Speculative fiction

900 300 Writer and the Wolf Editorial
So-called because it speculates on what could be, speculative fiction is tricky to pin down because it’s such a broad genre heading. In a teeny tiny nutshell, spec-fic typically encompasses sci-fi, fantasy and supernatural horror, because stories ask ‘what would happen if…?’ and throw up some pretty otherworldly, unlikely scenarios for characters to deal with. These are scenarios that would be impossible in the world as we know it, like zombies going on a rampage or the sun freezing overnight and turning the earth to ice. Speculative fiction is like a super-genre, incorporating several popular, meaty genres within it.

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Siobhan O'Brien Holmes

Siobhan O'Brien Holmes is a developmental editor working with middle grade and YA authors. She specialises in speculative and genre fiction, particularly horror, fantasy, mystery, sci-fi and anything with a dash of magic or macabre. She is a member of the SfEP, EFA, ACES, British Fantasy Society, Horror Writers Association and SCBWI. She has an MA in Novel Writing and an MA in Children's Literature.

All stories by: Siobhan O'Brien Holmes