The Aethers of Mars

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“Every one of these stars is busy as hell and most are contracted two and three years ahead,” explains Resnick, adding that, along with reaching out to each sci-fi celebrity he’s also serving as editor for the ongoing venture. “So when I first approached them, I got as far as saying I wanted a novella and we're paying an above-average-but-not-Wall-Street rate, and each of them began to regretfully say ‘No.’ Then I came to the part about how they would get to choose and work with a protégé and every last one of them immediately said ‘Yes.’”

Collaborating is nothing new for most of these eminent authors, almost all of whom at some time in their careers have teamed up with one or more of their peers to craft a worlds-spanning tale. What’s unique about this project is that, unlike conventional partnerships, here the established pro is responsible for a novella, while the up-and-comer pens a separate novelette set in the same universe.