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An Interview with Liz Williams - Page 2

© Debbie Ledesma

LW: I think it chose me. Whatever I try and write has weird elements in it-it's just the things that have influenced me and the way that my imagination works.

DL: Your book Poison Master mixes some fantasy elements with your story. Was it difficult to mix these elements in the science fiction story?
LW: No, because I always describe myself as a science fantasy writer. I don't use many hard SF tropes-I tend to concentrate on sociological and cultural elements-and there is more leeway in crossing genres. I think that this is something we are seeing more and more of these days-Alaistair Reynolds, for instance, employs a number of Gothic elements in his SF; China Mieville uses technological aspects in his fantasy writing. Authors like Chris Priest and Graham Joyce have always had a very cross-genre appeal and I have a lot of regard for that. Besides, I don't like being put in a box.

DL: Do you do a lot of research in science for your books?
LW: I try to keep up with developments in science, but because they're science fantasy rather than hard SF I make a lot of stuff up. I think I get away with it!

DL: Do you have a favorite character in your books? Which one?
LW: Eleres in The Ghost Sister, because he's basically a younger, male version of me, and Ari in The Poison Master. I love creating devious men.

DL: Are you planning to branch out into other genres?
LW: Not at the moment but these things often tend to happen organically, rather than being planned.

DL: How do you view SF as a vehicle for social commentary?
LW: It can be an immensely powerful vehicle for social comment (Orwell is an obvious case in point), but I don't think it should hit people over the head with it. Fiction with a Message (TM) is always annoying.

DL: I agree fiction with a message is annoying. How do you incorporate social commentary into your works?
LW: I try to slide it in under the radar. But my own view of politics and society is constantly changing-I'm definitely left of center politically, but there's so much that is problematic with fixed positions that I prefer
to remain ambivalent. I'd rather ask questions than try to answer them.

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