Speculative Fiction (SFChat) List

A few days ago, the blog carried a short piece from former IWW administrator about cursing and swearing in speculative and science fiction. Shortly afterward there came a plea, "Ooo! do tell where the sf chat list can be found ... "

SFCHAT is one of the focused-topic discussion lists under the umbrella of The Internet Writing Workshop.

Find the details here.

Greg Gunther, chief administrator of the IWW and a SFCHAT member, says "What kind of conversations thrive on any discussion list? Sometimes, someone says something that resonates with another member, and they begin a thread. Not predictable to me. Just something from a person's life that another person tickles.

Other times, someone will make an outrageous statement that also has some truth behind it, and off we go on a discussion. One thing I can be certain of, if someone makes a statement of truth, another person will contradict it. It kind of goes like a wave, where those who agree will reply first, and later, the wave with turn to disagreement. Or vice versa.

I have tried to post thoughts that I hoped others would reply to, but that usually does not work. Ah, sweet mystery of life ...

Gayle Surrette, the moderator of SFCHAT, says " ... what helps is to post questions with a beginning point for conversation and hope someone picks up on it. I'd certainly like help with getting conversation going on it. Right now, I'm going to be a guest at several upcoming Science Fiction Convention and reading like crazy but the few times I've posted about books -- fell flat. Ideas welcome to get things moving ...

The list is for discussion of SF/F/H topics -- this is from the FAQ:

• WHAT SHOULD WE TALK ABOUT?

This list serves as an arena for discussing subjects directly related to writing and publishing science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but which cannot be handled on the workshop lists under the headings of subs and crits. As such, it's a place to share your yahoos and boohoo's, if you wish, especially if we can all benefit by something you learned in the process.

SFChat operates under a narrow charter: to discuss the BUSINESS of writing speculative fiction. Topics here should focus on aspects of writing and marketing non-fiction. Participants may share market information, discuss what works and what doesn't, and bandy about marketing ideas. As well, this list is to discuss the nuts and bolts of SF/F/H writing that would not be of interest to the general population of writers such as: world building, magic system development, physiology of monsters, etc. I think you get the idea if it's of interest to any writer then post to the writing list if of interest mostly to those in these areas of SF/F/H then post it here.

This list does not take the place of the main Writing list, and messages of general interest are better suited for that list. These might include good-byes, laments about writer's block, existential musings on the rightful place of art in a commercial world, announcements that you've discovered a backwards-rhyming dictionary on the WWW, personal observations on the deteriorating quality of readers or writers, rants about editors, rants about publishers, alerts about agents, requests for research assistance, and so forth.

On the other hand, appropriate topics for discussion might include the following:

• Using the web as a research tool.
• Finding writing jobs on the web.
• Querying and submitting by email or floppy disc.
• Conferences or workshops for SF/F/H writers.
• New markets.
• Query letters.
• How to turn an short story into a book.
• Matching the idea to the reader.
• Putting focus in your fiction.
• World building
• Neat science ideas that could lead to stories