We can confidently say that book sales through marketplaces continue to grow, as these platforms offer more discounts and favorable offers compared to traditional bookstores. What do people choose here? Among fiction, people prefer sci-fi, fantasy, detectives, and adventures. In the non-fiction segment, books on self-development, psychology and personal growth are popular.

What books will be popular in 2025 in the world?

Let’s start with trends and expectations from well-known authors of today. Here is what experts expect will be in the center of attention:

• Fiction and fantasy. Perhaps new books from Neil Gaiman or George R. R. Martin will be hits. R. R. Martin will be the hits of the year.
• Detectives and thrillers. It is expected that new works from J.K. Rowling (under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith) and John Grisham may also become bestsellers.
• Science fiction and self-development. Books like “Think Slowly … Decide Fast” by Daniel Kahneman will continue to be in demand.
• Anniversary editions. The year 2025 will mark the anniversaries of the classics The Great Gatsby by Francis Scott Fitzgerald and Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf – an event that will surely drive demand for these books.

How is digital technology changing the book market today?

Artificial intelligence is already being actively used to create and edit content. For example, speech synthesis technologies allow audiobooks to be created using auto-sound, making them accessible to a wide audience. In the future, AI will play an even greater role in personalizing content and creating recommendation systems.

Digital technologies enable automation of many processes related to book publishing and distribution – automatic formatting, spelling and grammar checking, marketing and book promotion. Big data and machine learning systems are helping to better understand readers’ preferences, offer personalized recommendations, improve user experience and increase sales.

Finally, with the development of virtual and augmented reality technologies, we can expect the emergence of interactive and multimedia books, which will include not only text but also video, audio and other elements.

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The narrative is powerful in its depiction of how individuals and communities are forced to react to an unforeseen disaster. Goonan masterfully weaves themes of survival, trauma, and adaptation as the characters struggle to make sense of their new reality. The focus on human relationships—how they are tested by crisis—creates an emotional depth that resonates long after the story ends.

One of the novella’s strengths is Goonan’s ability to capture the chaos and confusion of the aftermath of the dam’s failure. The prose is descriptive without being overwhelming, allowing readers to feel the tension of the moment. At the same time, the introspective moments provide a deep dive into the psyche of the characters, showing their vulnerabilities and resilience.

However, some readers might find the pacing uneven, particularly in the more reflective sections, where the plot seems to slow down as characters engage in philosophical musings. While these moments contribute to the overall thematic richness of the work, they may not appeal to those who prefer a more action-driven narrative.

Overall, The Day the Dam Broke is a poignant exploration of human nature in the face of disaster, combining suspense with profound emotional depth. Goonan’s writing style, though occasionally introspective, invites readers to reflect on how personal and collective tragedies shape our identity and sense of belonging.

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The novel is centered around childhood, not in the way we typically view it, but as a period of both powerlessness and emotional exposure. Ryman uses The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor for childhood’s vivid beauty, hope, and love, which, over time, are often crushed by external forces. The narrative is a poignant exploration of ruined lives, anger, and sorrow, showing how negative legacies get passed down to new generations.

The book’s narrative structure spans three storylines: the real Dorothy, Judy Garland (born Frances Gumm), and Jonathan, a present-day horror movie actor dying of AIDS. Dorothy, orphaned and mistreated by her aunt and uncle, experiences trauma, which forces her to retreat into her mind. Judy Garland’s journey, much like Dorothy’s, is marked by the struggles of a young girl pushed into a world of adult responsibilities and emotional turmoil. Jonathan, an actor with a painful past, represents another form of childhood vulnerability—sensitive and emotionally astute, but unable to express his anger without severe consequences.

Ryman masterfully captures the emotional vulnerability of childhood. Dorothy and Judy are both trapped in their roles, expected to maintain an innocence and purity that clashes with the darker truths of their lives. Jonathan, a highly sensitive child, grapples with emotional repression, which manifests in his role as a sadomasochist in a horror film series. His journey is marked by a struggle to reconnect with his suppressed emotions.

Ryman skillfully ties the personal experiences of his characters to larger societal and historical contexts, examining hypocrisy and the emotional consequences of denial. The book also touches on the trauma of the LGBTQ community, especially through the lens of AIDS, illustrating the harsh realities that come with the suppression of self-identity.

Ultimately, Was is about the intersection of fantasy and reality. It suggests that in denying painful truths, we often retreat into idealized fantasies like Oz. Yet Ryman argues that true redemption comes when we confront the harsh realities of our past. Jonathan’s journey is one of self-realization, as he moves beyond his role as a horror character and discovers a deeper understanding of life.

Ryman rejects surface-level storytelling, offering instead a rich, multifaceted narrative that goes beyond simple categorization. Was may be seen as both postmodern and anti-postmodern, as it challenges conventional narratives and urges readers to look beyond the familiar stories of childhood and society to confront the raw truths hidden beneath.

The novel speaks for itself, illustrating Ryman’s belief that we, as a society, are all haunted by the emotional scars of our past. By awakening this pain, Ryman invites us to embark on a journey toward healing, love, and redemption. Was is a profound exploration of the human condition, offering a powerful, life-affirming message for those willing to face their own histories and embrace the possibility of transformation.

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No wonder we started one of our most interesting and challenging articles with such an inspiring epigraph. After all, we all know how important, useful, interesting, exciting, cool (underline as necessary) it is to write your own book. But here sometimes all these reasonable and emotional arguments are not enough at all. So where and how then to find the strength to start, to continue writing?

A little bit, but every day

This is the most effective way of creativity, which has already successfully tried before us Jack London, Kurt Vonnegut, Stephen King, Haruki Murakami, Ernest Hemingway and Ray Bradbury. Want to not just start but finish a book? Then form the habit of writing every day from the very beginning. Even if you don’t feel like it at all! You don’t have to force yourself to produce a whole chapter every day. One page a day is enough – and in a year you’ll have a 365-page book ready. Great? And to thoroughly consolidate this habit, it is better to accustom yourself to sit down for a manuscript at the same hour, to give it every day about the same amount of time.

Make a promise. In front of everyone!

Once you have a deadline, make sure you tell everyone about it. For example, make a prominent announcement to your blog readers. When you know that readers are waiting for your book, social responsibility simply won’t allow you to put your work on the piece into a far corner day after day.

Write first and edit later!

Don’t make the most bitter mistake of all newbies! Don’t engage in editing your book while you’re writing. You don’t want to stretch the process out for years, so leave the error work for later! Writers confess: nothing ruins inspiration like switching between the creative process and editing.

Get rid of things that distract you

It’s not the writing of a book that we get more tired of, but the multitude of things that distract us from it. With the internet, social media and YouTube, there are even more such distractions. So they need to be dealt with before they completely take away the enthusiasm to create. Try to work alone or at least in a locked room. Buy noise-canceling headphones. And be sure to turn off the internet on your laptop and put your phone in airplane mode.

Pump your writing muscle every day

Make time not only to create, but also to prevent a writer’s crisis! How do you prevent it? Write down ideas. The whole stream of consciousness, including what doesn’t make sense. Practice associative thinking. To do this, just open any book on a random page, write out the first word – and make it the subject of your new short story. Write about your emotions, feelings, memories of everything you see around you.

Don’t make comparisons. Never

You don’t need to remember what famous writers achieved at your age! This is the surest way to get “creative paralysis”. The only person you should compare yourself to is you in the past.

Exhale!

Don’t be afraid to rest. Set aside things that you can’t do well in any way. Take a break when you really need it. However, it’s important to set clear deadlines for yourself to rest. A change of scenery helps a lot to find inspiration. And getting to know the biographies of writers who really inspire you!

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In the future we can expect advances such as gene therapy to prevent diseases before they occur, the integration of humans with machines (e.g., next-generation neural interfaces, implants and prosthetics), and synthetic biology that could radically alter the production of food, energy and materials.

The future of science fiction in the context of biology is closely tied to the possibility of creating new kinds of life, the development of cyborgs, and artificial intelligence that interacts with living beings. Projects on cloning, custom organs, biosimulations, and the evolution of human capabilities may not only solve pressing problems, but also raise new ethical and philosophical questions. It is expected that biological and technological advances in the future may form the basis of new societies different from those that exist now.

The biological century is thus not only a time of technological progress, but also a time for rethinking human nature and our role in the world. Science fiction no longer only predicts the future, but often serves as inspiration for scientific breakthroughs.

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Identifying the target audience

Before you start promoting a book, you need to identify your target audience. This will help you develop a strategy that will be most effective in attracting the attention of readers. The target audience can be defined by parameters such as age, gender, interests, education, etc.

Creating content for promotion

To promote a book, it is necessary to create content that will be of interest to the target audience. It can be articles, blogs, videos, podcasts, etc. It is important that the content is of high quality and meaningful to grab the attention of the readers.

Utilizing social media

Social media is one of the most effective tools for book promotion. You should create accounts on popular social media sites and actively use them to promote your book.

Participation in book festivals and fairs

Book festivals and fairs are a great opportunity for an author to meet potential readers and attract their attention to his or her book. Participation in such events allows the author to communicate with readers, sign autographs, and get feedback on his book.

Organizing events and meetings with readers

The author can organize events and meetings with readers to discuss the book, answer questions, and get feedback. Such events can be held in bookstores, libraries, cafes, and other places.

Engaging bloggers and Influencers

Bloggers and Influencers can help bring attention to a book if they have the right target audience. You can invite them to write a review or testimonial about the book in exchange for a mention on their blog or social media page.

Developing an effective book marketing and promotion strategy takes time, effort and creativity. However, with the right approach, you can capture the attention of potential readers, increase sales, and make your book a success.

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The Origins of Literature: From Myth to Word

Literature originated in myths, epics, and ritual texts, where the word was a powerful tool for conveying not only information but also a world of feelings, experiences, and philosophical reflections. In the early periods of human civilization, language and literature served as a link between man and his world. The origins of literary creation can be found in myths and religious texts that revealed not only the worldview but also the essence of human existence.

With the development of writing and culture, literary forms became increasingly complex and multi-layered. Literature began to be increasingly seen as a tool for realizing and transmitting human experience. Thus, from the very beginning, literature was not just an image of reality, but also a mechanism for conceptualizing, creating, processing and understanding it.

Literature of the twentieth century: scientific and cultural transformation

With the beginning of the twentieth century, the world experienced radical changes in the perception of reality. Revolutionary discoveries in physics, especially the work of Einstein, changed the view of space, time, and reality, challenging traditional conceptions of the world. In turn, these changes were reflected in literary works that experimented with form and content.

C. P. Snow’s 1959 Cambridge lecture “The Two Cultures” was a milestone in the discussion of the schism between science and literature. Snow noted that the scientific and humanities approaches had begun to diverge, and scientists and writers began to understand each other less and less. On the one hand, literature, increasingly oriented toward subjectivism and the inner world of man, had lost interest in objective reality. On the other hand, the scientific community also distanced itself from the humanities, perceiving them as devoid of value in the face of rapid scientific and technological progress.

Steven Pinker, in his book The Blank Slate, argues that modernism and postmodernism, by emphasizing the subjective and often irrational aspects of human experience, have hindered the scientific sophistication of both the general reading public and academia. The opposing currents, shaping images of the world through the prism of reason and emotion, led to an ideological divide between science and literature that persisted throughout much of the twentieth century.

The process of reading and perceiving reality through literature

Reading is not simply the act of perceiving a text, but a process of deeply integrating information into the mind. For the writer, it is not just the creation of words and sentences, but the recreation of the picture of the world that he or she seeks to convey to his or her reader. Through literature, the writer transforms personal experiences into universal concepts that can be perceived and conceptualized by others.

From a pedagogical perspective, the reading process represents an essential part of the educational journey. In the context of early childhood education, the ability to perceive and understand literature is not limited to reading text alone. In the early stages of development, when the child’s brain is still actively forming associative connections, literature becomes an important tool for forming an awareness of reality, developing imagination and cognitive abilities.

The writing process, on the other hand, requires the writer’s ability not only to organize ideas, but also to analyze and synthesize these ideas deeply into a coherent picture. Here, awareness of context is particularly important, as well as the ability to perceive and transform elements of reality in order to convey them through the art of words.

Literary awareness and the future of education

In the future, the role of literature and the process of realizing reality through it will only increase. The modern education system will strive to teach children not only to read and write, but also to think through literature. This requires the introduction of new approaches in teaching based on the integration of science, art and philosophy.

Literature, through its special way of representing reality, can serve as a bridge between scientific and artistic perception of the world. It will be important to realize that literature should not be perceived as an artificial separation from other forms of knowledge, but as a full-fledged part of the general cultural context, which contributes to a deeper understanding and comprehension of both the real world and the subjective perception of this world.

In conclusion, literature and consciousness are inextricably linked, and in the future these links will become increasingly important for education and understanding the world. Education oriented towards an integrated perception of reality can be an important step towards creating a harmonious and deep awareness of reality.

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1. The Snail Man – STRANGE PLASMA, Issue #4 This story, part of STRANGE PLASMA, pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction by blending elements of biological transformation and surrealism. The narrative explores human interactions with an alien species, focusing on identity and evolution, questions that resonate with modern readers.
2. Wanting to Talk to You – ASIMOV’S, January 1991 Featured in ASIMOV’S, this short story captures the intersection of human communication and artificial intelligence. It reflects the increasing role of technology in our lives and raises questions about the ethics of AI development, a topic that remains relevant as AI continues to evolve.
3. For a Future You – AMAZING, Vol. LXVI, No. 11 For a Future You examines the complexity of time travel and its consequences. Set in a future where humanity’s reach extends beyond the stars, the story focuses on choices and their ripple effects, a familiar theme in science fiction.
4. Daydots, Inc. – INTERZONE, March 1992 This story from INTERZONE is a commentary on the corporate world, exploring themes of capitalism, exploitation, and the role of technology in shaping human behavior. The dystopian world created here serves as both a cautionary tale and a mirror of current societal concerns.
5. The Parrot Man – ASIMOV’S, March 1993 A touching yet eerie tale, The Parrot Man is an exploration of memory, grief, and identity. The protagonist’s relationship with a mysterious figure that seems to embody the past raises poignant questions about how we hold onto our memories and the things we can never forget.
6. Shark Eye – ASIMOV’S, December 1993 In Shark Eye, the narrative delves into themes of survival and adaptation, set in a future where humans have colonized the ocean. The story’s exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature, both as conqueror and caretaker, provides a rich commentary on ecological concerns.
7. Revelation Station – STRANGE PLASMA, #7 A philosophical and metaphysical story, Revelation Station imagines a world where humanity grapples with its place in the cosmos. The narrative challenges readers to question the nature of existence, consciousness, and the infinite possibilities of space exploration.
8. Whiteness – STRANGE PLASMA, #6 Whiteness is a haunting tale of societal division and the search for belonging. The story’s portrayal of isolation and the human desire for connection resonates with themes of race, identity, and the often painful process of understanding ourselves and others.
9. Sunflowers – INTERZONE, April 1995 Set in a world where science and art intersect in unexpected ways, Sunflowers is a poetic exploration of creativity. The story delves into the idea of how human ingenuity and emotion shape the future, with an emphasis on the power of imagination in advancing science and technology.
10. Dinosaur Songs – ASIMOV’S, July 2004 A fascinating exploration of memory and prehistoric life, Dinosaur Songs imagines a world where humans can communicate with the creatures of the past. The blending of nostalgia and futuristic technology in this story evokes both wonder and a sense of loss.
11. Bootstrap – MIT TECHNOLOGY REVIEW: SCIENCE FICTION ANTHOLOGY, September 2013 Bootstrap is a story of self-improvement and the future of human potential. In a world where technology can enhance the mind and body, the protagonist grapples with the ethical implications of pushing human evolution to its limits.
12. Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? – Tor.com, February 2014 This existential narrative explores the fundamental questions of human existence through a speculative lens. The story’s philosophical tone challenges readers to consider humanity’s future, our role in the universe, and the legacy we will leave behind.

The Enduring Power of Short Stories in Science Fiction

Short stories have a special place in science fiction, offering an opportunity for writers to tackle complex themes in a compressed format. Whether it’s exploring advanced technologies, ethical dilemmas, or the human condition, these stories encourage readers to think deeply about the present and the future. Through their brevity, they provoke reflection and offer a snapshot of what the future might hold.

The above stories, along with many others, showcase the range and depth that the genre can achieve. Whether you’re interested in the philosophical underpinnings of existence, the ethical implications of technology, or simply an exciting adventure into the unknown, the short story remains one of the most potent forms of speculative fiction.

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From childhood, the author was surrounded by jazz – this music was played in her home and on the radio, which was run by her father, a connoisseur of the genre. It was jazz that shaped her understanding of art: improvisation is often more interesting than the main theme, but the theme itself is necessary to create artistic tension.

Literature and music have much in common: both have a structure with a beginning, a development and a conclusion. The rhythm of the words, the musicality of the phrases, and the tempo of the story all create an immersive experience for the reader, similar to listening to a symphony or jazz improvisation. Great works of literature have a special melodic quality: War and Peace sounds like a powerful symphony, while To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf recalls the smooth, deep rhythms characteristic of Miles Davis or John Coltrane.

Science fiction, like jazz, found its dawn precisely in America. Although many consider Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to be its progenitor, it was Hugo Gernsback who made science fiction popular, captivating readers with bold predictions about the future. The world began to change thanks to science: technology made it possible to transmit sound through wires, travel through the air, and even go into space. Man transformed the surrounding reality, adjusting its rhythms to his needs. It is science fiction that has become the field of literature that takes seriously the achievements of genetics, quantum physics and other sciences that reveal the nature of life.

The question of exactly how music and science fiction come together comes to the fore in Gunan’s books. Art, be it music, literature, or technology, is always a quest to create the new, to find beauty or utility in the world around us. Fiction, on the other hand, focuses on the changes people go through. The artistic process can be seen as an attempt to build order in chaos, to channel random elements into a meaningful direction. Exploring human transformation in a world of technology imbued with musicality becomes a natural task.

In his novel Crescent City Rhapsody, Goonan shows the birth of the nanotechnology age, initiated by a series of events following a powerful electromagnetic pulse from space that disables communications and computers. The protagonist, Marie Laveau, seeks to organize the development of nanotechnology on the principle of a jazz orchestra, in which Duke Ellington gathered musicians with different voices. She attempts to control the historical process by seeking to create a floating city in the Caribbean, a space free of political intrigue.

While knowledge of jazz is not required to understand the book, the musical motifs give it added depth. The chapter titles are inspired by jazz terms such as “Left Hand Chords” and “Unfolded Improvisation in Past and Future Minor.” The word “rhapsody” itself has two meanings: a literary work composed of fragments and a musical composition based on improvisation. The novel combines both of these approaches, combining a rich scientific component with a musical freedom of form.

Other books in the series are also musically structured. Queen City Jazz (1994), which chronologically continues Crescent City Rhapsody, is freer in composition, conveys a cultural mix, and explores a new perception of time. Its structure is reminiscent of jazz improvisation. Mississippi Blues is structured as a trip down the river, presenting a series of adventures in a nanotechnology-altered America, and the chapters are titled in the style of blues songs.

The final installment in the series, Light Music, combines superstring theory, consciousness theory, and musical principles. The book explores the concept of the world as a collection of vibrations and frequencies that we perceive through sight and hearing. This work is an attempt to communicate scientific ideas on an intuitive, deeply personal level.

Thus, rather than simply combining science fiction and music, Gunan constructs literary works in which musicality becomes part of the narrative and rhythms, structure and melody play a key role in conveying ideas.

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The first thing to remember is that being a writer is work. Success requires constant learning and self-improvement. You should start by reading – the more diverse literature you read, the broader your horizons will be and the richer your vocabulary. Gradually you will catch the style of different authors and understand the subtleties of the artistic word. You should also regularly practice writing texts – both works of fiction and articles or essays. This will help you develop your style and find your writing voice.

However, purely technical skills are only half of success. To become a successful writer, you must also possess originality and a unique view of the world. Successful authors are able to evoke emotions in their readers, make them think and experience something new. In addition, it is important to have perseverance and self-confidence – not always your creativity will be accepted immediately with open arms.

Mistakes and failures are just steps to success if you keep believing in yourself and keep working on your talent.

What is writer’s success and how is it defined

What is writer’s success and how is it defined? For many aspiring writers, this is an important question. Writer success can be defined in different ways, depending on the goals and expectations of each individual writer. Some see success as being able to make enough money from their writing to live on. Others see success as creating literary works that people will read and appreciate. There are also those who believe that success is having fame and recognition from peers and critics.

The definition of success as a writer is individualized for each writer, and it is important to remember that there is no single correct answer to this question. Each writer must choose their own measure of success and work towards achieving their goals.

It is important to remember that successful writing takes effort, time, and constant work on yourself. To become a successful writer, you need to develop as a professional: improve your writing skills, study literature, analyze the work of other writers, and try different genres. In addition, it is important to find your niche and target your audience.

Ultimately, a writer’s success is the result of their persistence, talent, and dedication.

Commercially successful books

Commercially successful books are a key factor in achieving success quickly in the world of writing. In order to become a successful writer, you need to take into account reader preferences and market trends. Commercially successful books usually have an exciting plot, interesting characters and an appealing writing style. They are able to hold the readers’ attention and evoke emotional responses. In addition, commercially successful books often explore current topics or offer an original approach to an already well-known topic. Writing a commercially successful book requires market research, studying literary trends, and analyzing the works of bestselling authors. It is also important to think about the originality of the plot and writing style to stand out from the competition. The hallmark of commercially successful books is that they can appeal to a wide audience and have the potential to attract the attention of publishers and literary agents. Commercially successful books are not only about the art of writing, but also the ability to market and promote your work.

Books that are memorable to readers

Books that are memorable to readers play an important role in a writer’s career and help him/her achieve success. What makes a book memorable? First, it is an original plot that stands out among other works. A successful writer should be able to come up with interesting and unusual stories that make readers think and dream. Second, memorable books have vivid and memorable characters. Readers fall in love with the characters, empathize with them, and want to learn more about them. Finally, successful writers create a special atmosphere with their words – descriptions of the terrain or emotional intensity of the action – all this helps the reader to fully immerse in the world of the work.

To become a successful writer and write a book that will be memorable to readers, you need not only talent and creative thinking, but also perseverance and willingness to work.

Proper publicity is key to a book’s success

Proper publicity is one of the key factors that determine the success of a book and help a writer to quickly become successful. In today’s world, where competition in the book market is huge, it is important to be able to promote your works effectively.

The first step to successful promotion is to create an attractive cover and a good description of the book. The cover should be bright, memorable and reflect the main idea of the work. The description, on the other hand, should be entertaining, piquing the interest of potential readers.

In addition to social media, it is important to use other internet marketing tools. Creating your own website or blog filled with useful information about the writing process and the author’s personal life will also help attract new readers.

Success comes to the one who goes for it

To quickly become a successful writer, you need to have the right mental attitude and perseverance. Success comes to the one who goes for it is a basic principle that should be internalized. It is important to set clear goals and strive to achieve them.

Constant practice and developing your writing skills are key to success. You need to read a lot, learn different writing styles and techniques, and get feedback from professionals in the field. In addition, actively promoting your work through social media and building a personal brand will help attract the attention of publishers and agents. Rejections should not stop you – they only teach us to be better. Only constant growth and self-improvement will help you succeed in the literary field.

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