Summer Sketches

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Simmons, Dan

175 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1,1992

About the author

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Dan Simmons is an American science fiction and horror writer. He is the author of the Hyperion Cantos and the Ilium/Olympos cycles, among other works that span the science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres, sometimes within a single novel. Simmons's genre-intermingling Song of Kali (1985) won the World Fantasy Award. He also writes mysteries and thrillers, some of which feature the continuing character Joe Kurtz.

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Rating(3.3 / 5.0, 3 votes)
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3 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Stephen King recommended author.

This is an interesting non-fiction work that delves into what makes Dan Simmons tick. However, it is a very small book and was only issued as a deluxe, signed edition. As a result, it is not likely to be available from most libraries. I have tried to find it and discovered that it can be found used on eBay and Amazon. Nevertheless, most copies are unfortunately not within my price-range. It seems that this particular book is quite rare and sought after, which makes it even more difficult to obtain.

I would really like to get my hands on a copy to learn more about Dan Simmons and his creative process. Maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to find a reasonably priced copy and be able to enjoy this unique piece of literature.
July 15,2025
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Interesting. He was a school teacher before he became a full-time author. During his summer breaks, he and his wife would take vacations. Sometimes they would go together, and sometimes they would go apart. During these trips, he would make detailed notes and sketches about the places they visited. Later, if a particular place had a profound impact on him, he would refer to those notes and sketches to enhance the sense of place in his stories or novels. Here, he presents some of those notes and sketches, along with excerpts from his novels and stories where these elements are incorporated. It's really cool to get a peek "behind the scenes" so to speak. It gives us a unique insight into his creative process and how he draws inspiration from real-life experiences.

July 15,2025
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This is a very interesting book that provides great insights into Simmons' writing and personality.

As a devoted fan of Simmons' writing, I have derived immense pleasure from reading this small volume. I am almost certain that I will read it again in the future.

In this book, Simmons writes about his travels to various places such as India, the Southeast, and Philly. He vividly describes how these places left a profound impact on him and ultimately found their way into his books.

The author's detailed accounts of his experiences in these different locations add a unique dimension to his writing. It allows readers to better understand the inspiration behind his works and the creative process that goes into bringing his stories to life.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Simmons' writing or wants to gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the words. It is a fascinating exploration of his life, travels, and the intersection of his experiences with his creative output.
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