R-SPEC

Rochester Speculative Literature Association, Inc. 501(c)(3)–Supporting science fiction, fantasy & horror writers in Rochester, NY. Find us @

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

On March 15, SFWA announced the 2025 Nebula Awards Finalists as chosen by SFWA members.

On May 5, R-SPEC and its members will hold our own (non-binding) voting for Best Nebula Short Story.

For the meeting link and story list > https://t.co/Rrf0DRteLl

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

For the R-SPEC’s April 7, 2026, meeting, please join the R-SPEC Team and @AlanVMichaels to share your story, poem, or any writing roadblocks you’re facing.

We hope to see you there!

Details and meeting link… https://t.co/mQtJiBRSzC

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

In our March workshop, the R-SPEC Team will explore writing ultra-short stories, which requires a strong focus on a beginning, middle, and end within a tight, concise format. We'll explore and share how writing "short" helps you shape your longer stories.

https://t.co/g2lKISbVRh

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

On February 3 at 6:30pm, please join us for our Annual Business Meeting, and then an exceptionally sober look at and discussion centered on the question: Will A.I. replace humans in speculative fiction?

Details and meeting link… https://t.co/mQtJiBRSzC

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

For the R-SPEC’s January 6, 2026, meeting, please join the R-SPEC Team and @AlanVMichaels to share your story, poem, or any writing roadblocks you’re facing.

We hope to see you there!

Details and meeting link… https://t.co/g2lKISctGP

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

Hello, all!

Just a quick reminder that there is NO monthly meeting in December at Barnes & Noble next Tuesday, December 2.

We will resume our regular meetings in the new year on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Until then, happy holidays to you all!

[Edward Ashton @edashtonwriting]

For the first time ever, I'm trying to work on two different books at the same time. Not sure how this is gonna work out, but I will say that it's interesting to have two different sets of characters chasing each other around in my head.

[Edward Ashton @edashtonwriting]

If you happen to be at the Lake Placid Film Festival right now, be sure to stop by my session on Adaptation at noon. It's gonna be a hoot. 😇

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

For the R-SPEC’s November 4, 2025, meeting, please join the R-SPEC Team and @AlanVMichaels to share your story, poem, or any writing roadblocks you’re facing.

We hope to see you there!

Details and meeting link… https://t.co/mQtJiBSqpa

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

On Oct. 7, the R-SPEC team will suggest some of our favorite horror stories & novels. Bring an example or two of horror fiction to share. Tell us what won’t let you sleep at night, & what kept you turning the page to find out what happened next.
Info/link: https://t.co/Rrf0DRtMAT

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

On 9/2, the R-SPEC Team discusses how the myriad speculative fiction genres came to be & how the most-popular ones are influencing the world. Then, we’ll explore how your favorite speculative fiction genres can help bolster SF readers & authors alike.

👉 https://t.co/g2lKISbVRh

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

For the R-SPEC’s August 5, 2025, meeting, please join the R-SPEC Team and @AlanVMichaels to share your story, poem, or any writing roadblocks you're facing.

We hope to see you there!

Details and meeting link… https://t.co/g2lKISbVRh

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

The 60th Nebula Award for Short Story was on 6/7. Now, we’ll vote for the 2025 Hugo Award. On 7/1, we'll discuss 3 stories that made BOTH lists, and 3 that only made the Hugo list. Get reading today at the link below, then vote early for your favorite!

https://t.co/hOKao4J49T

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

All writers struggle with how to start, what to write, and how to push onward to the last sentence.

During our June 3 discussion, we’ll talk about tackling your writing roadblocks and share ideas on how to achieve your writing goals.

Meeting link > https://t.co/Eb81xLqIHT

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

On April 10, 2025, our friend and long-time coworker, Lynn Spitz set off on his journey to the stars.

Before our May 6 meeting, we will honor and share our thoughts of Lynn.

Our tribute page:
https://t.co/VTEltu1uYd

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

*Next week*, R-SPEC will be holding its non-binding vote for the Best Nebula Short Story of the year!

Check out the meeting information and the links to the six nominated short stories!👇

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

On March 12, SFWA announced this year’s Nebula Awards Finalists as chosen by SFWA members.

On May 6, R-SPEC will hold our own (non-binding) voting for Best Nebula Short Story.

For the meeting link and story list > https://t.co/Eb81xLqIHT

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

The Spring 2025 issue of UR’s alumni magazine Rochester Review is out and local author Edward Ashton’s @edashtonwriting multiple lives as a cancer researcher and SF author are highlighted in Luke Auburn’s excellent article.

Read it @
https://t.co/Xwp2bwBCLi

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

In just under two weeks, R-SPEC will be holding its non-binding vote for the Best Nebula Short Story of the year.

Check out the meeting information and the links to the six nominated short stories!👇

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

On March 12, SFWA announced this year’s Nebula Awards Finalists as chosen by SFWA members.

On May 6, R-SPEC will hold our own (non-binding) voting for Best Nebula Short Story.

For the meeting link and story list > https://t.co/Eb81xLqIHT

[Edward Ashton @edashtonwriting]

WNY friends: I'll be signing books tomorrow (4/19) at the Pittsford B&N from 1-4pm. These things can get lonely, so if you're in the area, please stop by to say hello. 😇

[R-SPEC @r_rspec]

On March 12, SFWA announced this year’s Nebula Awards Finalists as chosen by SFWA members.

On May 6, R-SPEC will hold our own (non-binding) voting for Best Nebula Short Story.

For the meeting link and story list > https://t.co/Eb81xLqIHT