Writing In The Speculative Genre

My name is MJ Huntsgood, and I am a speculative horror author with award-nominated speculative fiction published in literary magazines, anthologies, and across the internet. I've taught classes online, at conventions, and in other venues. I'd love to bring my knowledge to the community.

In this one-hour workshop, we’ll explore how to use speculative elements (science fiction, fantasy, horror, slipstream, dystopian, surreal) as tools for storytelling rather than decoration. The focus is on clarity, emotional stakes, and ideas that actually sustain a narrative.

This session blends short craft discussion with guided writing exercises, so you’ll leave with new material on the page, not just notes.

In this workshop, you’ll:

• Learn a simple framework for generating speculative premises from personal, social, or philosophical questions
• Explore how to ground speculative concepts in character and emotion
• Draft a short piece or opening scene using a focused speculative constraint
• Get tools you can reuse for future stories, regardless of subgenre

This workshop is for:

• Writers interested in speculative fiction (SF, fantasy, hybrid, literary speculative)
• Writers who want their work to feel meaningful, not gimmicky
• Writers comfortable doing short writing exercises

You don’t need to be published, but some prior writing experience is helpful. This is not a critique workshop.

Format: 1.5 hours
Includes: Craft guidance, writing exercises, and optional sharing
Bring: Something to write with and a willingness to experiment (a limited number of pens and notebooks will be available)