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Mary Anne, Ben, and Jed open the episode with a discussion on writing workshops. They explore the kinds of people and critique you can find within them, as well as the hierarchies that can form between student and teacher, between unexperienced and experienced writer. In the second half of the episode the trio react to some of the writing terms and axioms found in Bruce Stirling's "Turkey City Lexicon." Episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-38-show-notes/ Link to Turkey City Lexicon: https://www.sfwa.org/2009/06/18/turkey-city-lexicon-a-primer-for-sf-workshops/

As we draw close to the end of season 1 of MRAH, producer Darius figured it would be a good idea for Mary Anne and Ben reflect on some of their most influential writers and books, particularly the ones that have been mentioned a lot on the show. From the authors they adore, to writers couched in controversy, Mary Anne and Ben consider their importance to the podcast , the field, and their own writing. For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-37-show-notes/

In this follow up to episode 34, Mary Anne, Ben, and Jed continue their discussion about revising and workshopping, while giving advice on how to manage critique of your work, both good and bad.   For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-36-show-notes/ SLF Co-Writing details: https://speculativeliterature.org/saturday-co-writing-sessions/

Fred Berman reads a five minute sample from Ben's book, The Unraveling.  If you’re interested in purchasing Ben’s audiobook, read by Fred Berman: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Unraveling-Audiobook/B09NZLMRYM

Mary Anne and Ben invite actor, producer, and podcast host Fred Berman to discuss another part of his career in particular: audiobook narration. Starting with Fred's experience of reading Ben's new book, The Unraveling, the trio discuss the intricacies of audiobook narration, the voicing of characters outside our own experience and background, and the financial aspects of being an audiobook narrator.  If you're interested in purchasing Ben's audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Unraveling-Audiobook/B09NZLMRYM Check out Fred's podcast: https://www.fredberman.net/opening-weekend-podcast For episode show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-35

In the first part of a long discussion about the revision and workshop process, Mary Anne and Ben invite Jed Hartman on the show again to explore questions of inspiration, maturity, resilience, and voice when it comes to writing. For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-34-show-notes/ If you're interested in applying for any upcoming SLF grants check out: https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/

Mary Anne interviews George R. R. Martin about the writing of epic fantasy. How does one balance realism with fantastical elements? How did Martin approach the creation of the world of Westeros in Game of Thrones? What's the difference between the two kinds of writers Martin refers to as "architects" and "gardeners?" For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-33-show-notes/

How does a writer choose a theme to write about? Is it a conscious project, or more of a thing that comes to a writer through time and experience? This is the central question Mary Anne and Ben try to answer in this episode, using their own experiences, as well as the writing exercises, practices, and advice that have been helpful to them.  SLF Convention Support Grant: https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/convention-support-grant/ SLF Art Contest: https://speculativeliterature.org/call-for-artists-2022/ Show notes: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-32-show-notes/

Mary Anne interviews Filipino writer Vida Cruz about her experience going to cons, winning the Tiptree (now known as Otherwise) award, and what the sci-fi and fantasy community is like in the Philippines. For show notes, visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/ep-31-show-notes/

Portolan charts were maps used by sailors long ago to navigate the seas of the world, and to find harbor. Similarly, the Speculative Literature Foundation wants to chart the way for writers with Mary Anne's newest endeavor and baby, the Portolan Project. Mary Anne talks with Ben and show producer Darius about the ins and outs of the project, as well as its future goals and concerns.  We are running a Kickstarter right now to help fund the project, which you can find here at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mohanraj/the-slfs-portolan-writing-project-phase-1 For episode show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-30

Jed Hartman joins Mary Anne and Ben again to talk editing. From acquisitions to development, they discuss the many complex levels of editing as well as the editorial cultures that can arise in a workplace. Also important to the conversation is how they engage with dialectic decisions, especially when it comes to swearing, and whether or not you should hire an editor. For show notes visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-29

In a bustling café, Mary Anne sits down with writer, poet, and community organizer Scott Woods to talk about the importance of creative space and culture in a community. They also touch on Woods' Streetlight Guild space in Columbus, Ohio, as well as the importance of persistence in aiming for success. For show notes and a transcription of the interview, visit www.speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-28

Coming onto the show is Avery Alder, a game designer bringing a queer perspective to roleplaying games. Mary Anne and Ben talk with Avery about her various projects, the interesting aspects of narrative scaffolding and restraint offered by RPGs, and the genesis of Ben and Avery's collaboration on "Dream Askew" and "Dream Apart", two games of Belonging Outside Belonging. To find out more about Avery and her games, you can visit https://buriedwithoutceremony.com/ For show notes and more links, visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-27

Is there such a thing as good and bad writing? What place does absolutism and relativism have in the critique of writing quality? Or is it all just about reader pleasure? These are the questions that have been brought up time and time again over the years in heated debates between Mary Anne, Ben, and Jed. This time, they are bringing it to the podcast. For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-26 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

Mary Anne speaks with Kate Elliott about map making. What is the significance of having an internal map when world building? What are cultural icebergs and how can writers think about them? What types of things should be researched when building a believable world? For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-25 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

In this episode, Mary Anne brings on Ben to discuss agents. Both recount their experiences finding and working with agents, their importance to the field, proper etiquette in finding and speaking with them, and how Mary Anne should navigate her wide array of genre projects with an agent. For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-24 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

Mary Anne interviews Nalo Hopkinson, Andrea Hairston, and Sheree Renee Thomas about how the genre has evolved during their careers and how we can raise awareness of Black writers and their work. The four also discuss the dangers of self-selection and the importance of writing in community.  For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-23 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

A live reading of Benjamin Rosenbaum's short story "The Orange" by John Cameron Mitchell. Originally aired on the Selected Shorts Podcast in the episode "Improbable Dreams." Link to Selected Shorts site: https://www.symphonyspace.org/selected-shorts/episodes

In this vulnerable episode, Mary Anne and Ben share some of their biggest failures in their writing careers. The discussion also encompasses what it's like to deal with imposter syndrome, while also bearing the weight of creative ambition.  For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-22 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.

On his second appearance on the show, Jed Hartman discusses the origins of Strange Horizons with Mary Anne and Ben, and the difficulties they encountered with establishing its reputation and bringing a diversity of voices to the field. For show notes and links visit: https://speculativeliterature.org/episodes/#ep-21 If you enjoy this podcast, consider supporting us on Patreon. You can follow us on Twitter @mrahpodcast.