Townsville Speculative Fiction


Our story





A few years ago a small group of writers came together, out from the shadows and discovered that by discussing ideas with like-minded writers they could flesh out their story and develop as writers. Ideas that plunged the mind into the worlds of the unknown, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal. And so the Townsville Speculative Fiction Group was born. Check us out on Facebook to keep up to date with us strange individuals and our projects.



affiliations





The Townsville Speculative Fiction Group is affiliated with the Townsville Writers and Publishers Centre (TWPC).

The TWPC is a not for profit organisation that exists to promote a north Queensland culture of writing.



Meet the Members



The Townsville Speculative Fiction authors are an eclectic group spanning the genres of science fiction, fantasy and horror, covering sub-genres as diverse as comedy, action, steam punk, thriller and space opera. If you can image it, we probably have someone who writes it. Most of us have manuscripts on the go, some have already self-published, and we all knock out short stories when inspiration hits. ​



Taking a Deeper look



Behind the words on the page



Marc Murkin
Group Coordinator


Fantasy


Raised on the epic adventures of hobbits, men and elves, my destiny choose Fantasy as my genre of choice right from the beginning


Lynn Alford


Fantasy


I have been interested in Fantasy and Science Fiction since before I can remember. Creating new stories and new worlds is something I have discovered I love to do, I want to share these creations with others.


Joelle Cronin


Fantasy


My passion for writing lies in the unparalleled ability to be able to design entire worlds, create unique characters and control every line of the story. ​


Annie DeSouza


Fantasy


There are planes of realities hidden within our world, where demons and mythical creatures exist but for a sole purpose. To give us exceptional stories to read.​


Bruce Elliot


Urban Fantasy


An over-analyser with a creative side, When I escape, I like to really escape, immersing myself in the creative genres of speculative fiction.


Tamantha Elliot


Fantasy


If we were currently in one of those cheesy teenage movies we would freeze frame on my face and this internal monologue would begin.​


Kate Grenenger


Horror


I was born to be a Horror Writer / Producer.

I imagine a life where the darkness is beautiful and monsters are misunderstood.


T.P. Hogan


Fantasy


TP Hogan is an Australian fantasy author of such books as Shattered and the Nephilim Code series. The voices in her head doesn't mean she's crazy. She simply creates characters, writes their stories and captures them into books.



Michael Huddlestone


Horror


I guess you would call me a Hybrid; a cross between a logical thinker and a creative dreamer with a dark streak rippling just below the skin


Matthew Jordan


Science Fiction


I'm sure some would call me a geek...but that's ok, because in many ways I am. I'm ok with that! Books have that strange power to light up your imagination and transport you to places otherwise unknown to the general populous.​


Michelle Mullins


Fantasy


Having grown up reading from a young age, I have always been interested in fantasy epics, supernatural noir, superheros and sci-fi.


Terry Mullins


Science Fiction


I devoured the contents of the local library inside of two years (sci-fi only), moving to comics to ‘fill my fix’.

You see, I am a science fiction writer.


Chris Picone


Fantasy


​I like to think outside the box and enjoy experimenting with different genres and examining the darker aspects of human nature.


Leigh-Anne Robinson


Fantasy


Slipping beneath the pages, entering the world of myths and legends I find myself captivated by the realms of Fantasy as both a writer and reader. These realms are my home​


Ash Rutherford


Science Fiction


I can be found beneath a tower of blankets, working on my latest writing project, whether that be a YA paranormal romance, a dark Sci-Fi or a whirlwind fantasy.​


Stephen Ryan


Science Fiction


I was never a writer.

That was my mindset, until the moment I was challenged to explore within.

Now it is my relaxation, not my burden.


Adam Stringini


Science Fiction


Science Fiction has the unique potential to begin as fantasy and later become reality. Stories of regular people in extraordinary worlds and where the magic happens


Marc
Murkin



Preferred Genre: Fantasy





Raised on the epic adventures of hobbits, men and elves, its small wonder fantasy is my primary writing genre.


I am currently working on my own fantasy novel as well as taking break away to work on numerous short stories. I also dabble in sci-fi and a sprinkling of horror.


In my spare time I help manage the local writers centre - TWPC, and i also write gaming articles in the Townsville Bulletin's Play Magazine.



Discover Me on Instagram

Lynn
Alford


Pibweb.com

Preferred Genre: Fantasy





I have been interested in fantasy and science fictions since before I can remember. Creating new stories and worlds is something I have discovered I love to do, and I want to share these creations with others.

I have always been partial to fairy tales, folk stories and fantasy in general. Now I'm trying my hand at writing stories. I’ve been sharing my short stories on my website as well as having five novels in various stages of editing. I hope to get these novels published whether it be traditional publisher, Inkshares or self-published.

I reside in Townsville, our house is just a few minutes walk from the beach. Happily married, with two dogs who love our little walking adventures.

Other hobbies that i have include playing computer games, bird watching, and photography. As well as spending far too much time on social media including twitter, tumblr and facebook.​



Joelle
Cronin



Preferred Genre: Fantasy





“When the fox hears the rabbit scream he comes a-runnin, but not to help.”


My passion for writing lies in the unparalleled ability to be able to design entire worlds, create unique characters and control every line of the story. This ability brings happiness and stability to an otherwise quiet life. Fantasy is my favorite genre but i can be convinced to dabble in others if the stars allow it.


Other things that hold a special place in my heart include: - Zombies

- Pharmacy and drugs (the legal kind)

- Hannibal Lector

- Dystopian fiction

- Coffee shop AUs



Annie DeSouza


Annie DeSouza on Facebook

Preferred Genre: Urban Fantasy





Annie DeSouza is the author of the young adult fantasy novelRed Blood on White Snow recently released on amazon.com.

This book will have your heart rate racing, your imagination exploding and your sense of adventure satisfied. I could not put this book down. Rener Gracie-Gracie University.

Annie’s a sucker for fantasy stories involving demons, creatures, action and superpowers. Occasionally she enjoys a good horror although she tends to scare herself and then can’t sleep for fear of ‘being taken’ by some supernatural entity. She spends her spare time fighting and writing, gathering her inspiration from Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

​

She is well travelled and uses her experiences to also be featured in her writing. She is a proud member of Townsville’s Speculative Fiction group and is currently writing her second novel to her trilogy and a series of short stories. You can connect with Annie through the following,​




Bruce
Elliot


William Elliot on Smashwords

Preferred Genre: Urban Fantasy





An over analyser with a creative side, by day I’m a public servant. My job can be a pressure cooker at times, but it’s never boring. I love to solve problems and thrive on a challenge.


When I escape, I like to really escape, immersing myself in the creative genres of speculative fiction. My tastes are broad, everything from horror to fantasy to classic sci-fi. I’ll enjoy a satirical comedy or spine tingling thriller in equal measure, or better yet, both in the same story. My early influences include as diverse a bunch as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Isaac Asimov, Terry Prattchet and Ben Elton. In more recent times I have waded through extended series by Robert Jordan and George R.R. Martin.


As a writer my passion is urban fantasy where I can spice up the real world with the unreal, but with undertones of thriller – tension, darkness and twists, the more brutal the better.


I live in the tropical paradise of Townsville with my wife, aging cat and dog, and a daughter who also loves to write.




Tamantha
Elliot


The Same 26 Letters Blog Site

Preferred Genre: Urban Fantasy





Inhale.

I don’t know how to write an author’s bio.

Sh!t.

Exhale.

This is going on a website.

F*%k.

If we were currently in one of those cheesy teenage movies we would freeze frame on my face and this internal monologue would begin.

By day I am a university student studying a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Media and Writing, and English. By night I am an introvert, blaring musical theatre as I read, write, and draw my way through my obsessions. I’m a full time nerd, professional procrastinator, expert bullsh!ttter, and most importantly an Urban Fantasy writer * cue jazz hands and glitter *.

Everything I write comes out with a hint of satire and dark comedy – usually unintentionally. But hey, I’ll take it.



Kate
Grenenger


K.Grenenger

Preferred Genre: Horror





I was born to be a horror writer/ producer.

Since before I could talk I was an imaginative being. I dreamed of a life that was boundless and oddly strange. Though I had nowhere or no idea where to begin, so I started writing stories.


I began to write the world in a way that was somewhat abnormal; people had button eyes, monsters hid inside closets, hands roamed in the walls, trees engulfed people, spirits tormented the living etc.

​

By the time I was six years old I realised that other children did not see the world the way I did. I was different, needless to say any more. I took it as a compliment. People did not phase me, the world did. Growing up with a stutter allowed me to hide within my own mind most of the time, I never spoke much - In fact I’d be lying if I said I spoke a lot now. The idea of living a life without spoken words is my ultimate dream. Creative writing, dark theatre and musical production have given me an escape method.


I imagine a life where the darkness is beautiful and monsters are misunderstood.



Michael Huddlestone


www.mhuddlestone.com

Preferred Genre: Horror/thriller





I guess you would call me a hybrid.
A cross between a logical thinker and a creative dreamer; with a dark streak rippling just below the skin.


By day I swim neck deep in an ocean of numbers, data and code; by night I write. I am a horror writer who recently re-discovered his lost passion for writing.
I am a father of two, drawing my inspiration from the world around me and adding my own dark flavour to it. Looking to answer my own constant question of What If.

I am an avid follower of the writings of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, and PJ Tracy. I do enjoy a blend of horror and thriller genres. I am a proud member of the Townsville Writers & Publishers community.

My tastes in literature lie in those stories that send a shiver down your spine and cause you to check under your bed at night. Those tales that keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
I am currently working on my first two novels, one of which titled "And The Darkness Noticed"


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Discover Me on Smashwords

T.P
Hogan


TPHogan.com

Preferred Genre: Fantasy





TP Hogan is a born and bred Aussie living in the Far North of Queensland. This has been an interesting experience for her, seeing that swimming in the surf, battling jellyfish and removing sand from those place that really should have sand, are not on her list of desired experiences.


Writing, however, is something which TP loves to do. The voices in her head demand that she share their stories, making her a slave to their bidding.

She has penned such books as Shattered and the Nephilim Code series. She also has several partly written works and ones still demanding release from the deepest recesses of her mind.

​

When not writing, TP has a day job and a full-time husband. She plays the violin and loves to make jellies just as much as she enjoys eating them.


You can occasionally catch her working as a Radio DJ.


Discover TP Hogan on Amazon

Matthew
Jordan


Website Linke

Preferred Genre: Science Fiction





I like reading books.

There you go...I said it. I also like playing video games and I'm a bit of a movie buff.


I'm sure some would call me a geek...but that's ok, because in many ways I am. I'm ok with that! Books have that strange power to light up your imagination and transport you to places otherwise unknown to the general populous.


I tend to dabble in things. I do video editing and sound mixing for a hobby, I draw and sketch things, and yes...I do write the odd story. I'm sure my writing is driven in part by what goes on around me, but I also like asking the question 'What if?'. Like, what if there really was a world full of mythical creatures out there and a secret agency tasked to keep them hidden? (Sounds like an interesting idea for a story to me!)

I'm impressed by the writing of such greats as Anne McCaffrey, Dick Francis, J K Rowling and Brent Weeks. I hope that one day the stories I pull out of my head would reach the same level! I'm currently working on the start of a NaNoWriMo project, along with two other stories involving nothing less the coolest fantasy creature around, the Dragon! Stay tuned....


Discover Me on Inkshares

Michelle
Mullins



Preferred Genre: Fantasy





Currently studying media and Japanese at JCU university in north QLD, I spend my time writing, making chainmail, playing video games, watching anime and, in extremis, studying. Having grown up reading from a young age, I have always been interested in fantasy epics, supernatural noir, superheros and sci-fi. Though I have written short stories in the past, I started more serious writing after joining a novella competition in high school (please don't ask to see it, it needs to be rewritten before seeing the light of day).


I consider myself to be opinionated (just ask me), a feminist and supporter of lgbt rights. In my writing, I try to represent people and cultures that are usually ignored or tokenised in most fiction. I am currently working on books in the fantasy and urban fantasy genres, which you can support on Inkshares, and short stories will be published on her website.



Terry
Mullins



Preferred Genre: Science Fiction





My name is Terry Mullins and I am a science fiction writer, Mostly. I was born in 1964 and I have always been an avid reader.

I am an air force brat, so changing home was a constant reality for my family, and because of this friends were a temporary. I turned to books, and never looked back. In 1976 my father left the air force and we settled in sunny Townsville, Queensland.

I devoured the contents of the local library inside of two years (sci-fi only), moving to comics to ‘fill my fix’.

In the eighties and nineties, local improvements cut down flooding, we got better access to the television/internet and I entered a wider world. So much to read/watch and absorb. I liked all science fiction, but my love was space opera. It spoke to me.

I was a public servant, married, and I have two lovely daughters), but throughout I stayed a science fiction/fantasy fan.

Finally, I decided what I wanted to be when I grew up. A writer. Thus far, I have not published much, but I have ambitions, and stories to tell.

You see, I am a science fiction writer.

Fiawol​



Chris
Picone


www.cshpicone.com

Preferred Genre: Fantasy





I'm currently studying a joint bachelor degree in Education (Secondary) and Arts (English) while working security to pay my way, but my background is mostly in construction and mining, and I also served for around ten years as an Army Reservist.


I like to use plain but powerful language in my writing, while drawing on my diverse life experiences to give an undeniable life to the words. I like to think outside the box and enjoy experimenting with different genres; on top of countless short stories and poetry, my first novel is a low-magic survival fantasy and the piece I am writing now is a near-future sci-fi that examines the darker aspects of human nature.


I also run the Emerge writing program for teenagers, which you can find on the TWPC website.



Leigh-Anne Robinson



Preferred Genre: Fantasy





Two things that absolutely terrify me, public speaking and talking about myself. Where to start? “At the beginning.” I love imaginary worlds and I get a thrill out of research, what a combination; perfect for the author hiding in me. I am introverted and definitely quirky, and I am a fangirl.

“What if?” This is my favourite phrase, I think it is the starting place of some amazing ideas. Fantasy is my genre entwined with humour, but I like to have the challenge of coming out of my comfort zone on rare occasions to help me grow as a writer; I look forward to trying my hand at science fiction, historical fiction, and utopian.

My works in progress is a fantasy called Nyla of Strohum, about an elven maid from the Viking era, who is transported to modern day Scotland.



Ash
Rutherford


Website Linke

Preferred Genre: Young Adult Paranormal romance





A Townsvillian at heart, I am currently based in Melbourne with my partner and my gorgeous kitten, Kiara.


Most days I am a student nurse and bibliophile, often prone to midnight peanut-butter binges and forever complaining about the cold. When not engaged in study, reading or work,


I can be found beneath a tower of blankets, working on my latest writing project, whether that be a YA paranormal romance, a dark Sci-Fi or a whirlwind fantasy. My favourite part about writing is the huge community of supportive, brilliant, talented writers and falling in love with your characters.


more

Stephen
Ryan



Preferred Genre: Science Fiction





Not long after I left the army after 20yrs. My Buddhist teacher at that time told me to write, to help me open up. For the last 9yrs, I haven’t stopped despite the fact my grammar is terrible.


After 7yrs of procrastination I published my first book titled. “The Grumps.” Over the last several years I have written many short stories, which have yet to be published.


I have done some poetry and a couple of them publish on Dr Hurley Snake Oil Cure webb site.


Discover Me on Amazon

Adam Stringini



Preferred Genre: Science Fiction





Science Fiction has the unique potential to begin as fantasy and later become reality. In my spare time I soak up any obscure scientific research I can get my hands on, all the while considering things like "What if everyone had this? What if no-one had this? What if the wrong people had this?". Guided by Arthur C. Clarke's Third Law: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic", I take these questions and make my magic.


Feverish writer or fanatical reader, I lean to extremes and follow where my excitement for story leads. Brandon Sanderson, Stephen King, Sir Issac Asimov and H.P. Lovecraft are a few of the titans whose works fuel my hyperactive imagination. At their core, my stories tell of ordinary people in extraordinary worlds. Across the genres of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror my readers see places that do not or cannot exist through the eyes of people just like them.


No matter what genre I publish in my goal is open a door to a world beyond our own and fill it with the people we see everyday.


Townsville Speculative Fiction Writers Group


Riverway Arts Centre Townsville