Written by Corrie Schuster, co-chair of the Black Events and Exhibits Committee, Library Services Assistant, Mariemont Branch
The Library’s Black Events and Exhibits Committee (BEEC), in partnership with the Midwest Black Speculative Fiction Alliance, is bringing a virtual Black Speculative Fiction Authors Panel to community members this fall.
This panel honors Black Speculative Fiction Month, which occurs each October. Speculative fiction might sound like an intimidating term, but it just means “a broad literary genre encompassing any fiction with supernatural, fantastical, or futuristic elements.” Some common types of speculative fiction are science fiction, fantasy, or horror. We have attached some resources below to learn more about speculative fiction and what it is exactly.
What is Speculative Fiction? | Imagining the End
What Is Speculative Fiction? Definitions + Examples
Midwest Black Speculative Fiction Alliance
It’s important to highlight diversity within literature, and specifically speculative fiction, which has historically been so overwhelmed by white authors and stories. Diversity in literature is important for everyone: it expands our horizons, helps us understand others, and connects us with more creators.
We are joined by four authors for this special online event: Zig Zag Claybourne, Charlie Eskew, B. Sharise Moore, and Krystal Smith. Our panelists embody the diversity that spans the speculative fiction genre. Attendees learn more about each author’s work, their creative process, and the importance of diversity within speculative fiction. You can learn more about each author by exploring their websites.
The Black Speculative Fiction Authors Panel is 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Registration is required. If you are unable to make it, there's good news! You can watch a recorded version of the event later online. The event is being moderated by Dani McClain, the Library’s Writer-in-Residence. We hope to see you there!
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