Every Friday, we meet a member of the BFS and peer deep into their soul (or, at least, a form they filled out). Want to be featured? Email us: online@britishfantasysociety.org
Name:
Robin Riback
Which region are you based in?
New York City, NY USA
If you write, which genre?
Tags: Sci-fi, humour, short stories, general
Are you drawn to any specific SFFH sub-genres?
Hard science, near fiction, strong female heroes/feminist, literary.
Your influences
Tell us about the book/film/thing that got you into SFFH: What was it? How old were you? What impact did it have on you?
Truth is stranger than fiction (and sci-fi): I was very anxious during the pandemic years and that lead to bouts of insomnia where I would stay up for hours on end ruminating about the state of the world and my role in it. One night, I said to myself, “Robin, you need to think of something bigger than yourself for perspective.” And I thought about the biggest thing I could think of: The Universe. And I asked myself the questions:
- What if the Universe is not as it seems – what could it look like if we could see it through scientifically advanced technology that removed refraction and gave us a TRUE vision of the Universe?
- What will our world be like in 100 years when such technologies (will probably) exist?
And then each night after, instead of focusing on my own “little problems”, I boarded my imaginary datascope and flew out, out, out in the Universe to see what I could see. And that was the beginning of my fascination with sci-fi, near fiction, hard science and the start of my book Mission Finity.
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
I loved reading what Steven Hawking had to say, and I also read/watch a lot of science-y videos by Neal De Grasse Tyson, Debra Fisher, and the like.
Who do you look to as a genre hero?
Marge Piercy and Isaac Asimov, because they take me out of my reality and “rocket me” off to new frontiers. I love the worlds they create, and the technology that fill their colourful and fanciful worlds.
(Photo of Marge Piercy from her website.)
Your Work
You’re stuck in an elevator for 60 seconds with that hero, and they want you to describe your work. Give us a pitch.
Omg, Marge, Isaac – it’s so nice to meet you. Me? –
My novel is MISSON FINITY: Wren Evens and her crew of scientists travel to outer space to play in the annual Space Games. It’s the year 2125 and the winners of this year’s tournament will present the evidence needed to successfully prove the shape and size of the Universe. As Missions Infinity and Interfinity play their rounds, we follow MISSION FINITY – Will the secret mathematical formula, the high tech “datascope,” and the stunning revelation about Black Holes be enough to prove the universe is Finite? They battle adversity: A plagiarism scandal threatens to derail their game. And meanwhile, back home, those who spread “hysteria” are being snuffed out by an overzealous cave-dwelling government. All is not lost because everyone has a virtual confidante, an AI holographic BFF and confidante to help through tumultuous times. And in the end? In the end? There are a few surprises at The End. Sorry Marge, and Isaac, you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.
What are you working on now?
Mission Finity! 100% 24/7. It goes for a final edit in a few weeks and then “off to market” as they say. Meaning my query process will begin in earnest.
Thinking about all the stories/work you’ve done, what sticks out most in your mind?
I am always working with my love of technical writing, science, literature and poetry to create experiences for the reader as well as for myself. What sticks out in my mind is the combination of styles I like to incorporate in one piece, whether it’s a short story or a full length book.
Where and when do you create/are you at your most creative?
I’m a morning person. I wake up with my mind on fire most mornings and I write at my desk at home until I tire out. Walking always helps me generate new ideas and to “connect the dots” and find meaning in seemingly unrelated topics. I write in Word and I dabble in creating maps on Canva, though I’m not very good at it, yet.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about creativity?
Everybody’s creative process is different. “You do you.” And that’s what I do. Some people are Pantsers and others Planners. I am 100% a Planner and anyone who says “you have to just write with no game plan and you’ll come up with the plot as you go along,” I say NOPE! I outline, I draft, I write, I send to test readers, I rewrite, I rewrite again. Everything, precise. That may not work for you but it sure is the only way I can work – I’m “hardwired” and so are you. Don’t let anyone tell you “it’s my way or the highway.” YOU DO YOU!
What your writing soundtrack?
Shhhhhhh!! I need absolute silence. No music! That’s for later, when I’m done writing. But if you ask me “what is the best sci-fi soundtrack”, I’d give you two: 2001 A Space Odyssey and Blade Runner (the original).
The Quickfire Round
Sci-fi, fantasy or horror?
Sci fi
Quiet or loud?
Shhhhh! Quiet!!
Dark or light?
Both – Light because I’m an early morning person but dark because I love winter and short days and dim lighting.
Strict lines or genre blend?
Strict sci-fi – but add elements of poetry in the writing.
Awards or bestseller?
BOTH AND!
Fiction or non-fiction?
BOTH AND!
Poetry or Prose?
BOTH AND!
Plotter or pantser?
PLOTTER 100%
(Photo by Bill Jelen on Unsplash)
Reading or listening?
Reading! My mind wanders when I listen to audio books, but when I read I’m all in.
Notebook or computer?
Computer
Favorite SFFH book of all time?
IDK
Any SFFH author on auto-buy?
No.
Favorite podcast?
It’s a podcast + participation: The Writer’s Block on X/Twitter
The Home Stretch
What is the best thing about being part of the SFFH community?
The support and connection with likeminded people.
Time to plug your stuff! Where can we find you and your work? What have you got coming up? Consider this your advertising space.
I have a free newsletter about my upcoming book Mission Finity; it’s posted on LinkedIn – click here to read and subscribe. (The subscription page is pictured below!)
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