September 10, 2011 | Online

Bigoted sci-fi writer challenged through Twitter

Award winning science-fiction writer Orson Scott Card and publisher Subterranean Press are facing a bit of a Twitter firestorm over the recent reprint of the author's book, Hamlet's Father. The book reworks Shakespeare's play Hamlet, making Hamlet's father a predatory homosexual.

“Here’s the punch line: Old King Hamlet was an inadequate king because he was gay, an evil person because he was gay, and, ultimately, a demonic and ghostly father of lies who convinces young Hamlet to exact imaginary revenge on innocent people,” wrote reviewer William Alexander.

On Wednesday, a new Twitter hashtag was created to encourage people to buy a gay novel in Scott Card’s honor. The hashtag, #buyabiggaynovelforscottcardday, has the LGBT community and its supporters recommending sci-fi novels by gay authors or that include queer characters or themes. 

Subterranean Press has also received enough feedback on the controversy that it released a statement. And though it whines that this is just a reprint, it did say it was taking the criticism of the book seriously.

"For those who have already sent in e-mails," said Bill Schafer, one of the company's publishers, "I’ve read them and will share them with Subterranean’s senior staff. For those who want to send their e-mails, I want to hear from you. ... your thoughts and criticisms will be part of our discussion when it comes to future acquisitions and editorial selection. We’re taking this seriously, and we value what you have to say to us. So write to us at subpress@gmail.com."

Scott Card, of course, is a very vocal homophobe. He joined the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) to fight against the recognition of gay unions. He has also called for sodomy laws to remain on the books.

What is surprising is that he had to steal from Shakespeare for a book reviewers are calling 'boring.' If you're going to be a bigot, at least try to be creative when expressing yourself. 

Book review: Hamlet's Father [Rain Taxi]

A Note on HAMLET’S FATHER [Subterranean Press]

A List of GLBT+ Book Recommendations from #buyabiggaynovelforscottcardday [megwrites]