November means it's Speculative Poetry Month!
Speculative Poetry Month was established in 2017 as an initiative of the international Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association to highlight the poetry created by writers and artists across the globe that incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and other imaginative genres. SFPA hopes to introduce communities to the delights and benefits of reading and writing speculative poetry as well as make speculative poetry an important and innovative part of our cultural life. Already we have received several proclamations from state governors recognizing this occasion and we appreciate everyone who is taking the time to participate.
Speculative poetry has produced some of the world’s leading creative artists and influential books, performances, and exhibitions. Through their verse, they have inspired other artists, educators, and community builders across the ages. Almost every state in the US serves as the home of numerous speculative poets, writing groups, and historic events connected to speculative poetry. This year is particularly significant as the Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association is celebrating 45 years this year.
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association was established in 1978 by Suzette Haden-Elgin and has an international membership representing over 19 nations and cultures including United States, Italy, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Poland, Denmark, Germany, France, Spain, Israel, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, the Hmong, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The current Grand Masters of Speculative Poetry include: Akua Lezli Hope, Mary Soon Lee, Linda D. Addison, Ann K. Schwader, David C. Kopaska-Merkel, Marge Simon, Steve Sneyd (RIP), Jane Yolen, Ray Bradbury (RIP), Robert Frazier and Bruce Boston.
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Poetry Association publishes two journals: Star*Line and Eye to the Telescope. It oversees three major literary awards for poetry: The Rhyslings, the Dwarf Stars, and the Elgin Awards. It also conducts an annual science fiction poetry contest and other special events and gatherings. Further, SFPA provides resources for emerging and established poets seeking professional publication and networking opportunities.
Already, volunteers and friends of SFPA have been organizing readings, online conversations, sharing poetry and writing tips, as well as news about this year's winners of the Rhyslings, Dwarf Stars and Elgin Awards. Recently, the winners of the annual Speculative Poetry Contest were also announced. SFPA members are also swapping books, donating others to Little Free Libraries, reviewing speculative poetry collections on Amazon, Goodreads and other sites, conducting interviews with fellow poets and artists, and looking for inventive ways to share creative verse with each other. Be sure to check out the SFPA on Facebook, Instagram, the Discord Server, and other popular social media sites for the latest events and upcoming opportunities.