I love this thread already. Glad to see so many spec fic writers appear.
I'm not really sure what spec fiction is, but I have a feeling I might be writing it.
This is a fair enough comment. I entrust my overlord, wikipedia, to clear things up:
Speculative fiction is an umbrella term encompassing the more fantastical fiction genres, specifically science fiction, fantasy, horror, weird fiction, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history in literature.
I say spec fic instead of science fiction as it's more all encompassing. It also seems to break down the walls between "genre" writers and "literature" writers. Authors like Kurt Vonnegut and Margaret Attwood seem/seemed to fight against being classified as science fiction, for whatever reasons.
I write sci fi (mostly space opera) and fantasy. And is it romance that's so hot right now or erotica? Honestly coming to KB a couple of years ago was an eye opener. I'd never heard of tentacle sex before (he says shuddering) or bigfoot sex etc. I read these threads and constantly think to myself - people really write this stuff? But it seems to be doing well right now so obviously there's a market.
One of the reasons I wanted to start this thread! Every second signature has abs, tits, or arse! I don't want to sledge people who write that sort of stuff, but it's a whole different beast from spec fic - it's awesome if we can raise the profile of it. I think speculative fiction readers are very open minded, and open to new voices and new ideas. For us, this represents all sorts of opportunities for indie fiction.
My favourite spec fiction novels:
Slaughterhouse 5 - Kurt Vonnegut
The Road - Cormac McCarthy
Wool - Hugh Howey
Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card
Flowers for Algernon - Daniel Keyes
Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess