Science Fiction & Techno Thriller Writing & Editorial Group

This group’s purpose is to provide a forum for Sci-Fiction, Science-Fantasy, and Techno Thriller fiction writers to share their stories each week with fellow enthusiasts to get feedback on their writing. The author will provide printed copies of his or her work not to exceed eight (8) pages, 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, indented with no spaces between paragraphs to be passed out to the attendees. Then, the author or a surrogate will read the pages aloud. If the author is uncomfortable with reading aloud, the group has a designated reader to assist.

The entire group will follow along and edit the story. This shall include, but not be limited to, missing or misplaced punctuation, scene change suggestions, word or phrase choice suggestions, organization suggestions, and grammar options. Please note that all edits and suggestions are optional for the author. We are merely providing an interested audience for your work.

The group will accept novels, novellas, short stories, plot synopses, and query letters.

For the purpose of this group, “Science Fiction” shall mean stories that contain or are based upon:

• hard science fact or theories (physics, chemistry, geology, metallurgy, power systems, subatomic and exotic particles, computer systems (AI and others), biotechnology, etc.)
• future-gen high-tech devices
• cyberpunk stories that contain plausible explanations of the functions of the technologies
• plausible space travel theories and interplanetary anything
• explorations of the human condition set in a future or alternate reality

For the purpose of this group, “Science Fantasy” shall mean stories that contain or are based upon:

• space ships with popular, non-scientific propulsion systems and space operas
• anachronistic elements (knights with lasers, modern/future man in prehistoric situations, etc.)
• fallen societies or resurrecting them (e.g. Asimov’s Foundation, Battlefield Earth, etc.)
• exploring alien worlds and civilizations
• future speculative geo-political elements, including religion but only if integral to the story
• alternate realities

For the purpose of this group, “Techno-Thriller” shall mean stories in the styles of Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, James Rollins, David Baldacci, Vince Flynn, Michael Crichton, Stephen Coonts, et cetera.

Non-Fiction works will also be considered on an individual basis.

A small but powerful library of reference books on writing shall be on hand at each meeting for group attendees to reference.

Please refrain from bringing stories that typify the fantasy genre—e.g. stories that contain magical powers, mythical beings (elves, fairies, dragons, wizards, etc.), and/or supernatural powers not based in scientific theory (think X-Men, vampires and the like, demons, witchcraft, etc.)—unless those stories are based upon the Sci-Fi or Sci-Fan principles outlined above.

Caveat: If someone brings a story about space-faring dinosaur wizards who use wormholes for travel, we will definitely consider it!

Our standard reference for style and usage is the Chicago Manual of Style. Since most publishers use this manual, we will as well. Don't forget to add page numbers to your pages. Also, you may use line numbers if you wish, but they are optional.

Attendees are expected to maintain a professional academic comportment, including refraining from profanity. Please provide constructive comments only. Thank you!