Fran Van Cleave is an American author of

libertarian science fiction Libertarian science fiction is a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the politics and social order implied by right-libertarian philosophies with an emphasis on individualism and private ownership of the means of production—and in some ...

, born in Boston and educated as a pharmacist. She was an active member of the

Libertarian Futurist Society The Prometheus Award is an award for libertarian science fiction novels given annually by the Libertarian Futurist Society. American author and activist L. Neil Smith established the award in 1979, but it was not awarded regularly until the newl ...

for many years and served as director of the society in 2005. Van Cleave's works include adventure stories with young protagonists, influenced by the

Heinlein juveniles The Heinlein juveniles are the science fiction novels written by Robert A. Heinlein for Scribner's young-adult line. Each features "a young male protagonist entering the adult world of conflict, decisions, and responsibilities." Together t ...

. In addition to fiction, Van Cleave has published articles on scientific topics in ''

Analog Science Fiction and Fact ''Analog Science Fiction and Fact'' is an American science fiction magazine published under various titles since 1930. Originally titled ''Astounding Stories of Super-Science'', the first issue was dated January 1930, published by William C ...

''.

Works of fiction

* "Second Chance" (short story in ''

Analog Analog or analogue may refer to: Computing and electronics * Analog signal, in which information is encoded in a continuous variable ** Analog device, an apparatus that operates on analog signals *** Analog electronics, circuits which use analog ...

'', 1997): A pregnant woman in the future year 2003 wrestles with the ethics of abortion and adoption. In the end she accepts a contract which gives her child up for adoption in exchange for payment. This enables her to follow her ambition of becoming a science fiction writer. * "Ataxia in Ataraxia" (novella in ''Analog'', 1998): A coming-of-age story on a young clone that must cope with the death of his powerful predecessor. * "Brain Drain" (short story in ''Artemis'', 2000): In a future United States, scientists are regarded with suspicion and defecting to Canada. The hero is a young boy with mechanical skills who learns to question the regime. Rich Horton of ''

SF Site SF may refer to: Locations * San Francisco, California, United States * Sidi Fredj, Algeria * South Florida, an urban region in the United States * Suomi Finland, former vehicular country code for Finland In arts and entertainment Genre ...

'' singled the story out as his favorite from the issue, calling it "a good fun read" despite some issues with plausibility and characterization. Steven Sawicki of the ''

Science Fiction Chronicle DNA Publications was an American publishing company that existed from 1993 to 2007 and was run by the husband-and-wife team of Warren Lapine and Angela Kessler. Initially based in Massachusetts, DNA Publications relocated to Radford, Virginia. A ...

'' was less positive, calling the story "a real struggle to get through" and criticizing it for lack of clarity and excessive use of slang. * "The Mycojuana Incident" (novella in ''Analog'', February 2001): A doctor investigates a fungal infestation which turns out to be caused by the spraying of anti-marijuana parasitic mold. Governmental agents show up to cover up the case. Steven Sawicki described it as "very typical sf of the bad government, libertarian freedom fighter type" but also called it an entertaining story with "sharp and clever" writing. * "Navajo Moon-Bird" (novella in ''Analog'', December 2001): A Navajo girl thwarts sabotage of a spaceship bound for a colony on the moon. Rich Horton criticized the characterization of the villains as one-dimensional but called the story "exciting and rousing". The story received an honorable mention in '' The Year's Best Science Fiction: Nineteenth Annual Collection'' by

Gardner Dozois Gardner Raymond Dozois ( ; July 23, 1947 – May 27, 2018) was an American people, American science fiction author and editing, editor. He was the founding editor of ''The Year's Best Science Fiction'' anthologies (1984–2018) and was editor of ...

. * "B All U Cn B" (short story published online by the

Heinlein Centennial The Heinlein Centennial Convention was held in Kansas City from July 6 through July 8, 2007, coincident with the 100th anniversary of Robert A. Heinlein's birth in Butler, Missouri on July 7, 1907. The Guests of Honor were Robert and Virginia Heinl ...

, 2007): The Heinlein Centennial organized a short story contest for stories in the spirit of

Robert A. Heinlein Robert Anson Heinlein (; July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) was an American science fiction author, aeronautical engineer, and naval officer. Sometimes called the "dean of science fiction writers", he was among the first to emphasize scientific accu ...

and published the six winning stories in an online anthology. * "Inherit the Moon" (short story in ''Return to Luna'' anthology, 2008): The

National Space Society The National Space Society (NSS) is an American international nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational and scientific organization specializing in space advocacy. It is a member of the Independent Charities of America and an annual participant in the Combi ...

organized a short story contest on human lunar settlement and the winning stories were published in an anthology.

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Van Cleave, Fran American science fiction writers Living people 20th-century American short story writers 21st-century American short story writers Year of birth missing (living people)