Welcome to our second Backlisted special of 2023. Today we’re joined by the best-selling writer Una McCormack, returning for a record-breaking ninth appearance, having most recently participated in the Christmas episode dedicated to Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield.

These specials are designed to fill the gap until the show proper returns in April. They differ from the usual Backlisted format in that they feature just one guest choosing a number of books in an area they know and care about. This discussion covers five books that have inspired Una as a writer of science fiction from childhood onwards.

Books mentioned:

Sylvia Engdahl, The Far Side of Evil
Ursula K. Le Guin, The Dispossessed
Octavia Butler, Bloodchild and Other Stories
Katharine Burdekin, Proud Man
Vonda N. McIntyre, Star Trek: The Voyage Home

Other links:

Goldsmith Press: https://www.gold.ac.uk/goldsmiths-press/publications/
Handheld Press: https://www.handheldpress.co.uk/product-category/fantasy-and-science-fiction/