Climate fiction has bridged an ever-narrowing gap between far-off fantasy and uncomfortably close reality. Contemporary authors rooted in the tropics have earned recent praise with their perspectives on the disappearing world—from beloved Jamaican-Canadian author Nalo Hopkinson’s long-awaited recent collection “Jamaica Ginger” to Samoan-Haole Hawai’ian author Mariah Riggs’ acclaimed debut collection “Extinction Capital of the World.”
Florida author Vanessa Frances brings the Sunshine State into this conversation with her upcoming debut novel, “Orange Island.” Hounded by the consequences of climate disaster, societal collapse and a dwindling orange juice supply, young Savannah must navigate the Orlando of 2060: where healthcare, safe housing, and life-saving climate alerts are a privilege for the wealthy elite. Everything changes when she comes across her late sister’s journal and picks up the mantle of a pharmaceutical project that could revolutionize medicine for all.
A playwright, poet, screenwriter, and author, Frances’ other works have included award-winning stage plays, an upcoming short film release, and a short story collection, all of which blend the unknown with the all-too-familiar, exploring the human experience amid societal and environmental upheaval.
See below for details on this and other literary events happening around Tampa Bay for the rest of May.
Orange Island – An Evening with Vanessa Frances
Time Thu., May 21, 7-8 p.m.
Location Tombolo Books, 2153 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg
‘The Cabin in the Storm’ Release Celebration with dark romance author Lexie Axelson Saturday, May 16. 7 p.m. $30. Steamy Lit, Tampa
‘Underlake’ Author Talk with local author Erin L. McCoy Tuesday, May 19. 6:30 p.m. No cover with RSVP. The Gilded Page, Tarpon Springs
Loretta Chefchaouni (Book launch) Tuesday, May 19. 7 p.m. No cover. The Second Story, Bartow
Orange Island-An Evening with Vanessa Frances Thursday, May 21. 7 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg
‘Of Slash Pines and Manatees’: An Evening with South Florida environmental author Andrew Furman Wednesday, May 20. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Wild Space Gallery, St. Petersburg
Books, Booty, & Bubbles with Pages & Perks Bookstore Saturday, May 23. 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. Impulse Studios Pole Dance, St. Petersburg
The Underground Book Fair with Wordier Than Thou Saturday, May 30. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. $5 suggested donation with entry. The Kerouac House, St. Petersburg
‘The Princess Bride’ Page-to-Picture Book + Cinema Club with Book + Bottle Sunday, May 31. 3 p.m.-7 p.m. $35. Green Light Cinema, St. Petersburg
“No God But Us”: An Evening with Bobuq Sayed Sunday, May 31. 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. No cover with RSVP. Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg
Pitch in to help make the Tampa Bay Journalism Project a success.
Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.
Follow us: Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | BlueSky
