INDEX — click on each word to navigate:

- [About](<https://www.notion.so/What-is-Future-Fiction-Lab-2a0aeb0a945b80d8a709d74d8b72c197>)
- [Schedule](<https://www.notion.so/What-is-Future-Fiction-Lab-2a0aeb0a945b80d8a709d74d8b72c197>)
- [Discussion Material](<https://www.notion.so/What-is-Future-Fiction-Lab-2a0aeb0a945b80d8a709d74d8b72c197>)
- [Club Guidelines](<https://www.notion.so/What-is-Future-Fiction-Lab-2a0aeb0a945b80d8a709d74d8b72c197>) (please read!)

ABOUT:

FFL is a club dedicated to speculative fiction: "what if?" stories that explore alternative histories, futures and societies adjacent to our reality.

In this club, we read and write fiction. Why? To deepen critical thinking and work on worldbuilding. These skills are becoming increasingly important for making sense of our world.

Deep thought is key, so this club has a slow ethos. The schedule and ‘homework’ are lighter than a typical book club, where the pace can quickly become unsustainable.

Membership will be capped at 10 people—enough for a diversity in opinions, while giving everyone a chance to speak. Membership is free.

SCHEDULE:

• FULL SCHEDULE HERE
• Sessions take place virtually, every 6 weeks on a Sunday.
• We start at 12PM NYC / 5PM London / 6PM Berlin
• Each session lasts for around 2 hours total, with a break in the middle.
• London example:
  • 5:00-6:00 — Part 1 (Book Discussion) – 60 mins
  • 6:00-6:10 — Break – 10 mins
  • 6:10-7:00 — Part 2 (Writing Prompt Discussion) – 50 mins

DISCUSSION MATERIAL:

• Book selection:
  • Members can suggest themes and titles, so long as they’re speculative fiction. This excludes pure fantasy (magic, dragons, impossible physics, etc). More context here.
  • Final picks are voted on in the group chat.
• Also, keep in mind the book’s length:
  • The homework will be ~150 pages for each session (half a short novel / a full novella).
  • If a book needs more time, we continue it next session assuming we’ve enjoyed it so far. The aim is to finish books the group wants to keep reading — slowly but steadily.
• Each session includes a short writing task set by the club curator (Phil), sometimes linked to the book we’re reading.
  • Max. 500 words (aka flash fiction).
  • We add our pieces to the Are.na board, at least a day before each session.
• Reading and writing limits may shift, depending on how the group is feeling.
• Resources discussed in sessions will go on Are.na.

CLUB GUIDELINES:

Virtual sessions: