I need to schedule a bunch of SF/F writers, editors, etc. for both the podcast and our new Saturday panel series (think of it as a distributed convention!). I’m honestly a little spoiled for choice — I know SO MANY great people in the field, and I’m getting a little paralyzed trying to figure out whom to contact to be on various panels.
I also realized that while I read quite widely, it’s entirely possible I’ve missed some great folks, especially newer folks. So I want to build up some lists of recommendations, and I want to hit various diverse populations as part of that.
So here’s the first one — what living Black spec lit. writers do you love and/or consider essential / exciting / etc.? I’d love to see award winners, but also anyone you’re passionate about. People who are firmly embedded in genre are great, but I’m also open to people who publish speculative work in mainstream venues.
While we’re at it, I’d also like to hear recommendations for Black editors, agents, librarians, game designers, comic writers & artists.
(Note: ‘living’ as a criteria — as much as I would happily fill up my schedule with all-Octavia-all-the-time, that’s not possible.)
Photo for the algorithm — my last batch of paperwhites, helping to get me through until I can start digging in my garden.