Multiple book covers for same story with main image showing a rocket with two people sitting in the front.

Book Review: Flight to the Mushroom Planet (1958)

The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet, by Eleanor Cameron, has been in print since the 1950s. It features the adventures of Chuck and David, two boys who travel to the alien planet Basidium in their homemade spaceship. This classic, primarily for children, is fun for adults, too, and you’ll …

Modern Library with lots of light and a few books.

Fall 2024 Member Publications

In the third quarter of 2024, our members have been busy writing, publishing and winning awards. Danaeka Scrimshaw’s novel Worlds of Fire and Glass is a Finalist for the 2024 Gold Rush Literary Awards in the speculative fiction category. Colleen Mueller’s novel The Megaclub Soldiers is a Finalist in the …

Images of six book covers

Books Every Writer Should Have

A fantastic source of knowledge and inspiration for writers is other writers. Those who have been through it before can share their knowledge and experience with those who are just starting out or new to a certain area. From planning, writing, and editing to querying, publishing, and marketing—and everything in …

Face of William Gibson

The Influence of William Gibson

As a relatively new genre, at least in comparison to mystery or romance, science fiction has many pioneers making their mark and developing the genre in the last century. One of the most influential is William Gibson who is credited with coining the term cyberspace and is a founder of …

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L.V. Ditchkus Publishes New Novel

Speculative Fiction Writers Association member L.V. Ditchkus’ novel has been recently published. Here’s the blurb: New Release: Chrom Y Returns: The Chrom Y Series: Book One by L.V. Ditchkus “Hundreds of years after a horrific disease destroys Earth’s male population, Sofia Andes7 and her wife embark on a perilous journey …

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Plot Devices: Twisting Your Plot

Whether you’re a “panster” with a predisposition to write your way straight into a sagging middle or a “plotter” who struggles to get the beats just right so you can sit down and write already, having a firm command of plot devices can be the game changer you need to …

Assortment of propellors with a big one in the middle

Plot Devices: Propelling Your Story

Whether you’re a “panster” with a predisposition to write your way straight into a sagging middle or a “plotter” who struggles to get the beats just right so you can sit down and write already, having a firm command of plot devices can be the game changer you need to …

Busy school library

Back to School: My Journey Toward a Creative Writing MFA

I recently started a newsletter, MFAdventure, that documents my pursuit of a master’s degree in creative writing. Because the Speculative Fiction Writers Association is a group of creative writers, I thought you might be interested in reading about my experience so far. You can subscribe to my newsletter for free …

Old book store with customers looking at books

James RD Hilton Debut Novel

James RD Hilton Publishes Debut Novel Into the Known Universe: A Cosmic Love Story, Kinda James R.D. Hilton, a science fiction author from small-town Alberta, has self-published his debut novel. Into the Known Universe: A Cosmic Love Story, Kinda is a science fiction adventure centering on Stuart Bode, a junior …

Library background with overlay title of Spring 2024 Member Publications

Member Publications

The Speculative Fiction Writers Association has had a tremendous quarter with nine members publishing 14 stories or novels in various publications and websites, with some members having multiple stories accepted. In Winter 2019, Nancy Pica Renken wrote a flash fiction story inspired by a prompt in the WritersWeekly 24-Hour Short …