We are seekers…
We’re too time-poor to read boring speculative fiction. Let alone waste our time writing it.
We are readers and writers who engage deeply. We read and write broadly and bravely. We see different worlds. We are open-minded: we love other perspectives. We are intrigued by the ways and whys of how humans think and act in the world.
We don’t have all the answers; we know nobody has all the answers. We are always searching for crystalline moments of new insight, that ring like a bell and ignite the spark of wonder and awe. We delve into the structure of reality, into the human condition, and what it means to be here, on this planet, in this moment.
We are Spec. Fic. Society.
Read latest articles now
Here at Spec. Fic. Society, we explore science fiction and fantasy stories that open our minds and touch our hearts. We want stories that live on in us, rent-free, forever. We also explore writing tools and techniques that help us write better SFF. Let’s go on this journey together.
Kickstarter prelaunch: Holometabola is coming!
Our inaugural fantasy and science fiction anthology, crafted for readers who crave depth and characters that will grab you from the moment you enter their world.
The Familiar, by Leigh Bardugo: historical fantasy that will emotionally devastate you
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a lyrical, musical Cinderella-meets-Hunger Games retelling that will break you. Don't say we didn't warn you.
A neurological condition you’ve probably never heard of
I've been struggling with a neurological condition called PPPD and I wanted to give an update of how it's impacting me.
Nine unexpected lessons I learnt at my first writing residency
My first writing residency was a mental challenge that has changed the way I approach my writing. Here's the nine unexpected lessons I learnt.
Browse the library
These are books published by the authors in our Spec. Fic. Society community! We are proud to share the works being written by our community of readers across science fiction and fantasy, in both trad and indie publishing. Dive in and find your next favourite read.
Would you like to showcase your book to the Spec. Fic. Society readership? Submit here! It's free, and exclusive for newsletter subscribers (also free).
Revealing Fate
Fate chose her mate. Her heart chose her enemy. Felíne, the princess of Asteros, is prophesied by the Goddess to break an ancient curse, a task that could claim her life. When her destined path is unexpectedly derailed by the rebel warrior, Kalevar Kaine, Felíne is...
In the Name of Pride
IN THE NAME OF PRIDE is the highly anticipated sequel in the award-winning Vows & Valor adult fantasy trilogy, where the one place Kaleela always wanted to be is now the one place she can't escape. Dimitar must find a way to overcome his inner demons and reach...
Mind Games
Infamous hacker Kristoph and his best friend, wealthy heiress and art student Elene barely escape with their lives after Kristoph is hired to download a top-secret file known as Plan43 from RamCo, the world’s most powerful Mega-Corporation. In a bid to protect Elene...
Young Skin
Renowned Italian tattoo artist, Bart, has developed a rather... unconventional business model. He signs contracts with his clients so he owns their skin, even after they pass away. When a prolific client suggests modifying a tattoo in a way that has never been done...
Hello, fellow readers and writers
My name is Jemma, I’m an author and writer, and I thrive on being part of the bookish community. I’m a reader and a learner, and I yearn for stories that challenge, go broader and deeper, and don’t just reinforce what has come before. I know the struggle of finding time to read and write, and I want my time to be well-spent.
That’s why I started Spec. Fic. Society: a place for readers and writers like me to gather. I’m a teacher with a Ba. Sci. Comm. (Hons), Grad. Dip. Ed. and M. Ed. and my default question when I learn something new and wonderful is, “Who do I know that this could help?” Hopefully, that’s you. Welcome!
Sign up for Spec. Fic. Society newsletter
Welcome to Spec. Fic. Society, where we explore SFF that goes further. You’ll find articles here exploring SFF stories, tropes, characters, worlds, or writing tools, to expand your experience of SFF.
Sign up for our FREE quarterly email newsletter for exclusive extras!
- Access to our Book Blasts: get your book in front of our SFF readers, and posted on Instagram and Threads to over 2.8k readers and writers.
- Behind the scenes of my WIP novels and adventures in the literary industry.
- Mini-reviews of the other stories and genres in my broad reading spectrum that I’m finding wonderful.
- Friend-links to read my articles on Medium without a paid subscription.
- Exclusive discount on my web design and photo services.
- Plus, get The Story Bridge Tool for structuring a best-selling novel, and The SFF Last Books on Earth: thirty(ish) books you must have in your end-of-the-world library.
Some of the tropes I love are…
- Stories where our human past is buried deep beneath the layers of the current society.
- Heroines that are more than just super amazing bad-asses at physical combat.
- Science fiction worlds that are more than stories that just happen to be on a spaceship in space.
- Clever and unique magic systems. Preferably ones that feel like they are based in pseudo-science.
- Post-apocalyptic worlds more than a zombie landscape where people do terrible things to each other. (I’m all for doing terrible things, but has to be for very good reasons – not just because they’re evil.)
… and if you like these too, you’ll be right at home here.
Get this when you sign up!
What is Spec. Fic. Society about?
- Science fiction and fantasy book and story recommendations that will grab you, expand your mind and live on rent-free in your mind and heart forever. Mostly books, sometimes short stories, TV shows and movies.
- Explorations of genre tropes, exemplary characters, and wonderful world building.
- Tools for SFF authors: strategies, systems and gadgets for writing wonderful SFF.
- Emails, about once a quarter, if you sign up for them.
All the articles you can eat
Dive into the articles of Spec. Fic. Society here!
Kickstarter prelaunch: Holometabola is coming!
Our inaugural fantasy and science fiction anthology, crafted for readers who crave depth and characters that will grab you from the moment you enter their world.
The Familiar, by Leigh Bardugo: historical fantasy that will emotionally devastate you
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is a lyrical, musical Cinderella-meets-Hunger Games retelling that will break you. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
A neurological condition you’ve probably never heard of
I’ve been struggling with a neurological condition called PPPD and I wanted to give an update of how it’s impacting me.
Nine unexpected lessons I learnt at my first writing residency
My first writing residency was a mental challenge that has changed the way I approach my writing. Here’s the nine unexpected lessons I learnt.
Writing the Journey: a walking writing exercise from my residency in rural New South Wales
This walking writing exercise will take you and your character on a journey through emotional, sensory and physical details to map a story.
The Thinning, by Inga Simpson: a near-future speculative thriller
The Thinning is a near future Australian speculative novel that frames main character Fin’s experience in a world falling apart.
Pirates and Courtiers, by Gabrielle Davis, launched at Avid Reader in Brisbane
Pirates and Courtiers by Gabrielle Davis is a fantasy novel that will appeal to readers of all ages, and second of Road to Freedom series.
GenreCon 2026: Inklings, same-same but different genre writers’ conference
GenreCon 2026: Inklings was same-same but different for this year’s iteration of the flagship genre writers’ conference.
Fractal, by Shae Nicholson, launched at Forever Fables in Maroochydore
Fractal by Shae Nicholson is a dual timeline eco thriller set in Brisbane and the UK, when a deadly lichen causes a mass exodus of the UK.
Playing with time without the tangle: writing time travel stories
Writing time travel stories is a complex endeavour. Learn about the types of time travel in stories, consequences, and grounding the reader.
The inaugural Spec. Fic. Society anthology is coming!
Spec. Fic. Society anthology: we are publishing an anthology of short stories from emerging, award-winning and dedicated authors.
The Fifth Season, by N. K. Jemisin: world-building and character-driven plot like no other
The Fifth Season novel by N. K. Jemisin is a stunning example of world-building with a rich character-driven plot unlike any other.
Explore
Popular
The inaugural Spec. Fic. Society anthology is coming!
Spec. Fic. Society anthology: we are publishing an anthology of short stories from emerging, award-winning and dedicated authors.
What is the brain uploading trope? When human minds don’t need to live in human brains
Brain uploading trope is a mainstay of sci fi stories, with plenty philosophical quandaries. These books and shows will get you started.
Read my winning short story: “Tremble” in March 2024 Right-Left-Write
My short story “Tremble” won the March 2024 Right Left Write competition run by Queensland Writers Centre. Read it here.
Sign up for free Spec. Fic. Society newsletter
Join Spec. Fic. Society and get SFF articles and exclusives hand-delivered (by internet robots) to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you The Story Bridge Tool for structuring a best-selling novel, and The SFF Last Books on Earth: thirty(ish) books you must have in your end-of-the-world library. You'll also be eligible for free Book Blasts, to share your books with our readers!