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What is the name of the series, and what is the significance or meaning of the series name?
Fantastic Fiction at KGB is a speculative fiction reading series at the KGB Bar in Manhattan.
Who founded the series, and who runs it now?
The series was founded by Terry Bisson and Alice K. Turner in the late 90s. It’s run now by Ellen Datlow and Matthew Kressel.
What genres or mediums does the series include?
We are a speculative fiction series, i.e., a series of science fiction, fantasy, and horror authors.
What is the format of the series?
We have two authors read for 20-25 minutes each with a ten minute break in between. After, we go out to dinner, so the audience can get to know the authors in a more intimate setting.
Where does the series take place?
At the KGB Bar in Manhattan, 85 E. 4th Street on the second floor.
When and how often is the series performed (and is it seasonal)?
It’s a monthly reading series held on the third Wednesday of every month.
How long has the series been active?
Since the late 90s.
Where can people find information about series on the web?
Our website has a schedule of upcoming readers, photos, audio recordings and more at: www.kgbfantasticfiction.org/
Do you take submissions, solicit material, or a combination?
We kindly request that authors wishing to read at our series query first before sending material(s).
Did you set out with specific goals when the series was launched and have they changed over time?
The series was formed in an attempt to bring together mainstream writers with writers of speculative fiction in order to show, in Alice Turner’s words, “that at a certain level they were plowing exactly the same field.” Now we are primarily a speculative fiction series, though we do feature mainstream authors as long as their work has some speculative element.
What distinguishes the series from others?
There are other speculative fiction reading series in New York, but the venue sets Fantastic Fiction apart. The KGB Bar is a piece of old New York City tucked away in a former speakeasy on the second floor of a walk-up. The series serves as a salon for local writers, agents, editors and fans to meet once a month and share ideas. Readings are always free.
The next Fantastic Fiction is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 at KGB Bar and features Tom Monteleone and Lawrence C. Connolly.