 Fantasy: September 07, 2011 Issue [#4582] |
  Fantasy
This week: Speculative Fiction = Creative Realities Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading  
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As we wind down the Eleventh Birthday Party, I'm honored to be your guest host today as we begin celebrating Year Twelve of our vital, creative Community of writers and artists.
Consider the essence of Fantasy writing ~
All that I see or seem is but a dream within a dream
- Edgar Allan Poe
Here at Fantasy Headquarters (this Newsletter), we explore the creative variety of 'otherworlds' we imagine, envision, perceive, in its myriad forms . |
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Greetings, my exploration this week is in response to an inquiry by one of our members.
What is Speculative Fiction?
Well? What is it? Speculative fiction is a term, attributed to Robert Heinlein in 1941, that has come to be used to collectively describe works in the genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. It also addresses fiction that includes Weird Tales, Amazing Stories, and Fantastic Fiction. It also may include other genres, such as Mysteries, Alternate Histories, and Historical Fiction. Speculative fiction can be a collective term to describe works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror and also addresses works that are not science fiction, fantasy, or horror, yet don't rightly belong to the other genres.
Speculative fiction is also more than the collective title for works of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. The term also embraces works that don't fit neatly into the separate genres, but include some elements of more than one recognized genre. Consider stories by Edgar Allan Poe, Lovecraft, Twilight Zone, Stranger in a Strange Land. Think of the tales that have been labelled simply as 'weird' or 'adventure' or 'amazing' because there was no proper place to put them. Stories on the fringe. When you've come across a story or movie or game that both is and isn't science fiction, fantasy, and/or horror, then you've discovered speculative fiction.
Nearly every major industry has some little niche that produces content for or about speculative fiction. From an obvious industry such as cinema or toys, to industries that are not quite so obvious such as the manufacture of clothing and jewelry (costuming).
Nearly all content and media created for children contains some aspect of speculative fiction, such as talking animals, magic, or monsters. When speaking of children's literature it's almost impossible not to find speculative fiction in the form of fantasy or science fiction. The majority of computer game titles produced, whether for personal computer or gaming consoles, also contain some element of speculative fiction. And what pen and paper role-playing game can you find that doesn't draw on some element of speculative fiction. I can think of none.
Speculative Fiction is everywhere. But what is Speculative Fiction? Is there one thing that defines this multi-faceted genre?
 Speculative fiction is a world that writers create where anything can happen.
Speculative fiction pushes the boundaries of imagination.
Speculative fiction takes the human point of view, often putting ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and encounters.
Speculative fiction is the essential "what if" story, moe edgy, weird and often disturbing.
Speculative fiction doesn't fit established norms and individual genres.
Speculative fiction sees the world with new eyes.
So, have I answered the question here, or incited more questioning. I think we've done both, and I invite you first to read some of the speculative fiction penned by members of our Community, then to try out this versatile medium yourself.
And, if you have a story or poem ready to send off, check out these venues that invite and encourage speculative fiction from established and emerging writers - and do let us know the publication date so we can share vicariously your success
http://www.twilighttimes.com/subs.html
http://anotherealm.com/guidelines/index.html
Until we next meet,
Write On
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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Check out some of the speculative fiction, in verse and prose, envisioned by membes of our Community, and share your thoughts in Writing.Com style (a review, perhaps
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| |  | Getting Good Help (13+)
A Good Breeding Tale: the family wondered what to put in the want ad - and got gypsies!
#1760842 by Mage  |
| | | Medium Rare (13+)
I never thought of myself as a mark, but even this Medium's beginning to wonder
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| | | Arts and Crafts (ASR)
A speculative flash fiction story following a writer from Surgical Hobbyist Magazine.
#1665612 by ~Jack  |
Okay, now, ready to try your hand at it - and to check out some more creative works, visit with the following
| | WYRM (13+)
A group for those dedicated to writing and reviewing speculative fiction.
#1142497 by WYRM  |
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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Thank you for sharing this exploration with me. And, I invite you to visit with the writer who posed the question that incited this exploration:
AliceNgoreland
Who posed her question:
I just heard someone say that writing fiction is same in every genre.
How is writing speculative fiction follow the same rules, have the same elements as other forms of fiction. Does writing speculative fiction present different challenges because it is fantasy or science fiction. If so, what are they?
Thank you for the question, and I hope this exploration has provided some answers as well as some "what if" queries for you and other members of our Community
Until we next meet, one and all,
I wish you creative insights and,
most importantly,
Joy and Fun in the writing,
as we each ~ Come on, say it with me!
Write On
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading
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