JUDGE’S PREFACE

Speculative fiction is a way of comprehending the world around us. The genre challenges writers to observe the flaws in their surroundings and to amplify them in their writing. This usually leads to dystopic world building, ones that mirror the worst scenarios in science fiction and horror stories. However, it does not have to be so negative, as speculative fiction encompasses all genres that depart from reality. This year, students were asked to use speculative fiction in a positive way: to look at the imperfection of everyday life and turn it into something beautiful. It would take writers with amazing imaginations to pull something this hopeful off.

Tackling the challenge with poetry, fiction and essays, this year’s Incite competition writers are like no others. Each piece is wildly differently from the next. It is wonderful to see that even at a young age, these writers have unique voices and literary styles. Some are driven by dialogue, other by inner monologue, and some are experimental in form. There were reoccurring themes tackled by the writers, focusing on preoccupations of our times, so I was not surprised to see global warming come up in these works. I was fascinated to see how the writers would put a lovely spin on the environmental crisis. They did not disappoint. Thank you for letting me read your pieces, and I look forward to seeing you in our rose-coloured future.