Society for the Promotion of Speculative Fiction

05/30/2026

Friends and fans are here at the Locus Awards. Congrats to all the finalists! What a fun day!

05/20/2026

May 30th & 31st, join the Society for Speculative Fiction (spSF) and BayCon 42 / Westercon 78 for two special events!

On Saturday May 30th we’ll be at the 2026 Locus Awards ceremony, part of the Locus Awards weekend, organized by our convention’s ultimate sponsor Locus Magazine! All this takes place against the backdrop of the 12th annual Bay Area Book Festival in the East Bay Area. And what’s more, our Guests of Honor Charlie Jane Anders and Annalee Newitz have both been nominated for their latest works! We’ve also heard a rumor that our Poet-In-Residence Sumiko Saulson may drop by as well. Read about how to attend and participate in other activities here!

Then on Sunday, May 31st we’ll have a space at the Bookworm Block Party outdoor fair, a sprawling literary event with panels, music, and food in downtown Berkeley. Visit the festival’s website for a schedule of events and more details.

04/20/2026

Donate to spSF to help fund new voices in speculative fiction! baycon.org/charity

04/18/2026

Society for Promotion of Speculative Fiction at Sacramento Book Festival! We’ll have giveaways and we want to talk ! See you there!

12/01/2025

Giving Tuesday is December 2nd! The Society for the Promotion of Speculative Fiction is raising money to fund grants for new writers, a scholarship to attend the world famous Clarion West Writers Workshop, and of course, our flagship speculative fiction convention bayconnews! spSF is a 501(c)(3) California Nonprofit. Donate at https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=nKNM8bh06DzI4526gJQ5Na2M_bGn0Q8d9_rOP52mLKwmRz648ZULgxGykBymskhzF7dp7zZsCzHbS4L_

10/11/2025

Issue 91 of the award-winning fanzine Journey Planet is out, featuring speculative fiction and spec fiction-adjacent stories, locations, activities, and events in and around San Francisco and its environs. Check out “The Evolution of BayCon,” and article by our board member and Writers Workshop head Dr Wanda Kurtcu, and other BayCon panelists and fans. https://www.journeyplanet.org

Journey Planet - The Hugo-winning Fanzine that is Themed for Your Pleasure

09/28/2025

If you’re at the Folsom Street Fair tomorrow make sure to stop by! Litquake BayCon

09/08/2025

Attended Litquake event “How They Did it: Imagining a Future California” today with some really great local writers and Lit Camp!

07/08/2024

BOARD ELECTION RESULTS!

We are pleased to announce the results of the Society for the Promotion of Speculative Fiction's 2024 Board Elections. Your participation was crucial to our corporate governance, and we deeply appreciate your engagement and commitment. Here are the elected board members for FY25:

Christopher Castro (re-elected, three-year term)
Marsha Glassner (two-year term)
Wanda Kurtcu (three-year term)
Eric Sayle (re-elected, three-year term)
Robert Toland (re-elected, two-year term)
Shavon Walker (re-elected, three-year term)

Thank you to all who voted and contributed to this critical aspect of our society’s governance. Your dedication helps shape the future of our organization and supports the continued growth and success of speculative fiction.

Looking ahead, we will hold another election at BayCon 2025 for the three board seats that will be opening. Nominations will open in June 2025, and we encourage all members to consider participating in this important process.

Thank you once again for your support and involvement.

07/02/2024

BOARD ELECTION NEWS!

It is our pleasure to announce the candidates for the open board seats for 2024. Balloting will open during BayCon. Members should watch their emails for pertinent information on voting, reviewing submitted documents (SOIs, Resumes) for each candidate.

During BayCon, those candidates attending will be wearing a badge. Members are encouraged to engage candidates to ask questions and get information to ensure each vote is fully informed. Candidates are likewise encouraged to make themselves available for discussion.

Balloting will close on Saturday night at the end of Masquerade. The vote shall be tallied and announced at the Annual Board Meeting at 9am on the Main Stage. The new board shall take their seats at the first Regular Meeting scheduled for August.

There are six seats open, 4 for a three-year term, and 2 for a two-year term. The candidates are:

- Ric Bretschneider
- Chris Castro*
- Marsha Glassner
- Sean Hogoboom
- Sinohui Hinojosa
- Scott Hutchison
- Dr. Wanda Kurtcu
- Erik Roberts
- Eric Sayle*
- Robert Toland*
- Shavon Walker*

* denotes an incumbent running for reelection

Note: Candidate Toland had to cancel his attendance at BayCon due to illness.