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Rochester Speculative Literature Association

June 2026: Writing the Other

Submitted by melvin on Mon, 05/25/2026 - 06:24
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Writing the Other - R-SPEC Rochester Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. clockwise, from upper left: humanoid alien with tentacles around its mouth; smiling human woman, with dark skin, dangling earrings and tightly-curled hair; stern-looking, middle-aged human man with scarred face, wearing some type of high-tech armor; human zombie, in advanced state of decay, nose missing and eyes fully clouded; smiling pixie woman with very pale skin, blonde hair, and insectoid wings visible behind her head. (generative AI art produced by Gemini/NanoBanana2)

On June 2, the R-SPEC Team will discuss how to write clearly defined and believable characters. This “Writing the Other” technique helps your readers believe in your story, and the characters seem written with verisimilitude and honest research. Your characters help you convey the story and its underlying messages, and, ultimately, move the plot to its climax.

If you are asking yourself one or more of these questions, then join us for our June 2 meeting:

  • “How do I write about the ‘other?’ I mean, I’ve never met an alien or faerie.”
  • “What kind of research must I do to make my characters believable?”
  • “How much background research is really enough?”
  • “How do I avoid the obvious and potential pitfalls?”
  • “How do I test my readers’ responses ahead of publication?”

We will provide some answers for you and ask those in attendance for their opinions and writing best practices.

We hope to see you there!

Moderator:The R-SPEC Team

Location: Our June meeting will be in person at Barnes & Noble, Pittsfordand virtually on Zoom. (Please join us at least 10 minutes before the 7:00 p.m. start time to ensure a good connection.)

Meeting Time:Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.

  • Open chat: 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Discussion: 7:00 to 8:45 p.m.
  • Close meeting: 8:45 p.m. or sooner to break down the Community Room before the store closes.

Note:R-SPEC presentations on topics of interest may be recorded, and a link to the recording posted on our website.

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