What we’re about

Speculative Ink is a community for speculative fiction writers who seek not only to write, but to share the worlds they create. We are a welcoming, in-person group, always curious and always chill, founded in 2013. (Check out our Instagram!)

Our group includes people from all walks of life and at every stage of their journey — from those just starting out to award-winning short story writers and published novelists.

At the heart of our group are our twice-monthly, in-person critique sessions. A week before each session, a few members share their work via email. Everyone who plans to attend reads, reflects, and comes ready to offer thoughtful, supportive feedback in a safe and encouraging space.

While focus on bi-monthly critiques, we also coordinate other writing-related activites. It's a great way to stay motivated and accountable!

If you're someone who loves writing fantasy, sci-fi, or other speculative fiction and wants to take your work seriously — while connecting with a warm, inspiring community — we’d love to hear from you.

Please answer a few quick questions, and we’ll get back to you soon.

(Just a quick note: At this time, we focus on fiction — we don't critique screenplays or poetry.)

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We love Speculative Ink because:

Our critiques bring out our best
- We get real feedback, not just half-hearted pleasantries. That said, we are kind to each other, always.
- Our feedback doesn’t only try to fix what’s written poorly – it highlights and encourages what’s written beautifully.
- We think giving critiques is as important as having our own work critiqued – we’re all in this to help each other grow.
Our approach is open-minded
- From mainstream to experimental, across genres and styles, we all do our own thing. There’s no wrong way to write!
- But we know that sometimes our own thing isn’t quite working. So we’re open to hearing strategies on how we can be ourselves better.
Our writers are diverse in every way
- Submissions and critiques come from a wide range of voices and backgrounds – including but not limited to perspective, age, gender, race, culture, etc.
Our vibe is chill
- We have no requirements other than - 1: Show up when you can. 2: Show kindness when you’re here. (No pressure, no pretence, just presence!)
- Spec Ink has been a volunteer, writer-run group for years (we don’t even know how many) – and it has lasted this long because our writers make it easy for our volunteers to run.
Our community is emotionally mature
- Individually, we’re strong, independent, and capable. We’re vulnerable when we share work, kind when we give feedback, and resilient when facing challenges.