BSFW & Diana M Pho at the Brooklyn Book Festival, 2016
How did BSFW start?When he couldn't find a writing group that met at a time he was available or that specialized in speculative fiction (or both), Brad Parks created his own through Meetup.com. Thus was the Brooklyn Speculative Fiction Writers Group born.
Who are the Brooklyn Speculative Fiction Writers?We're a critique group for writers of speculative fiction, dedicated to raising the work of our members to a publishable, professional level. Even though the group is based in Brooklyn, many of our writers come from the other boroughs of the greater New York City metropolitan area, New Jersey, and even Massachusetts.
What method does BSFW use to critique writing?We use a version of the Clarion critique method. For a concise explanation of the Clarion method, click here.
What types of writers should attend?Anyone who wants to write speculative fiction. We have short story writers, novelists, screenwriters & playwrights , graphic novelists, poets, and more. Our current members come from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. BSFW is open to all genders, sexual orientations, religions, and races. The only prerequisite is that you come ready to write, learn, and give solid helpful feedback.
One of the distinguishing features of the BSFW is that we have two critique groups, one for short story critique, the other for novel length work. The novel meetup gives the long term and consistent feedback that is often missing. Writers can be in either critique or both! |
Helpful Critique Documents
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What is speculative fiction?
Speculative Fiction is an inclusive heading for the genres of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and all the sub-genres, cross genres, and non-genres (interfiction) that fall somewhere in that range. Speculative fiction, more than any other category of literature, contorts and tears apart the genre distinctions created to sell books.
What do you do besides critique stories?
Besides helping each other improve through constructive criticism, we also network with other writers, publishers, editors and agents.
Networking and Promotion Opportunities:
Networking and Promotion Opportunities:
- Book parties for our writers' publications at the Way Station Bar.
- Attend social events such as KGB Fantastic Fiction Reading Series, Readercon, and Swords & Sorcery Anthology Reception @ James Cummins Bookseller.
- Special meetings to discuss story structure, outlining, current markets, and features of good writing.
- Expert meetings with leaders in the business like Neil Clarke & Ellen Datlow
- Keep members informed on industry news and publication opportunities .
- Publication in the Kaleidocast, the BSFW audio fiction magazine.
- Opportunities to blog on themes having to do with our genre.
How do I join?
Go to our Meetup page and sign-up! Once you receive a welcome message from one of the organizers, you can immediately start attending events. This page contains helpful documents on how our procedures, critique, and attendance policies.
Please do read it it carefully. It's in everyone's best interest to know and adhere to the guidelines in order to receive the return on the time you invest in your writing.
Please do read it it carefully. It's in everyone's best interest to know and adhere to the guidelines in order to receive the return on the time you invest in your writing.