Aurealis editor at the Sydney Writers Festival

Speculative and fantasy fiction continues to grow in popularity with readers of all ages. How do writers create engaging and believable worlds? How do characters contribute to world-building and what cultural influences are at play?

This is what the focus will be at the Sydney Writers Festival event in Blacktown City on Tuesday, May 20 from 6.30pm.

The Sydney Writers Festival is in its 11th year and will see many of the world's greatest writers and thinkers converge in Sydney at the many events and activities taking place - including Blacktown City.

 Practical Philosopy and Speculative Fiction

From ABC Radio's The Philosopher's Zone, a conversation with author Bernard Beckett about his novel Genesis in which Plato's philosophy is put into practice. It's available for download, streaming, or as a transcript.

Carissa's Weblog

 Jack Dann's anthology shortlisted

Jack Dann's Wizards (called Dark Alchemy here and in the UK) that he co-edited with Gardner Dozois has just been shortlisted for the Shirley Jackson Award.

 "Stars of Speculative Fiction"

Mark S Deniz has a number of interviews with Australians in SF, including most recently Kaaron Warren, Martin Livings and Nathan Burrage. Check out the "Stars of Speculative Fiction" category on his blog for other interviews.

Carissa's Weblog