New Zealand Speculative Fiction Month

Lots of people ask, what exactly is Speculative Fiction?  Here is a definition provided by SpecFicNZ.org

SPECULATIVE FICTION is an inclusive, umbrella term meant to span the breadth of fantastic literature, encompassing writing ranging from hard science fiction, to epic fantasy, to paranormal fiction, to horror, to folk and fairy tales, to slipstream, to magical realism, to modern myth-making — and more.  The term eliminates the need for the separation between the “what if” genres because they are, in essence, different forms of one thing. It allows for the blend and cross-over of genres that is becoming increasingly popular among the current generation of writers and readers of non-realistic fiction.

I am sure that everyone one who writes, has at some stage in their writng career thought:  I wonder what would happen if... then come up with some fantastical ideas that aren't quite considered mainstream.  My favourite example of this is Neville Shute - On the Beach.  He wondered in the 1960's what it would be like if a nuclear bomb went off in the northern hemisphere, then wrote about it.  This is still one story that I really struggle to read because it is so real.

Another story I recently read that fits nicely within the bounds of Speculative Fiction is a story written by Diane Setterfield entitled The Thirteenth Tale.  I had my suspicions about this story before I started, but by the end I was well and truly a convert, a unique and well written story with a really good twist at the end.

But what about NZ fiction?  NZ is well represented out there in Speculative Fiction, just most of our witers have to have their work published overseas because for some reason the publishers in NZ don't think that we have a strong following.  Wel, that is something we want to change, and that is why SpecFicNZ was set up.  We have been working away in the wings for a year now, and finally have something to show for it.  Launched at Au Contraire over the weekend, SpecFicNZ.org is a new and exciting group supporting and encouraging writers within NZ of all things Speculatve.

So this month icelebrate all things Speculative Fiction, whether it be gothic, horror or even urban fantasy and what better way to celebrate NZ unique perspective of Speculative Fiction that to join the SpecFicNZ website and become a member.