In science fiction however, particularly films, there often is an element of romance within it. (Think boy gets the girl at the end and they fly off into the abyss to colonize a planet in peace.) And I'm all for that. I think it's cool. However it is usually an after thought in the film or book in question. However that's not quite what we're discussing here.

Then what is Science Fiction Romance? Is there a sure fire definition? Not yet in my opinion. But you'll definitely know it when you read it. In lieu of a definition here are some hints that will help narrow your focus.

In this kind of story the basics of science fiction do apply be it technological, behavioral, social or otherwise i.e. futuristic world, time or place-- not necessarily visitors from a futuristic world time or place. Because that could be considered Time Travel. Think space ships, genetically altered babies, aliens, intergalactic wars, space pirates you get the picture. And there always has to be a romantic element that is central to the plot and development of the character i.e. not only is she is a space pirate but her husband is a Captain in the Intergalactic Police Force charged with capturing her.

Sounds easy enough? Well we're not quite finished. Because they have to have a believable relationship (we're not talking about real. After all why would a space pirate fall for a stuffy old captain anyways? But the real -er the better.) And more importantly, there has to be a happy ending. What's the point if they both die in a tragic explosion killing themselves and never having the chance for that baby (who has to choose which side of the law he/she is on in the sequel) to come about? Sounds formulaic? I think not.

There are plenty of writers who write works of tragedy (and you know the ending will be let's just say “heartbreaking”) and their work is considered sound, valid even praised as excellent pieces of literature. Why then books with the expectation of a happy ending be less valid or even praised as a type of literature? In this world of good news and bad. Wouldn't you rather have more good news? I would. Bad news will come any way, I don't always have to read about it. But back to my point.

So does Science Fiction Romance fall under the heading of Science Fiction-- where it is more often scoffed at or does it belong under the heading of Romance where there is a loyal following but keeps a low profile under the categories of Futuristic or Paranormal depending on who categorized the directory. If we as an audience were to seriously review our favorite scifi books, movies and tv shows and give the work a closer look, would we recategorize?

What if Star Wars was more about Han and Leia? Would it be Sci fi/Space Opera or would it be considered Scifi Romance? Read the Courtship of Princess Leia and let me know.

So begins the latest release from contemporary author of Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk. The book is written as an oral biography, in a "Talking Heads" style, telling the bizarre and wonderful story of Buster "Rant" Casey, possibly America's most efficient serial killer.

The hero of the story, if you can call him that , is "every small kid born into a small town". This book charts his misadventures from boyhood to his life and spectacular death in the city through the eyes of those who knew him, those who loved him, and those who hated him.

The format takes narrative to a new level, relying completely on a firm and educated knowledge of each character, their lives and colloquialisms and more importantly, their opinions on Rant Casey. In this way, the reader experiences random fragments of the story and watches it slowly evolve.

Well, that's all as far as the format goes, but to say what the book is about is a totally different story. Is it about a man who spreads rabies through everyone he meets? Is it about a strange new urban pass-time called party crashing, where young people stalk each other in cars decorated with Christmas trees and coffee machines through a network of dark city streets? Is it about downloading memories through a port at the base of the skull? Is it about time-travel?

There are aspects of all of these things in Rant but in order to see how they are joined together to make a story, it begs to be read. Admittedly, the book ultimately edges towards a confusing and scattered conclusion, however the book is the first part of a trilogy so will any luck, order will be restored.

It's impossible to write about Chuck without mentioning "the faintings" associated with readings of his short story "Guts", a cautionary tale on the dangers of creative masturbation. This story appears in his last book, Haunted and I defy anyone to read it without cringes, retching of the stomach or loss of consciousness. I was disappointed to find nothing quite so graphic in Rant, but as far as mainstream fiction goes, a windstorm of bloodied sanitory products still peaks the standards of polite conversation.

Fans of Chuck will be happy to learn that his plane crash countdown, Survivor, is scheduled to be made into a movie by producers of Constantine. The screenplay has been written and production is due to begin at the end of the year. Or so the rumor goes.