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 (especially American libertarian) philosophies with an emphasis on individualism and private ownership of ...

, 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 given annually by the Libertarian Futurist Society. American author and activist L. Neil Smith established the Best Novel category for the award in 1979; however, it was not awarde ...

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, th ...

. 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 Cla ...

''.

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 Site'' is an online science fiction and fantasy magazine edited by Rodger Turner. It is among the oldest of websites dedicated to science fiction and primarily publishes book reviews. It has won the Locus Award and received nominations for ...

'' 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 ''Science Fiction Chronicle'' (later, just ''Chronicle'') was an American science fiction magazine (also called semiprozine) published from 1979 to 2006. It was named ''Science Fiction Chronicle'' until 2002 and from then until 2006, just ''Chro ...

'' 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 science fiction author and editor. He was the founding editor of '' The Year's Best Science Fiction'' anthologies (1984–2018) and was editor of '' Asimov's Science Fict ...

. * "B All U Cn B" (short story published online by the Heinlein Centennial, 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 acc ...

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 Co ...

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)