I want to preface my blog post this week with the acknowledgment that I dislike AI, or at least the way it’s being used to impact artists and spread misinformation. With that being said, I think the assignment for this week is fair and cautions students against taking the information given to us at face value.

Starting Research Prompts

To start my delve into the world of AI, I clicked through each of the links just to get a sense of what each model was going to be like. As soon I opened the link to Bing, I was immediately overwhelmed and closed it immediately. I did, however, explore further with each of the others. I gave each model the same set of questions, only modified slightly to fit the flow of conversation. If they asked me what I wanted or needed help with, I said “I don’t know,” and I referred to each model by name. The prompts I gave to explore are as follows:

  1. Hello!
  2. (I don’t know,) do you have any conversation starters?
  3. (Model name,) what’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?
  4. How do you avoid giving users false information?

I was hoping that these prompts would give me both a sense of what (if any) personality the model was given and how transparent it was meant to be with users. I found that Bard was the most friendly model out of the bunch. The only two that were all business were Perplexity and Claude. Bard also seemed to be the most transparent when I asked about the challenges of AI models and how they avoid giving users false information. Perplexity didn’t seem to understand the question and functioned more like a search engine than a model I was having a conversation with, despite the questions being in the same thread. Copilot had a somewhat disturbing response to my final question: “My mistake, I can’t give a response to that right now. Let’s try a different topic.” I didn’t dislike using ChatGPT or Claude, but neither model gave me particularly in-depth responses. Moving forward, I will be using Bard, with some extra input from Claude and ChatGPT.

Career Specific Prompts

My starting prompt for the career-related part of my research was: “I am about to graduate college with a degree in English with concentration in fiction writing. I want to find speculative fiction publications that accept submissions from new and inexperienced writers. What skills do I need to demonstrate? What kinds of artifacts should I have to demonstrate those skills? What are some resources I can pursue to help me learn about how I can get published?” I am well aware of the typo I made, but to keep it consistent, I left the typo in each time I gave it to an AI. I’m not perfect, and I’d rather have consistency in my prompts than fix a typo and risk that being a factor.

I also asked some follow-up questions:

  • How can I gain real world experience as a speculative fiction writer?
  • What national organizations are there for speculative fiction writers?
  • What networking opportunities are there as a speculative fiction writer?
  • What are some free resources I can use to improve my craft as a speculative fiction writer?

Below are the synthesized and edited responses (edited first by Bard, then again by me).

Initial Prompt

Skills to demonstrate:

  • Strong storytelling fundamentals: Strengthened storytelling, clear and concise prose, and building engaging plots with high stakes.
  • Genre awareness: Understand the conventions and expectations of your chosen subgenre(s) within speculative fiction. Show how your work both embraces and subverts these expectations.
  • Polish and professionalism: Ensure your writing is well-edited, free from typos and grammatical errors, and formatted according to the publication’s submission guidelines.
  • Attention to detail and internal logic: Showcase your ability to create rich world-building and believable narratives even within fantastical settings.
  • Editing and revision: Demonstrate your ability to revise and improve your work after receiving feedback.
  • Research and realism: Incorporating reality into your story can enhance the speculative elements.

Artifacts to demonstrate your skills:

  • Completed manuscripts: Your best and most polished piece(s) in your chosen genre. Aim for a novel or novella, or a collection of short stories showcasing your range.
  • Short fiction publications (if any): Any previously published short stories in literary magazines or genre-specific publications add weight to your portfolio.
  • Awards or achievements: Recognition in writing competitions or workshops can also be helpful.
  • Writing samples: If you don’t have published work, consider including well-edited excerpts from longer works or standout short stories.

Resources to learn and improve:

  • Submission guidelines: Research the specific publications you’re targeting and read their submission guidelines carefully. These often detail acceptable word counts, preferred themes, and formatting requirements.
  • Manuscript critiques: Consider professional editors or critique groups to polish your work and receive valuable feedback.
  • Writer’s organizations, workshops, and conferences: Organizations like the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) can provide resources, advice, and potential networking. Workshops on speculative fiction and genre writing can offer valuable advice and connect you with established authors and editors.
  • Online communities: Join online forums and groups dedicated to your chosen genre(s) to connect with other writers, exchange feedback, and learn from their experiences.
  • Websites and blogs: Resources like Writer’s Digest, Duotrope, and speculative fiction magazines often offer resources and articles specifically for new writers.

Publications for new writers:

  • Literary and genre-specific magazines: Many literary magazines publish speculative fiction alongside other genres. Consider submitting short stories to places like Strange Horizons, Apex Magazine, and Clarkesworld. Publications like Uncanny Magazine, Podcastle, and Fireside Magazine focus on science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and often welcome submissions from new writers.
  • Online zines and anthologies: Look for online zines and anthologies with open submission calls, especially those aimed at emerging writers. Participating in these can broaden your reach and build your publishing credits.
  • Amazon Kindle: Self-publishing on platforms like Amazon Kindle can help build publishing credits.

How can I gain real world experience as a speculative fiction writer?

Gaining exposure and experience through publishing:

  • Online publications and themed anthologies: Many accept submissions from new writers, offering publishing credits and exposure. Look for themed anthologies related to your subgenre to increase your chances. Platforms like Wattpad and Radish Fiction let you share your work and build a readership, even earning potential through reader engagement.
  • Self-publishing: While challenging, self-publishing can give you complete creative control over your work and valuable experience in marketing and production.
  • Create a blog or website: Start a blog or website where you share your thoughts on speculative fiction, writing tips, and even snippets of your work. This can help you build an online presence and connect with readers.

Community engagement:

  • Attend events and join online communities: Attend genre-specific events to network with other writers, editors, and agents. Participate in panels and workshops to learn from established professionals. Many online communities cater to specific subgenres. Participate in discussions, share your work, and connect with fellow writers for encouragement and learning.
  • Critique groups: Joining a critique group specific to your genre allows you to exchange feedback and improve your writing in a supportive environment.
  • Participate in writing challenges: Join writing challenges or contests within the speculative fiction community. These events provide deadlines and themes, pushing you to create new work and potentially gain recognition.
  • Stay informed about publishing trends: Stay aware of trends and changes in the publishing industry, especially within the speculative fiction genre. Understanding market demands can guide your writing and submission strategies.

Creative collaborations:

  • Fanfiction: Writing fanfiction in your chosen genre can hone your narrative skills and world-building while engaging with a pre-existing fanbase.
  • Roleplaying games: Participating in tabletop or online roleplaying games can spark creative ideas, develop character interactions, and explore fantastical settings interactively.
  • Collaborative writing projects: Joining online or local writing challenges or group writing projects can push you outside your comfort zone and teach you to adapt to different styles and voices.

Non-writing activities:

  • Fuel writing with real-world experiences: Immerse yourself in the real-world aspects relevant to your chosen subgenre. Visit historical sites, attend scientific talks, or research cultural practices to add depth and authenticity to your world-building. Engaging in activities related to themes explored in your fiction, like environmental conservation or social justice advocacy, can provide firsthand experience and emotional depth to your writing.
  • Creative hobbies: Taking up photography, painting, or music can inspire your world-building and enhance your understanding of visual and emotional storytelling.
  • Read widely: Expand your knowledge of speculative fiction by reading a variety of works within the genre. Analyze different styles, themes, and approaches to storytelling. This allows you to identify successful tropes and techniques.

Other tips:

  • Write regularly: Dedicate consistent time to writing. Regular practice helps you improve your skills and develop your unique voice.
  • Explore multi-media platforms: Consider writing for podcasts, online magazines, or interactive fiction platforms. This diversifies your experience and allows you to experiment with different storytelling formats.

What national organizations are there for speculative fiction writers?

General Speculative Fiction:

  • Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA): This prestigious organization serves as a hub for established and aspiring authors in science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. They offer awards, scholarships, educational resources, and networking opportunities. Membership requires professional publication credits.
  • Speculative Literature Foundation (SLF): This non-profit organization focuses on promoting literary quality in speculative fiction. They offer grants and awards for writers, support small presses and genre magazines, and host educational programs. You don’t need to be a member to benefit from their resources.
  • The Imaginarium: The Imaginarium is dedicated to supporting up-and-coming speculative fiction writers with classes, peer groups, conference opportunities, and an annual writing retreat.
  • Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI): SCBWI has helpful resources on writing children’s fantasy/sci-fi books. Local chapters and annual conferences.

Specific subgenres:

  • Mystery Writers of America (MWA): While generally focused on mystery and crime fiction, MWA has a “Futuristic, Fantasy & Paranormal” chapter catering to writers in those subgenres. They offer workshops, contests, and networking opportunities specific to their members.
  • Broad Universe: This organization promotes science fiction, fantasy, and horror written by women. They offer awards, grants, workshops, and mentorship programs to support female writers in speculative fiction.

Regional Organizations:

Many states and local communities have vibrant organizations catering to speculative fiction writers. These groups offer workshops, critique groups, and social events, providing valuable support and networking opportunities.

Online Resources:

  • Duotrope: This website provides comprehensive submission guidelines for thousands of literary magazines and genre publications, including many focused on speculative fiction.
  • Writer’s Digest: This online resource offers articles, tips, and interviews on all aspects of writing, including specific sections dedicated to speculative fiction.
  • Critique Circle: This online platform connects writers with other writers and professional editors for critique and feedback on their work.
  • Fantasy-Faction: This is a large online community of fantasy writers and fans featuring forums, articles, writing challenges, virtual conventions, and more.

What networking opportunities are there as a speculative fiction writer?

In-person events:

  • Gather with other like-minded individuals: Major genre conventions like WorldCon, DragonCon, and ComicCon offer unparalleled opportunities to meet established authors, attend panels, and connect with other writers and fans. Many smaller genre-specific conventions exist as well, focusing on subgenres like horror, steampunk, or fantasy. Check local bookstores, libraries, and writing centers for workshops and readings related to speculative fiction. These events offer smaller crowds and more intimate settings for interacting with fellow writers and gaining insights from established authors.
  • Critique groups: Joining a critique group dedicated to your chosen subgenre is a fantastic way to receive constructive feedback on your work, learn from others, and build lasting connections. Look for local groups or online communities focused on speculative fiction.
  • Book Release Parties: Attending release parties for speculative fiction, especially in your city, lets you celebrate and chat with the author and their connections.
  • Book Signings: When authors have local book tour events, signings are small, intimate ways to exchange a few words and potentially follow up later.
  • Writing Retreats/Residences: Selective residencies and retreats like Clarion or Writers & Illustrators of the Future bring together speculative writers for intensive weeks of connection.
  • Literary Festivals: Attend literary festivals and book fairs, especially those that feature speculative fiction authors. These events can provide opportunities to meet and connect with established writers and industry professionals.

Online platforms:

  • Engage online: Many online forums and communities cater specifically to speculative fiction writers. Participate in discussions, share your work, and connect with like-minded individuals for support and encouragement. Popular platforms include Reddit’s r/fantasywriters and r/scifiwriting, as well as genre-specific forums like CritSpace and Scribophile. Contribute guest posts to blogs or podcasts that focus on speculative fiction. This allows you to showcase your expertise, connect with other writers, and potentially reach a wider audience.
  • Social media: Utilize platforms like Twitter and Facebook to follow established authors, genre news sources, and writing resources. Engage in conversations, participate in writing challenges, and build your online presence to connect with other writers and readers.
  • Mentorship programs: Several organizations offer mentorship programs connecting aspiring writers with established authors in their niche. Look for opportunities from SFWA, Broad Universe, or local writing groups.

Creative collaborations:

  • Participate in online writing challenges: Joining online challenges themed around speculative fiction can be a fun way to stretch your creative muscles, network with other writers, and gain feedback on your work. Look for platforms like NaNoWriMo or genre-specific challenges on forums.
  • Collaborate on writing projects: Consider engaging in collaborative writing projects, like co-writing short stories or participating in online roleplaying games focused on your chosen genre. This can be a rewarding way to explore new ideas and learn from others.

Building relationships:

  • Connect with authors: While it’s important to be respectful of their time, sending polite and well-researched emails to authors you admire can lead to valuable advice, mentorship opportunities, or simply a boost of encouragement. Book events are excellent opportunities to meet authors in person, ask questions, and network with other fans and writers. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and share your passion for speculative fiction.
  • Be helpful and supportive: Contribute positively to online communities and writing groups. Offer constructive feedback, share resources, and celebrate the successes of others. Building a reputation for generosity and collaboration will attract others and expand your network.

What are some free resources I can use to improve my craft as a speculative fiction writer?

Writing Prompts and Inspiration:

  • r/WritingPrompts subreddit: This subreddit offers a daily dose of fresh writing prompts for all genres, including plenty of mind-bending sci-fi and fantastical scenarios.
  • Daily Science Fiction: Get your daily dose of short sci-fi stories and prompts to jumpstart your imagination.
  • Fantasy Flight Games: This game company’s website offers themed generators for everything from character names to alien planets, perfect for sparking inspiration.
  • NaNoWriMo Writing Camp: Join the thousands taking part in this annual novel-writing challenge for a month of dedicated writing and a supportive community.

Craft and Skill Development:

  • Writer’s Digest: This website is a comprehensive resource for writers, offering numerous articles and ebooks on world-building, character development, plotting, and genre-specific writing tips.
  • Clarkesworld Magazine: This award-winning sci-fi and fantasy magazine offers free monthly “Craft Talks” by established authors on various writing topics.
  • K.M. Weiland’s Helping Writers Become Authors: This author’s website is a goldmine of free blog posts and resources on plot, character arcs, and building suspense, with specific sections dedicated to fantasy and sci-fi.
  • YouTube Channels: Many channels like Writer’s Digest, Holly Lisle, Chuck Wendig, and Jessica Brody offer insightful and entertaining videos on writing techniques, genre-specific advice, and author journeys.
  • MIT OpenCourseWare – Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing: Access free course materials from MIT’s undergraduate writing course focused on speculative fiction.

Feedback and Community:

  • Critique Circle: This online platform allows you to share your work with fellow writers and professional editors for free feedback and critique.
  • Wattpad: This community-driven platform allows you to share your writing and receive feedback from readers, especially helpful for exploring genre trends and audience engagement.
  • Discord Servers: Join genre-specific Discord servers like the Speculative Fiction Writers’ Guild or CritSpace for discussions, workshops, and critique opportunities amongst aspiring and established writers.
  • Local Writing Groups: Check your library, bookstore, or community center for free writing groups where you can share your work and receive feedback in a supportive setting.

Podcasts and Audiobooks:

  • Writing Excuses: This fun and informative podcast hosted by several professional authors tackles writing and publishing challenges in a lighthearted way.
  • Levar Burton Reads: Relive your childhood fantasies by listening to audiobooks narrated by the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation actor, featuring classics like The Hobbit and Ender’s Game.
  • Escape Pod and Cast of Wonders: These science fiction and fantasy audiobook podcasts offer a curated selection of free short stories to immerse yourself in different writing styles and subgenres.

Further Suggestions

After synthesizing the suggestions Bard, Claude, and ChatGPT gave me, I asked Bard for some suggestions we hadn’t explored yet. While it did give me some information we’ve previously reviewed (like mentorships), it also suggested playing with interactivity and media for speculative fiction as a genre. I found it interesting that it gave me suggestions for art rather than for career advancement. After changing “suggestions” to “tips” and clarifying that I wanted advice for writers starting their careers, it didn’t give any new information, just things we have already explored. I would like to think that the lists generated above provide a comprehensive guide for starting my writing career. 

Concluding Thoughts

I opted to keep the responses from the AIs in the list format because it’s easier for me to navigate and refer back to whenever I want to revisit the information. It may not be the most strictly neat or organized format, but it’s what is helpful to me, and therefore it’s going to stay that way.

Unfortunately, the AIs told me a lot of information I already knew. I am already very familiar with what skills and documents I need to get published in my field. I was also familiar with several tips, especially on writing more and finding inspiration. 

The AIs did, however, provide me with a lot of valuable information on how to build a community in writing. Being a writer is often very solitary, and I’ve been lost when it comes to finding a group of people to engage with, especially for free. Genuine feedback is something I crave and something I know will help me improve my craft, but it’s difficult to find without knowing how to reach out and get sugar-coated feedback from friends and family who don’t want to hurt your feelings.

The next step I want to take is to start building an online presence and find the community I need to share my work and make it the best it can be. I have already created an email address for writing purposes only that uses my pen name, so I can use that to continue building an online presence. Twitter and Discord are probably good starting places for me, as well as a Tumblr site. I know Tumblr isn’t as popular as it used to be, but it has a thriving writing community and I want to delve into that further.

I’m feeling better about my chances of coming into this community. I’m not so far gone that I think I’m going to get wildly famous and successful, but I do think that I’ll be able to at least get some level of exposure for my writing. 

I still don’t like AI, but I’m willing to acknowledge it as a pretty good search engine.