Speculative Fiction: A Writer's Guide and Anthology (Bloomsbury Writer's Guides and Anthologies) Paperback – February 19, 2026

In a time defined by uncertainty, change and inequality, speculative fiction is fast-becoming the genre of the 21st century. Straddling genres such as fantasy, science fiction, dystopia, alternative history, and horror, this book is a comprehensive introduction to the art of writing in this imaginative, fluid, and inclusive mode. An all-in-one textbook combining a craft guide with an extensive, diverse anthology, Speculative Fiction explores the multiplicity of influences that the genre has consumed and incorporated, digs into techniques specific to speculative writing, and gives writers exercises and prompts to begin their own works. In addition, Speculative Fiction features: - Annotated stories to showcase speculative techniques in practice - Interviews with authors about the use of craft in their speculative work - Detailed exploration of techniques from world-building to creating characters to plots and conflict in a specifically speculative mode - Chapters on finding a speculative writing community and workshopping writing within the genreFeaturing the works of such authors as George Saunders, Carmen Maria Machado, Joyce Carol Oates, Sofia Samatar, Rebecca Roanhorse, and many more, this book gives writers the resources to write boldly, differently and freely as they embrace stories that defy, undermine, and subvert reality to welcome hitherto censored or silenced voices, visions, and points of view. Read more