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Innovation: Queer Sci Fi Seventh Annual Flash Fiction Contest
IN-NO-VA-TION (Noun)
1) A new idea, method, or device.
2) The introduction of something new.
3) The application of better solutions to meet unarticulated needs.
Three definitions to inspire writers around the world and an unlimited number of possible stories to tell. Here are 120 of our favorites.
Innovation features 300-word speculative flash fiction stories from across the rainbow spectrum, from the minds of the writers of Queer Sci Fi.
1) A new idea, method, or device.
2) The introduction of something new.
3) The application of better solutions to meet unarticulated needs.
Three definitions to inspire writers around the world and an unlimited number of possible stories to tell. Here are 120 of our favorites.
Innovation features 300-word speculative flash fiction stories from across the rainbow spectrum, from the minds of the writers of Queer Sci Fi.
247 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2020
About the author
J. Scott Coatsworth
92 books191 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
April 23, 2022
I know, I know, I always say I like long fiction better than short, but flash is such a perfect length for reading just 1 or 2 before bed, for traveling/waiting rooms. And each story is over so quickly that it doesn't matter if I don't enjoy some as long as the overall quality is good, which this annual themed volumes always are. Very fun. The only drawback is that lots of the stories make me wish they were longer, but most of the authors have other published works.
August 16, 2020
Innovation
MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Even knowing what I was walking into when I began my "Innovation," journey, I still was left many times screaming (both figuratively and literally), "Noooo, not yet!" and "You can't end there!" and there were even a few, "What in the name of Jar-Jar was THAT? I gotta hear that again."
My hat is off to ALL the authors for the ability to write a story under 300 words. I don't know that I've ever even written a review under that. To me, that takes a skill I definitely lack. For any of you who stepped out for the first time to offer up a story, you too deserve applause. Some of my favorite authors are in this book, and they are the equivalent of Rock Stars to me. So, in my personal opinion, you are among some of the best SciFi/ Fantasy LGBTQ+ authors out there and that's something to be proud of.
Now, out of the dozens and dozens of stories I was able to narrow it down to a Dozen of my faves. This was no easy task! *Gulps... Here we go!
-124 Therapy
Sean Ian O'Meidhir (296 Words)
Nothing says, "healing," quite like sexual healing from an incubus and his partner. 4❤❤❤❤ (let me add if you haven't read his and his partner's books, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!)
-222 Basement Bargain
Jeff Jacobson (298 Words)
This was one that had me crying out for more. How much would you sacrifice for love? How much more important is your love than that of another? This one had me thinking all sorts of questions regarding selfish and selfless love. 5🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
-215 Cat's Meow
Nicole Dennis (300 Words)
The first time I read this, yes first time, because there were many times I needed this, I cracked up! For anyone who has ever had or has a cat, you will get and love this! You will imagine your own fur-child and I guarantee if you don't laugh, you will at the very least, smile with appreciation. 5💚💚💚💚💚
-099 Just Perfect
Redfern Jon Barrett (298 Words)
"Just Perfect" was a beautiful lesson in what happens when we covet. At least what can happen when we live in an American Horror Story, A Twilight Zone episode or a book of short stories put out by Other Worlds Ink. Bwahahahaaa.... 4💙💙💙💙
-175 Divergence
Andi Deacon (300 Words)
This was another screamer for me. It was also another Twilight Zone episode that had a one-nighter with "Groundhog Day." 4💜💜💜💜
-106 You Wish
James Alan Gardner (289 Words)
This was super cute and definitely one that left me crying out for more. I could see this turning into a beautiful love story fairytale. 4❤❤❤❤
-094 The Sceptre of Fire
Alex Stargazer (295 Words)
This author always surprises me, and because of that, I'm a fan. This Shortie is different than the others in its telling. It was more poetic and something I could imagine being told around a campfire in some fantasy realm by a Bard. I enjoyed it immensely and hope to see more of this from Stargazer in the future. 5🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 (This is another author I adore. Whether it's a novella or novel, his worlds always excited me.)
-104 Pan-dora
Clare London (299 Words)
This little gem had me listening and re-listening over and over again. I kept thinking I was missing something or was trying to read something into the story that wasn't there. Then, after my third time, it clicked, and I could have smacked myself. Sometimes, overthinking things in a story does the story a great injustice. Sometimes, what the author wants you to see is right there on the surface. 4💚💚💚💚 (Clare is another awesome author I adore. She never shies away from hard topics and themes and even when her writing shows the harder side of life, she balances it by showing how good it can be if we work to achieve it.)
-151 Mirror, Mirror
T.W. Cox (298 Words)
This cutie was a sweet, gentle reminder that it does not matter how others see us. The only thing that does matter is revealing our authentic selves (once we know who that is) and embracing and loving that self. Why? Because we are worthy. Simple as that. 4💙💙💙💙
-036 Graduation Day
Alex Silver (294 Words)
Oh, I adored this one and would love to see how this story pans out for Sibling Clo. I was rooting and cheering inside because of their strength and gumption. This one was definitely magical! 5💜💜💜💜💜 (I fell head over heels for Alex's work a few months ago. His "Dan's Hauntastic Haunts Series," is sensational! No fluff, all creepy, scary, terrifying ghostly awesomeness with a gay and ftm MM side romance happening.)
-167 Speak
Brook K. Bell (291 Words)
Everyone needs validation. Even ghosts. Or so we learn in this little story. This one left me smiling, and gave me pause to wonder what life must have been like for our trans friends and family over the past decades and centuries. Many still must hideaway, while others live in the open and live in daily fear and humiliation. I loved this one. It both broke my heart and made it smile. 5❤❤❤❤❤
-197 E Pluribus Unum
Barbara Krasnoff (293 Words)
THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE! As a student of psychology, this one appealed to all my "sides." I could see scientists and physicists working together to find a way to make this idea plausible for society. It is definitely one that stays with you and leaves you thinking long after the story ends. 5+🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Innovation was outstanding from beginning to end! IF I were to critique anything it would be to maybe have a mark by the story or author's name indicating that particular author had other works available. That way we could see what other worlds they have created for us.🌍
Sharonica Stars: 4.5 never-stop-reaching-for-the-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.✨
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Other Worlds Ink in exchange for my review. 🛸🌈🛸
MMy Thoughts Confessions and Review:
Even knowing what I was walking into when I began my "Innovation," journey, I still was left many times screaming (both figuratively and literally), "Noooo, not yet!" and "You can't end there!" and there were even a few, "What in the name of Jar-Jar was THAT? I gotta hear that again."
My hat is off to ALL the authors for the ability to write a story under 300 words. I don't know that I've ever even written a review under that. To me, that takes a skill I definitely lack. For any of you who stepped out for the first time to offer up a story, you too deserve applause. Some of my favorite authors are in this book, and they are the equivalent of Rock Stars to me. So, in my personal opinion, you are among some of the best SciFi/ Fantasy LGBTQ+ authors out there and that's something to be proud of.
Now, out of the dozens and dozens of stories I was able to narrow it down to a Dozen of my faves. This was no easy task! *Gulps... Here we go!
-124 Therapy
Sean Ian O'Meidhir (296 Words)
Nothing says, "healing," quite like sexual healing from an incubus and his partner. 4❤❤❤❤ (let me add if you haven't read his and his partner's books, YOU ARE MISSING OUT!)
-222 Basement Bargain
Jeff Jacobson (298 Words)
This was one that had me crying out for more. How much would you sacrifice for love? How much more important is your love than that of another? This one had me thinking all sorts of questions regarding selfish and selfless love. 5🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
-215 Cat's Meow
Nicole Dennis (300 Words)
The first time I read this, yes first time, because there were many times I needed this, I cracked up! For anyone who has ever had or has a cat, you will get and love this! You will imagine your own fur-child and I guarantee if you don't laugh, you will at the very least, smile with appreciation. 5💚💚💚💚💚
-099 Just Perfect
Redfern Jon Barrett (298 Words)
"Just Perfect" was a beautiful lesson in what happens when we covet. At least what can happen when we live in an American Horror Story, A Twilight Zone episode or a book of short stories put out by Other Worlds Ink. Bwahahahaaa.... 4💙💙💙💙
-175 Divergence
Andi Deacon (300 Words)
This was another screamer for me. It was also another Twilight Zone episode that had a one-nighter with "Groundhog Day." 4💜💜💜💜
-106 You Wish
James Alan Gardner (289 Words)
This was super cute and definitely one that left me crying out for more. I could see this turning into a beautiful love story fairytale. 4❤❤❤❤
-094 The Sceptre of Fire
Alex Stargazer (295 Words)
This author always surprises me, and because of that, I'm a fan. This Shortie is different than the others in its telling. It was more poetic and something I could imagine being told around a campfire in some fantasy realm by a Bard. I enjoyed it immensely and hope to see more of this from Stargazer in the future. 5🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 (This is another author I adore. Whether it's a novella or novel, his worlds always excited me.)
-104 Pan-dora
Clare London (299 Words)
This little gem had me listening and re-listening over and over again. I kept thinking I was missing something or was trying to read something into the story that wasn't there. Then, after my third time, it clicked, and I could have smacked myself. Sometimes, overthinking things in a story does the story a great injustice. Sometimes, what the author wants you to see is right there on the surface. 4💚💚💚💚 (Clare is another awesome author I adore. She never shies away from hard topics and themes and even when her writing shows the harder side of life, she balances it by showing how good it can be if we work to achieve it.)
-151 Mirror, Mirror
T.W. Cox (298 Words)
This cutie was a sweet, gentle reminder that it does not matter how others see us. The only thing that does matter is revealing our authentic selves (once we know who that is) and embracing and loving that self. Why? Because we are worthy. Simple as that. 4💙💙💙💙
-036 Graduation Day
Alex Silver (294 Words)
Oh, I adored this one and would love to see how this story pans out for Sibling Clo. I was rooting and cheering inside because of their strength and gumption. This one was definitely magical! 5💜💜💜💜💜 (I fell head over heels for Alex's work a few months ago. His "Dan's Hauntastic Haunts Series," is sensational! No fluff, all creepy, scary, terrifying ghostly awesomeness with a gay and ftm MM side romance happening.)
-167 Speak
Brook K. Bell (291 Words)
Everyone needs validation. Even ghosts. Or so we learn in this little story. This one left me smiling, and gave me pause to wonder what life must have been like for our trans friends and family over the past decades and centuries. Many still must hideaway, while others live in the open and live in daily fear and humiliation. I loved this one. It both broke my heart and made it smile. 5❤❤❤❤❤
-197 E Pluribus Unum
Barbara Krasnoff (293 Words)
THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE! As a student of psychology, this one appealed to all my "sides." I could see scientists and physicists working together to find a way to make this idea plausible for society. It is definitely one that stays with you and leaves you thinking long after the story ends. 5+🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡
Innovation was outstanding from beginning to end! IF I were to critique anything it would be to maybe have a mark by the story or author's name indicating that particular author had other works available. That way we could see what other worlds they have created for us.🌍
Sharonica Stars: 4.5 never-stop-reaching-for-the-stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.✨
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Other Worlds Ink in exchange for my review. 🛸🌈🛸
May 6, 2021
There's an annual queer sci-fi flash fiction competition that produces an anthology of the top entries, and Innovation was the seventh theme. Considering everyone had the same prompt and only 300 words to tell their story, there's a staggering variety of plots, settings, innovations and characters on display in this anthology.
It's a tough contest - you have to incorporate the theme in an interesting way within a fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal setting and also include queer characters as an integral part of the story - all within 300 words.
As is always the case with anthologies, I liked some of the stories more than others (and some could have used better editing) but I was incredibly impressed by the range of imaginative and skilful responses to the competition.
I would definitely recommend these collections to anyone with an interest in flash fiction. They offer a masterclass in different approaches.
It's a tough contest - you have to incorporate the theme in an interesting way within a fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal setting and also include queer characters as an integral part of the story - all within 300 words.
As is always the case with anthologies, I liked some of the stories more than others (and some could have used better editing) but I was incredibly impressed by the range of imaginative and skilful responses to the competition.
I would definitely recommend these collections to anyone with an interest in flash fiction. They offer a masterclass in different approaches.
August 16, 2020
Telling a complete story in 300 words is a tough order, but there are some amazing stories in here! My personal favorites were "Seed" and "Are My Underwater Sperm Darts Normal?"
Read
October 7, 2020One of the things that keep me coming back to these Flash Fic collections both as author and reader is the variety of stories that spring from the same prompt. How one prompt can inspire so many stories will never stop boggling my mind. No two authors think alike. It's wonderful :)
As a reader, it's just so much fun to read these little tidbits. And I like to take my time reading them, too, despite these flash fics only being 300 words long. They are wonderful refreshers when I need a break, without that 'finish the chapter' (and another one) feeling.
Some stories feel longer and tend to linger in my head for a while, just like a full length novel can do.
Also, I think this is the only way I can actually read horror stories ;) (I don't do well with horror, I like to be able to sleep, you know?)
Kudos to all authors, winners, and fellow honourable mentions for making this a great showcase of variety and diversity.
As a reader, it's just so much fun to read these little tidbits. And I like to take my time reading them, too, despite these flash fics only being 300 words long. They are wonderful refreshers when I need a break, without that 'finish the chapter' (and another one) feeling.
Some stories feel longer and tend to linger in my head for a while, just like a full length novel can do.
Also, I think this is the only way I can actually read horror stories ;) (I don't do well with horror, I like to be able to sleep, you know?)
Kudos to all authors, winners, and fellow honourable mentions for making this a great showcase of variety and diversity.
August 21, 2020
This is the seventh Queer Sci Fi Flash Fiction contest, based around the theme of "Innovation." The remit is to write a story no more than 300 words, and the best of the entries are compiled into an anthology featuring 120 authors.
The standard is incredibly high, the judges being experienced LGBTQIA sci fi/fantasy authors. With any anthology, you expect to find at least one that didn't hit the spot, and yes, there were some stories I liked more than others. The beauty of 300 word stories is they don't take long to read, so if one isn't to your taste, you can just move on pretty quickly.
To read the full review, go to https://www.jaynelockwood.com/2020/08...
The standard is incredibly high, the judges being experienced LGBTQIA sci fi/fantasy authors. With any anthology, you expect to find at least one that didn't hit the spot, and yes, there were some stories I liked more than others. The beauty of 300 word stories is they don't take long to read, so if one isn't to your taste, you can just move on pretty quickly.
To read the full review, go to https://www.jaynelockwood.com/2020/08...
October 8, 2022
The Queer Sci-Fi Flash Fiction contest has done it again and blown me away. I absolutely love seeing what authors can do with a prompt and a max of 300 words. They're quick reads, so easy to fit into any little time you manage to steal to read in even the busiest life. (But I dare you to try and stop reading after just one). This is a great way to get introduced to the writing styles of many authors, and there are so many I've added to my "authors to read more of" list!
December 31, 2020
The honorable mentions are excellent and all the rest are interesting, though often just missing the mark. It was pretty cool to find new and old authors mixed together into something like this.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews