The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) is keeping the momentum of its celebrated Nebula Awards Conference alive this fall with Quasar: A Fall Online Nebula Event, taking place November 15–16. Designed for both emerging and established speculative fiction writers, Quasar invites attendees into a weekend filled with panels, workshops, seminars, and special presentations that explore creativity, community, and wellness in the writing life.
This year’s theme The Whole Writer goes beyond craft to honor the full spectrum of what it means to sustain a creative career. From the opening poets to closing booksellers, SFWA promises a lineup that embraces diversity in genre, medium, and experience. Expect discussions ranging from the intersection of horror and science fiction to myth-busting science panels and even a session on Tarot as a tool for worldbuilding in SFF storytelling.
Given the turbulence of this past year in publishing marked by concerns over AI piracy, moral rights waivers, and contract clauses around copyright and merchandise Quasar will also address real-world challenges facing today’s creators. A key seminar hosted by Writer Beware® founder Victoria Strauss, alongside literary agents Alice Speilburg and Natascha Morris, will guide writers through navigating red flags in contracts and protecting their intellectual property.
The event’s highlight includes an exclusive conversation between two of SFWA’s Grand Masters, Lois McMaster Bujold and Nicola Griffith. Their discussion will delve into the evolution of speculative fiction and offer a glimpse into what’s ahead for the genre culminating in a surprise Nebula announcement that promises to set the tone for 2026 and beyond.
“It’s going to be an incredible event, with a big announcement that you won’t want to miss,” says SFWA President Kate Ristau. “Bujold and Griffith will set the stage for our launch into 2026 with an in-depth conversation on speculative fiction, followed by an announcement that will shift our course for the years ahead.”
SFWA’s partnerships this year with the Horror Writers Association and the National Association of Science Writers underscore its commitment to fostering community across genres and disciplines. Alongside the weekend’s educational offerings, Radio QUASAR will feature all-weekend audio highlights, while feature poet Brandon O’Brien brings his lyrical vision to the virtual stage.
For many writers, especially those navigating the shifting landscape of publishing Quasar represents more than an event. It’s a space to recharge, connect, and collaborate with peers who understand the balance between craft and care.
Early-bird registration ($50 USD) is open until November 8 and includes priority access to live workshops, seminars, and office hours. Attendees from the 2025 Nebula Awards Conference can join for free using the promo code 2025Nebulas.
Quasar officially kicks off Saturday, November 15 at 1:00 PM Pacific and runs through Sunday afternoon. All participants will have access to recorded panels and presentations until June 2, 2026 — just in time for SFWA’s 61st Anniversary Nebula Awards Conference in Chicago.
Register today for Quasar at https://membership.sfwa.org/event-6301796
Review the conference program at events.sfwa.org
