Speculative fiction isn’t just a genre; it’s a playground for possibilities. From envisioning future technologies to exploring societal shifts, it allows authors to shape worlds that feel plausible—and sometimes prophetic. By tracking emerging trends and weaving them into your storytelling, you can create immersive worlds that resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore how you can predict and leverage these trends for your next sci-fi or fantasy masterpiece.

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Writing Prompt Wednesdays: Planet Alignment

Welcome to “Writing Prompt Wednesdays,” a haven where your imagination can roam free in the realms of speculative fiction. As we embark on this weekly journey, it’s thrilling to think about the untold stories waiting to be penned in the domains of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Whether you’re a seasoned author or a budding wordsmith, these prompts are your gateway to unexplored worlds and untapped potentials.

Every Wednesday, we’ll serve up a fresh, thought-provoking prompt designed to ignite your creative spark and challenge your storytelling prowess. Think of these prompts as a key, unlocking the doors to uncharted territories where your creativity is the only limit. From eerie, shadow-laden corridors of Gothic horror to the farthest reaches of interstellar space, and the mystical depths of high fantasy, our prompts are a kaleidoscope of possibilities.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to approach these prompts. They are mere stepping stones, guiding you towards the vast landscapes of your imagination. Use them to break free from writer’s block, to experiment with new ideas, or simply as a fun exercise to keep your writing skills sharp.

This week’s writing prompt:

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Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-blind-eye-6608260/

The Horror of Aging: Vision Loss as Theme

Aging is a universal experience, yet it is one that many fear and resist, especially as it brings with it a gradual and sometimes terrifying loss of control.

The physical and mental deterioration that comes with time can be a horrifying prospect, and one of the most unsettling ways this manifests is in vision loss. From the creeping frustration of blurred words on a page to the complete isolation of blindness, the loss of sight is not only a medical condition; it can also be a source of profound psychological terror. Many seek support from Coastal Eye Associates, where compassionate care and advanced solutions help preserve vision and peace of mind.

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Who sold the most books in 2024?

by Melody E. McIntyre

For three years now, I have written here about who sold the most books each year. This question does not have an easy answer as each site uses different metrics. Therefore, finding the exact numbers can be difficult. That is why I have chosen to feature ten of the best-selling authors in 2024 based on a variety of sources.

2024 had some interesting trends. The biggest of which being the dominance of the “romantasy” genre. Fantasy overall saw an increase in sales of 35.8%, with romantasy being a driving factor. As well, 2024 saw the first increase in print book sales in the last three years. It was a modest increase of less than 1%, but it could mark the beginning of a new trend. I still remember when it seemed like e-books would kill print sales, but that has not been the case.  Other trends show that adult fiction still sells the most and having a good backlist is key. As mentioned on Lithub, only 29% of the 200 bestselling books of 2024 were actually published in 2024.

This year’s list will include some regulars as well as new names and a couple of surprises. So, without further delay, here is a list of ten of the best-selling authors of 2024.

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