This Women’s History Month, we're celebrating the indomitable spirit and remarkable contributions of women in speculative fiction. From shaping the narrative landscape to challenging social norms, these trailblazers have made an indelible mark on the genre.
Mary Shelley
Considered the "Mother of Science Fiction” and, in some circles, the ultimate goth mom-friend, Mary Shelley wrote "Frankenstein" when she was only 18 years old. This novel, first published in 1818, became a foundational text for the science fiction genre.
Mary Shelley was born Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin in London, England, in 1797. She was the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft, a renowned feminist, and William Godwin, a political philosopher.
She also apparently had her dead husband’s heart on her desk. Does it get any more goth than that?
Ursula K. Le Guin
Known for her thought-provoking and imaginative stories, Le Guin was an American author who wrote numerous novels, essays, and short stories that delved into themes of gender, race, and politics.
She was also an accomplished linguist who created fully-fledged languages for some of her speculative worlds.
Le Guin's works, including the "Earthsea" series and "The Left Hand of Darkness," challenge traditional gender roles and cultural norms, fostering a more inclusive and diverse space within the genre.
Octavia Butler
Butler was the first science fiction writer, and one of the first Black women, to receive a MacArthur Fellowship. Her novels, such as the "Patternist" series and "Kindred," often explore themes of race, gender, and power dynamics. Butler started writing science fiction at a young age and was encouraged by her mother to pursue her writing talent.
She supported herself throughout her writing career by working a series of odd jobs (including dishwasher and potato chip inspector) and would wake up at 2 a.m. to work on her writing projects.
Nalo Hopkinson
The 2021 Grand Master of Science Fiction (a title bestowed upon her by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America), Nalo Hopkinson is known for her unique blend of speculative fiction and Caribbean folklore. Her works, including "Brown Girl in the Ring" and "Midnight Robber," often feature marginalized voices and explore themes of identity and belonging.
Nalo Hopkinson also speaks candidly and honestly about her struggles with a learning disability, ADHD, and fibromyalgia. When she’s not crafting worlds for us to get lost in, she dabbles in making visual art and sculptures. What a legend.
Doris Lessing
A British novelist and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, Doris Lessing is best known for her literary fiction but has also made significant contributions to the speculative fiction genre. Her "Canopus in Argos" series, particularly "Shikasta," is a notable example.
Lessing was not only a prolific writer but also an outspoken social critic, tackling issues such as feminism, communism, and the human psyche in her works.
These bold and daring women didn't just dip their toes into the waters of speculative fiction; they dove headfirst into the deep end, creating worlds, characters, and stories that have captivated us for generations. Hats off to these pioneers, whose imaginations knew no bounds!
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