Introduction

Hey Author of Tomorrow, it’s time to break out of your shell and make some friends, colleagues, or whatever term makes this process easiest for you. Building connections and finding community is crucial for your success as a speculative fiction author. Why? Because your significant other, family, friends, and coworkers, can only follow you for so long without having actually read your book. Often, you writing a book is so far outside people’s understanding that you can’t get the same support and encouragement as you do from fellow authors.

As speculative fiction authors, you have specific networking considerations that can make meeting new people less stressful. There are so many opportunities in so many formats that will allow you to find new writing friends. Let’s explore those paths as we gain a better understanding of the speculative fiction community.

Understanding the Speculative Fiction Community

As you approach anything new or that you’re uncomfortable with, it’s best to gain an understanding of what you’re getting into. Let’s look at the key players of speculative fiction and the role of community in genre.

Overview of the Speculative Fiction Landscape

The speculative fiction realm encompasses genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror. This diversity creates a rich opportunity for unique writers, editors, agents, and fans. All these key players have different roles in the community. You may already know the basics of this, but for those of you writers who are just jumping in, it’s important to know:

Authors: These are the creators of speculative worlds and stories. Notable authors in the genre include Isaac Asimov, J. R. R. Tolkien, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Octavia Butler. Contemporary authors like N. K. Jemisin, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson continue to push the boundaries of the genre.

Editors: Editors play a crucial role in shaping and refining speculative fiction works. They work closely with authors to polish manuscripts, ensuring the story is compelling and well-structured. Editors at major publishing houses, as well as those at genre-specific magazines and anthologies, are key figures.

Agents: Literary agents help authors navigate the publishing industry. They pitch manuscripts to publishers, negotiate contracts, and provide career guidance. Agents who focus on speculative fiction know the genre well and have connections with publishers who would like these kinds of stories.

Fans: Fans are the lifeblood of the speculative fiction community. They support authors by buying books, attending conventions, and taking part in fan discussions. Fan communities often form around specific series or authors, creating a vibrant and engaged audience.

The Role of Community in the Genre

By shaping trends and providing support within the genre, the speculative fiction community fosters an environment where creativity flourishes and diverse voices can be heard. This community supports both established authors and emerging talents by offering workshops, conventions, and online platforms.

Members of this community discuss themes, storytelling techniques, and more to shape the genre and keep it relevant to today’s world. Such collaboration and dialogue pave the way for groundbreaking works that challenge conventions and captivate audiences, ultimately expanding the horizons of speculative fiction.

Online Networking Strategies

Online networking is a much easier way to interact with new people, as it can all be done from the comfort of your home. Don’t let the ease make it feel any less important, though. In the connected modern world, how we interact online impacts our real-life interactions.

Social Media Platforms

Not all platforms are built the same. Social media platforms are a great opportunity to network, make writing friends, and stay up-to-date on the latest news in the writing world. Let’s look at some of the best platforms for networking.

• Twitter (X): While many are moving away from this, X is still the primary communication means for real-time updates on the industry, you can network with other writers, and there are still some writing challenges you can take part in.
• Facebook Groups: This is a great format for conversation and interaction with other authors within your genre. You can search for “Speculative Fiction Writers” or “Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers” groups.
• Reddit: This can be a tool, but people do like to troll on here. Reddit can still be a great tool for discussions, feedback, and networking. Search subreddits like r/scifiwriting or r/fantasywriters.

Starting the conversation on these platforms is a great step, but sometimes the hard part is staying consistent with your chosen platform. So here are some tips to make this process easier and to get the highest return on investment.

• Be Active: Regularly interact with other’s posts, keeping others updated with your writing progress, to show people that they can see you’re worth their time. Remember that time is one of your most valuable assets, and the writers you’re interacting with value their time just the same.
• Engage with Others: Comment on posts, re-share interesting content, and join conversations to build relationships. Sometimes the best dopamine dump is to have someone share the content you created. Sharing a post can expand that post’s scope of influence and make another writer’s day. I’ve also found that engaging with others gives you a chance to find talented writers early in their career.
• Use Hashtags: This makes your posts more searchable and is a quick way for people to know your target audience. While it’s great to have a diverse group of writing friends, seeing #scifi #fantasy will show something different from #romance #happilyeverafter. So these will help you find the writers you want to talk shop with.

Online Writing Communities

Social media isn’t the only way to connect with fellow writers. There are online writing communities that allow for different interactions between other writers and readers.

• Wattpad: This is a great way to share your stories, get feedback from readers, and connect with other writers. There’s also an annual opportunity for publishing through the Wattys.
• Critique Circle: Exchange critiques with other writers to improve your work and help others.
• Scribophile: A community where you can post your work for critique and participate in writing contests and forums.

Joining communities like Wattpad, Critique Circle, and Scribophile helps writers share their work, get feedback, and feel a sense of belonging with other creators.

These platforms provide a unique opportunity for networking, where aspiring authors can connect with seasoned writers, engage in constructive critique, and discover diverse writing styles and genres. These communities encourage working together, improving skills, discovering new ideas, and getting inspired by others. This enriches their writing journey and broadens their literary horizons.

Virtual Conferences and Workshops

Leveraging online events and workshops to network and improve your craft can be a transformative experience. These virtual gatherings offer a unique platform for connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion, enabling you to exchange ideas and insights that can enhance your skills.

Taking part in workshops led by industry experts not only provides invaluable knowledge but also opens doors to collaborative opportunities. Engaging in discussions and activities during these sessions builds a sense of community, allowing you to build lasting relationships that can support your growth. The convenience of attending from anywhere makes it easier to fit these enriching experiences into your busy schedule.

In-Person Networking Opportunities

In-person events are a great way to connect with people. It’s a more personal experience and you share more of who you are than you do through online interactions. As with the online networking, there are many in-person networking opportunities for science fiction and fantasy writers.

Attending Genre-Specific Conventions

Conventions are a great place to find fellow science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts. On top of the possible networking opportunities, many conventions offer panels and workshops. These conventions can be massive key events for a community, or smaller local cons that might introduce you to more writers in your region.

Key conventions for speculative fiction writers can include Worldcon, Dragon Con, and many other large events. Worldcon, or the World Science Fiction Convention, is one of the oldest and most prestigious conventions for speculative fiction. They host the Hugo awards and include panels, workshops, and a wide variety of science fiction authors.

Dragon Con is a massive multi-genre convention held in Atlanta, Georgia annually. Though it’s multi-genre, the con focuses more on science fiction and fantasy. At Dragon Con you can find panels, workshops, and meet-and-greets with authors.

You can also find local conventions with a quick google search. These are a great way to connect with writers and other industry professionals from your area. One of the big science fiction and fantasy conventions in held annually in Provo, Utah is LTUE, or Life, the Universe, & Everything. This is a great convention that I found a few years ago and the people that attend are awesome.

Let me know if you’ve been to any of these conventions and what your experience was like!

Local Writing Groups and Workshops

Finding a local writing group or workshop can be another great way to meet fellow authors in a smaller setting, as these gatherings provide valuable opportunities for networking and idea exchange. Participating in such groups often allows writers to share their work, receive constructive feedback, and engage in enriching discussions about various writing techniques and styles. Whether you are a novice looking to hone your craft or an experienced writer seeking inspiration, being part of a writing community can foster creativity and motivate you to reach your writing goals.

Here are some places you can find these groups:

1. Meetup: Websites like Meetup.com are great for finding local writing groups where aspiring writers can connect, share ideas, and develop their skills collaboratively.
2. Libraries and Bookstores: Check with local libraries and bookstores to explore their extensive collections, attend community events, and discover hidden gems within the aisles.
3. Online Communities: Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to sci-fi and fantasy writing, where you can connect with fellow writers, share your work, discuss ideas, and receive valuable feedback on your writing journey.

Do you already have a writing group? Are you in search of one? Let us know where you have found the best luck!

Writing Exercise: Networking Challenge for Speculative Fiction Authors

This exercise is designed to help you practice networking and community-building skills essential for science fiction and fantasy writers. Complete the following tasks over the course of one month:

Week 1: Online Networking

1. Choose one social media platform (Twitter/X, Facebook, or Reddit) and create a writer’s profile if you don’t already have one.
2. Find and follow 10 speculative fiction authors, 5 editors, and 3 literary agents in your genre.
3. Engage with at least 5 posts by commenting thoughtfully or sharing content.
4. Make 3 original posts using relevant hashtags (e.g., #amwriting, #scifiwriter, #fantasyfiction).

Week 2: Online Writing Communities

1. Join one online writing community (Wattpad, Critique Circle, or Scribophile).
2. Complete your profile and introduce yourself in the community forum.
3. Read and provide constructive feedback on at least 3 pieces of writing by other community members.
4. Share a short excerpt (500 words max) of your own work for feedback.

Week 3: Virtual Events

1. Research and find one upcoming virtual conference or workshop related to speculative fiction writing.
2. Register and attend the event.
3. Actively participate by asking at least one question during a Q&A session or contributing to a discussion.
4. Connect with at least 2 other attendees via the event’s networking tools or social media.

Week 4: Local Connections

1. Search for a local speculative fiction writing group using Meetup, library resources, or bookstore events.
2. If you find a group, attend one meeting. If not, research how to start your own group.
3. Prepare a 2-minute introduction about yourself and your writing to share with the group.
4. Exchange contact information with at least 2 other writers you meet.

Reflection

At the end of the month, write a short reflection (300-500 words) addressing the following questions:

• Which networking activities did you find most valuable and why?
• What challenges did you face during this exercise?
• How has your perception of the speculative fiction community changed?
• What are your next steps for continuing to build your network?

Remember, networking is an ongoing process. Use this exercise as a starting point to develop habits that you can continue throughout your writing career.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored, networking and finding your community are crucial elements in your journey as a speculative fiction writer. From online platforms to in-person events, the opportunities to connect with fellow authors, editors, agents, and fans are many and varied.

Don’t forget, your unique voice and perspective are important in the speculative fiction community. Take those first steps—join a writing group, attend a convention, or engage in online discussions. Every connection you make has the potential to inspire your writing, open new doors, and enrich your creative journey.

We’d love to hear about your networking experiences—what strategies have worked for you? What challenges have you faced? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s continue to build and strengthen our community together. Your next great writing friendship or career opportunity might be just one conversation away!

Previous Post: Myers Fiction November Newsletter

Previous Writing Post: Building Your Platform as a Speculative Fiction Author

Next Post: Submitting Short Fiction to Speculative Magazines