Mothers in Sci-Fi: The Underrepresented Heroines of the Genre

The Importance of Mothers in Sci-Fi: Maureen McHugh’s Unique Perspective

In the realm of fantasy and science fiction, the relationship between mothers and their children is often overlooked or relegated to supporting roles. However, acclaimed author Maureen McHugh has made it her mission to bring this essential bond to the forefront in her works, including her award-winning novel China Mountain Zhang and short story collections After the Apocalypse and Mothers and Other Monsters.

Writing from Experience

McHugh consciously decided to write in a voice that resonated with her own experiences as a woman, rather than conforming to traditional male-dominated narratives. She recognized the significance of the mother-child relationship, which she believes is often too close for us to examine objectively, despite being a fundamental aspect of most people’s lives.

Inspiration from Fellow Authors

McHugh credits fantasy author Karen Joy Fowler for inspiring her to delve deeper into the portrayal of mothers in her stories. Fowler’s appreciation for the inclusion of mothers in fiction, coupled with a comment from author Kelly Link about exploring the concept of a “bad mother,” led McHugh to challenge her own writing and create more complex maternal characters, such as in her chilling story “After the Apocalypse.”

The Austin Writing Community

McHugh has found a supportive and tight-knit writing community in Austin, Texas, a city known more for its music scene. She recounts a serendipitous encounter with fellow writers at a local breakfast spot, which immediately made her feel like part of the family.

The Importance of Small Press Publishers

McHugh praises Small Beer Press, run by Gavin Grant and Kelly Link, for their ability to promote and draw attention to unique and interesting works that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional publishers. She highlights their innovative marketing strategies, such as using a translucent blow-up couch to promote Ben Parzybok’s novel Couch at the American Booksellers Association (ABA) conference.

Effective Description Techniques

Drawing from the works of Vladimir Nabokov and psychological research, McHugh emphasizes the importance of using restraint when describing scenes in fiction. She believes that using fewer colors and details can evoke stronger visual images in the reader’s mind, rather than overwhelming them with excessive information.

The Significance of Jobs in Fiction

McHugh, along with author Nathan Ballingrud, has bonded over their shared interest in writing about jobs, particularly blue-collar occupations. She finds it surprising how often characters in fiction lose or quit their jobs without significant consequences, as this contrasts with the reality of most people’s lives. McHugh recommends using online resources, such as Reddit, to gain authentic insights into various professions and incorporate them into her writing.

Through her unique perspective and focus on the mother-child relationship, Maureen McHugh has made a significant contribution to the world of science fiction and fantasy, encouraging readers and fellow authors to explore the complexities of this essential bond.