comment from Lou’s blog, regarding this cover:

Lou and I talked a lot about this one. More than anything, we talked about the editorial direction of the book and what territory he was trying to explore. I read his introduction early in the process. Incredibly inspiring. He and I talked a lot about Richard Powers and his effect on Ballantine’s covers in the ’50s. On Lou’s blog, he mentioned something about the cover “approximating some of Powers’ energy for our time.” I don’t want anyone to think that I equate myself with Powers, so I might clarify that by saying that the thing I love about Powers’ covers is that they challenge their audience. They refuse to be beauty pageant pieces that desparately preen to be liked for their surface polish. I think that’s one of the most powerful lessons in his art….they spoke to the audience of their time, and they did it on their own terms. So I guess if anything, I was attempting (and attempting is the keyword) to do the same with this cover. Lofty as that may sound. Of course, in the end, I look at the FF1 cover and as much as it’s one of my recent favorites, I see my own glaring shortcomings more than anything. I’ve got a long way to go….I’m already looking forward to FF2, so I can try again.