August 2024 View online
SLF Monthly Newsletter

What's in this month's issue:

  • SLF awarded National Book Foundation Capacity-Building Grant
  • SLF staff updates
  • SLF at 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest
  • Fall Deep Dish events
  • Call for volunteers
  • Co-writing opportunities
  • Membership
  • Opportunities for writers
Speculative Literature Foundation awarded National Book Foundation Capacity-Building Grant
The Speculative Literature Foundation is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $5,000 Capacity-Building Grant from the National Book Foundation. The SLF is one of 49 nonprofit literary arts organizations across the United States awarded grants to support projects that build organizational capacity and ensure greater sustainability.
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SLF staff updates
SLF staff updates
The SLF bids a fond farewell to Managing Director Darius Vinesar. Although Darius has stepped down from the day-to-day management of the SLF, he can still be found on our member Discord and at our Deep Dish readings. Connor Nevitt (left) will be assuming the role of Associate Director. A UIC graduate and avid creative writer with a love for all things fantastical, Connor is excited to immerse himself in the industry and help other writers thrive in it. Please join us in welcoming him to this new role.
SLF at 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest
The SLF will be an exhibitor at the 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest, set for Saturday, September 7 & Sunday, September 8, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. This free event takes place on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B Wells to Polk Street. Come say hello!
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SLF at 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest
Deep Dish Reading Series
The next events in our Deep Dish Reading Series are in the works for October and November 2024! Chicagoland writers, join us at an upcoming Deep Dish to share your recent publication or work in progress. Fill out the form at the bottom of our Deep Dish page to learn more.
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Deep Dish Reading Series
Call for volunteers
The SLF has in-person and remote volunteer opportunities for writers and readers who would like to help advance our mission and network with others in the spec lit community. Interested? Email Volunteer Coordinator Angeli Primlani at angeli@speculativeliterature.org to learn more.
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Join our writing community
The SLF hosts regular Saturday co-writing sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. These sessions are for writers who would like support for their writing, and are currently open and free of charge to anyone interested in being a part of our writing community. These sessions are a great time to catch up on the writing you’ve been meaning to do, in the supportive presence of others doing the same.
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Membership
Not a member yet? The SLF serves the speculative literature community through support from people like you. Members receive benefits including access to the SLF Discord, discounts on SLF events, programs and courses and more!
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Opportunities for writers

The Corsicana Artist and Writer Residency is accepting applications for 2025 residencies. The program provides two-month funded residencies at 100 West, a three-story 1890s Odd Fellows Lodge in downtown Corsicana, TX, hosting two artists and one writer with private studios and complete lodging each term. Funding covers all studio and lodging accommodations and public programming. Travel, meal, material, and research expenses are the resident’s responsibility. Learn more and apply by Sept. 1 at corsicanaresidency.org/apply.  

Uncanny Magazine is open to story submissions from August 5 to September 2. Uncanny is looking for original, unpublished speculative fiction stories between 750-10,000 words. Payment is $.10 per word (including audio rights). Learn more and submit by Sept. 2 at uncannymagazine.com/submissions.

South Arts' Individual Artist Career Opportunity Grant supports a milestone opportunity in an artist's career that will likely lead to substantial career advancement. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for opportunities taking place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Learn more and apply by Sept. 3 at southarts.org/grants-opportunities/individual-artist-career-opportunity-grants.

The Salam Award Writers Workshop is open for applications for its 2025 session. The workshop will be held February 17-27, 2025 in Lahore, Pakistan with lead instructors Karen Joy Fowler and Amal El-Mohtar. This workshop will exclusively focus on enhancing and furthering speculative fiction writing and authors. If accepted, conference fees are PKR 40,000 and cover three meals, accommodation at LUMS, instruction costs, and all materials. Limited scholarships are available. Learn more and apply by Sept. 7 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclyxBVIX6nT51zMHYJpy7LKy_KFZpMGUhDiEzUBbJc5y37FA/viewform. 

The International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts' Imagining Indigenous Futurisms Award recognizes emerging authors who use science fiction to address issues of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. Learn more and apply by Dec. 1 at iaftfita.wildapricot.org/Imagining-Indigenous-Futurisms-Award.

The Speculative Literature Foundation is partially funded by grants from the Oak Park Area Arts Council, Village of Oak Park, Illinois Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation and The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association.