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Renewal: Queer Sci Fi's Fourth Annual Flash Fiction Contest
Re.new.al (noun)
1) Resuming an activity after an interruption, or
2) Extending a contract, subscription or license, or
3) Replacing or repairing something that is worn out,
run-down, or broken, or
4) Rebirth after death.
Four definitions to spark inspiration, a limitless number of stories to be conceived. Only 110 made the cut.
Thrilling to hopeful, Renewal features 300-word speculative fiction ficlets about sexual and gender minorities to entice readers.
Welcome to Renewal.
1) Resuming an activity after an interruption, or
2) Extending a contract, subscription or license, or
3) Replacing or repairing something that is worn out,
run-down, or broken, or
4) Rebirth after death.
Four definitions to spark inspiration, a limitless number of stories to be conceived. Only 110 made the cut.
Thrilling to hopeful, Renewal features 300-word speculative fiction ficlets about sexual and gender minorities to entice readers.
Welcome to Renewal.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2017
4 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
J. Scott Coatsworth
90 books189 followersScott lives with his husband in a leafy Sacramento, California suburb, in a cute yellow house with a pair of pink flamingoes in the front yard.
He has always been in the place between the here and now and the what could be. He started reading science fiction and fantasy at the tender age of nine, encouraged by his mother. But as he read the golden age classics and more modern works too, he started to wonder where all the queer people were.
When Scott came out at 23, he decided he wanted to create the kinds of stories he couldn't find at the bookstore. If there weren't gay characters in his favorite genres, he would reimagine them, filling them with a diverse universe of characters. He'd remake them to his own ends, and if he was lucky enough, someone would even want to read them.
Scott's brain works a little differently from most folks - he sees connections where others don't. Born an introvert, he learned how to reach outside himself and connect with other queer folks.
Scott's fiction defies expectations, transforming traditional science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary worlds into something fresh and surprising. He also created both Queer Sci Fi and QueeRomance Ink with his husband Mark, and is an associate member of the Science Fiction Writer's Association (SFWA).
His writing, both romance and genre fiction, brings a queer energy to his work, infusing them with love, beauty and strength and making them fly. He imagines how the world could be, and maybe changes the world that is, just a little.
Scott was recognized as one of the top new gay authors in the 2017 Rainbow Awards, and his debut novel "Skythane" received two awards and an honorable mention.
He has always been in the place between the here and now and the what could be. He started reading science fiction and fantasy at the tender age of nine, encouraged by his mother. But as he read the golden age classics and more modern works too, he started to wonder where all the queer people were.
When Scott came out at 23, he decided he wanted to create the kinds of stories he couldn't find at the bookstore. If there weren't gay characters in his favorite genres, he would reimagine them, filling them with a diverse universe of characters. He'd remake them to his own ends, and if he was lucky enough, someone would even want to read them.
Scott's brain works a little differently from most folks - he sees connections where others don't. Born an introvert, he learned how to reach outside himself and connect with other queer folks.
Scott's fiction defies expectations, transforming traditional science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary worlds into something fresh and surprising. He also created both Queer Sci Fi and QueeRomance Ink with his husband Mark, and is an associate member of the Science Fiction Writer's Association (SFWA).
His writing, both romance and genre fiction, brings a queer energy to his work, infusing them with love, beauty and strength and making them fly. He imagines how the world could be, and maybe changes the world that is, just a little.
Scott was recognized as one of the top new gay authors in the 2017 Rainbow Awards, and his debut novel "Skythane" received two awards and an honorable mention.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 14, 2017
Flash Fiction (tales of extreme shortness) is difficult to write – after all, how do you get a whole story told in 300 or fewer words? Especially in the genres included (science fiction, paranormal, fantasy, and horror) where a whole world needs to be built/explained as well. But let me tell you, flash fiction is equally as difficult to review. Normally when I talk about anthologies, I add at least a comment about every story in it, but with 110 tales included in this fantastic work, that just isn’t practical. So instead I am going to focus on the overall impression this book left with me, and what you might find if you decide to buy and read it yourself.
The first thing I’d like to say is that with the breadth of topics and themes covered, everyone interested in any of the four genres should be able to find something of interest in this collection. It is divided into groups of stories per genre, so it’s easy to find the type of tale you’re looking for – and to at least sneak a look at one or more of the sections you might not usually look at. Horror is not something I enjoy reading, but I found quite a few fascinating looks at future and paranormal worlds that made me want to read more of what the author had written. As J. Scott Coatsworth says in his foreword, every reader will probably find their own favorites.
The second thing that is remarkable, is the wide representation of different sexual orientations and gender identities. I really enjoyed reading about characters who look at life very differently than I do! Reading these stories is a great way of sampling what they might feel and experience, and it was a very enriching experience for me.
Finally, this is a great collection to dip in and out of. Because each piece is so short, you can read one or more at the same time, then come back to them later. A few made me think, a lot made me smile, and most of them were tremendously entertaining. And I discovered more than one author I’d never heard about before – and will now be on the lookout for.
If you like variety, buy this book. Whether you’re looking to be entertained, informed, or scared out of your wits, you will find something to your liking in this anthology. And if you want to find out what all kinds of authors are coming up with in the speculative world of the science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and horror genres – give this one a go. ‘Renewal’ is a wonderful collection of very creative ideas, imaginative characters, and spellbinding stories.
NOTE: This book was provided by Mischief Corner Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The first thing I’d like to say is that with the breadth of topics and themes covered, everyone interested in any of the four genres should be able to find something of interest in this collection. It is divided into groups of stories per genre, so it’s easy to find the type of tale you’re looking for – and to at least sneak a look at one or more of the sections you might not usually look at. Horror is not something I enjoy reading, but I found quite a few fascinating looks at future and paranormal worlds that made me want to read more of what the author had written. As J. Scott Coatsworth says in his foreword, every reader will probably find their own favorites.
The second thing that is remarkable, is the wide representation of different sexual orientations and gender identities. I really enjoyed reading about characters who look at life very differently than I do! Reading these stories is a great way of sampling what they might feel and experience, and it was a very enriching experience for me.
Finally, this is a great collection to dip in and out of. Because each piece is so short, you can read one or more at the same time, then come back to them later. A few made me think, a lot made me smile, and most of them were tremendously entertaining. And I discovered more than one author I’d never heard about before – and will now be on the lookout for.
If you like variety, buy this book. Whether you’re looking to be entertained, informed, or scared out of your wits, you will find something to your liking in this anthology. And if you want to find out what all kinds of authors are coming up with in the speculative world of the science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and horror genres – give this one a go. ‘Renewal’ is a wonderful collection of very creative ideas, imaginative characters, and spellbinding stories.
NOTE: This book was provided by Mischief Corner Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 27, 2017
I usually try to comment on each story in an anthology but because of the number of stories in this one, I’m going to focus on my overall impression instead. I love reading anthologies as I find them a good introduction to new authors, and a way in which to catch up with those who are already favourites.
It’s not easy to write a story in 300 words, and I was impressed by the way in which these authors managed to world build and give an in depth sense of characters in these flash fiction stories. Although they stand alone, I also got a sense of something bigger than what was present in the 300 words I read.
This anthology contains a mix of very different stories, yet all with the common theme of renewal. I loved how the authors’ imaginations ran in different directions with stories about gamers, androids, eternal life with a twist, and so much more in between. I found that some stories engaged me more than others, although there were several that made me think ‘wow’ and stayed with me long after I’d read them. There are also quite a few stories with interesting twists. All of the stories have interesting premises, and they cover a range of SF and fantasy genres so I think every reader will find their own favourites amongst them.
I’d recommend Renewal to readers who enjoy Sci Fi and Fantasy inspired flash fiction with in depth world building and interesting characters.
It’s not easy to write a story in 300 words, and I was impressed by the way in which these authors managed to world build and give an in depth sense of characters in these flash fiction stories. Although they stand alone, I also got a sense of something bigger than what was present in the 300 words I read.
This anthology contains a mix of very different stories, yet all with the common theme of renewal. I loved how the authors’ imaginations ran in different directions with stories about gamers, androids, eternal life with a twist, and so much more in between. I found that some stories engaged me more than others, although there were several that made me think ‘wow’ and stayed with me long after I’d read them. There are also quite a few stories with interesting twists. All of the stories have interesting premises, and they cover a range of SF and fantasy genres so I think every reader will find their own favourites amongst them.
I’d recommend Renewal to readers who enjoy Sci Fi and Fantasy inspired flash fiction with in depth world building and interesting characters.
August 10, 2018
Tales of renewal, 300 words or less are gathered together in this LGBTQIA+ anthology. There are stories of science fiction, fantasy, horror, or just plain wonder within these pages, waiting for a reader to discover them. Some of these authors I recognized, others I discovered for the first time. Each one came up with a unique take on renewal, whether it was literally dying and being reborn, or their characters discovering some form of regeneration.
This reminded me of reading poetry, only each poem had a beginning, a climax, and a resolution. This form of storytelling is very addictive for me to write. I myself participated in the contest and didn’t make it into the anthology. Competition was tough. I discovered how tough when I read the tales told by those who did win.
Not every story was my cup of tea, yet this collection featured enough diversity and flavor to give a reader a taste of a variety of forms of speculative fiction under the rainbow, each with a rainbow twist. For this, I give this book five stars.
This reminded me of reading poetry, only each poem had a beginning, a climax, and a resolution. This form of storytelling is very addictive for me to write. I myself participated in the contest and didn’t make it into the anthology. Competition was tough. I discovered how tough when I read the tales told by those who did win.
Not every story was my cup of tea, yet this collection featured enough diversity and flavor to give a reader a taste of a variety of forms of speculative fiction under the rainbow, each with a rainbow twist. For this, I give this book five stars.
September 22, 2017
It was an honor to be chosen to be part of the Anthology, but after reading it, I'm even prouder to have my story among so many talented writers.
In an anthology of 110, it can be hard to find one's favorites but I made a list:
Checkpoint by F. T. Lukens
First contact by Eileen Moon
The Return by Andrea Speed
A Jetpack Of A Different Color by Mary E. Lowd
Lightheart by Aidee Ladnier
The Witches' Garden by Sarah Einstein
The Hartbinger by Andrea Staet
Werewolf by Abby Bartle
The Projector by Lin Kelly
The Joys of Death by Xenia Melzer
Allora's Kisd by Carrie Pack
Fealty by Alexis Woods
Coffee Cat by J. P. Egry
That Part You Love by Jaap Boekenstein
Vernalis by Tam Ames
True Love's Kiss by C. B. Lee
Chrysalid by Jenn Burke
Fresh Start by Tray Ellis
Upgrade by L.M. Brown
Late Fees by Rebecca Cohen
Rings Of Blue by Kristen Lee
Special mention for Walkers by Joe Baumann for including Synesthesia in the story!!!
In an anthology of 110, it can be hard to find one's favorites but I made a list:
Checkpoint by F. T. Lukens
First contact by Eileen Moon
The Return by Andrea Speed
A Jetpack Of A Different Color by Mary E. Lowd
Lightheart by Aidee Ladnier
The Witches' Garden by Sarah Einstein
The Hartbinger by Andrea Staet
Werewolf by Abby Bartle
The Projector by Lin Kelly
The Joys of Death by Xenia Melzer
Allora's Kisd by Carrie Pack
Fealty by Alexis Woods
Coffee Cat by J. P. Egry
That Part You Love by Jaap Boekenstein
Vernalis by Tam Ames
True Love's Kiss by C. B. Lee
Chrysalid by Jenn Burke
Fresh Start by Tray Ellis
Upgrade by L.M. Brown
Late Fees by Rebecca Cohen
Rings Of Blue by Kristen Lee
Special mention for Walkers by Joe Baumann for including Synesthesia in the story!!!
October 3, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating 5 Stars out of 5
for the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bHT
From that review: " I am such a fan of flash fiction, the ability to tell a complete story in 300 words or less. Renewal is Queer SyFy's Fourth year's collection of flash fiction and what an incredible winner it is. Like a library full of tiny jewels, Renewal's flash fiction is glorious in it's presentation of the dizzying array of imaginative themes and world building by it's host of authors, the authors represented, the timeliness and resonance of some of their flash fiction storylines and the huge spectrum of genres included from horror to fantasy to science fiction..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating 5 Stars out of 5
for the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-bHT
From that review: " I am such a fan of flash fiction, the ability to tell a complete story in 300 words or less. Renewal is Queer SyFy's Fourth year's collection of flash fiction and what an incredible winner it is. Like a library full of tiny jewels, Renewal's flash fiction is glorious in it's presentation of the dizzying array of imaginative themes and world building by it's host of authors, the authors represented, the timeliness and resonance of some of their flash fiction storylines and the huge spectrum of genres included from horror to fantasy to science fiction..."
For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 19, 2018
To be transparent: two pages of this collection were something I wrote.
I liked this collection, though the theme of “renewal” leant itself to quite a few blood-family/parents-love-children tales that weren’t for me. It was a solid bedside, catch as catch can read for the last month or two.
I liked this collection, though the theme of “renewal” leant itself to quite a few blood-family/parents-love-children tales that weren’t for me. It was a solid bedside, catch as catch can read for the last month or two.
August 24, 2020
A great anthology to read with flash fiction stories. Writing 300 words or less is tough work, but I enjoyed them and had some that either made me laugh or feel deep down. There's a story for everyone, and I would say a good bathroom read, too.
listed
April 4, 2021Aromantic character in True Love's Kiss by C.B. Lee
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews