Women of Horror and Speculative Fiction in Their Own Words: Conversations with Authors and Editors

This collection of interviews explores how science fiction genres challenge social conventions, particularly gender, by giving voice to women of different races, nations, classes, and sexual orientations who write and edit speculative fiction. It emphasizes the biographical dimension of speculative fiction, questions of intersectionality, genre (re)definitions, and the politicization of fiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Science fiction genres have a unique ability to challenge social conventions, particularly those related to gender. Through imaginative storytelling, these genres explore new possibilities and perspectives, challenging established norms and expectations. In this collection of interviews, we delve into the biographical dimension of speculative fiction, exploring questions of intersectionality, genre (re)definitions, and the politicization of fiction. We hear from a diverse range of women writers and editors who work in the field, including Ellen Datlow, Kathe Koja, Angela Mi Young Hur, Eugen Bacon, and Cat Rambo.

These interviews provide a powerful voice to women of different races, nations, classes, and sexual orientations who are actively involved in the creation and editing of speculative fiction. They shed light on how the intersection of genre and gender plays a crucial role in understanding this literary field, while also contextualizing and theorizing the interview itself as a literary genre and a research tool.

One of the key themes that emerges from these interviews is the importance of representation. Women writers and editors argue that speculative fiction has the power to challenge stereotypes and promote diversity by featuring characters and narratives that reflect the experiences of underrepresented individuals and communities. They highlight the need for more diverse representation in the field, not only in terms of gender but also in terms of race, ethnicity, sexuality, and ability.

Another important aspect of these interviews is the exploration of genre (re)definitions. Speculative fiction has traditionally been associated with escapism and fantasy, but these genres are also being used to address social and political issues. Women writers and editors argue that speculative fiction can be a powerful tool for promoting social change and challenging oppressive systems of power. They discuss how the genre can be used to explore alternative histories, alternative futures, and alternative ways of understanding the world.

The politicization of fiction is another theme that emerges from these interviews. Women writers and editors argue that speculative fiction can be used to explore and critique political systems, ideologies, and power structures. They discuss how the genre can be used to challenge dominant narratives and promote alternative perspectives on social issues.

In addition to these themes, the interviews also touch on the biographical dimension of speculative fiction. Women writers and editors discuss their personal experiences and how they have been influenced by their backgrounds and identities. They highlight the importance of representation and the need for diverse voices to be heard in the field.

Overall, this collection of interviews provides a rich and insightful perspective on the role of science fiction genres in challenging social conventions, particularly gender. It sheds light on the biographical dimension of speculative fiction, explores questions of intersectionality, genre (re)definitions, and the politicization of fiction. It gives voice to women of different races, nations, classes, and sexual orientations who are actively involved in the creation and editing of speculative fiction, and promotes a more diverse and inclusive literary field.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501384455