Divergent Space A speculative anthology of unconventional minds

Divergent Space is an anthology focused on stories about the future which feature neurodivergent characters. This volume will contain stories, poetry, and graphic narrative.

Submitted works should be of any genre, as long as the work depicts a world that is noticeably in the future. Hard and Soft Sci-fi, (Post-)apocalyptic, Solarpunk, Slipstream, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Alternate (future) History, Supernatural, Retro-futurism etc. are all fine names for genres that often take place in the future, but your story doesn’t have to fit into one of those. In fact, if it manages to miss all of those labels, we may be even more interested to see it (unless it thus falls into what we specifically don’t want (see below)). All works must also prominently feature a character who might be considered neurodivergent by today’s standards. The character does not have to live in a society in which they are considered neurodivergent, they do not have to be diagnosed with anything. The story doesn’t have to be about their neurodivergence – the adventure or challenge of the story can be anything – but if the story does focus on the way the the character thinks or sees the world, we’d rather see stories of people who are thriving in their environment or succeeding at their adventure due to the way their mind works, not despite it. The neurodivergent or neurodivergent-coded “person” in the story does not need to be human, or even biological.

We’re looking for positive representation of neurodivergent traits. Whatever else the story is about, we want it to show that each person is worthy and valued, no matter how their mind works. We’re unlikely to accept stories that depict characters who reject their own neurodivergence. Not everything has to be perfect in every person’s brain, of course. Every neurodivergent person has systems or masks or medications, and all that’s fine. But part of the goal of the book is to help normalize the depictions of acceptance of neurodivergence both from within and from without. So stories in which such traits are demonized or in which the character’s problems are solved by somehow becoming neurotypical or cutting away their neurodivergent parts, are counter to the goal of the volume.

We are not looking for gore horror nor erotic romance. Works that contain horror elements or romantic elements are fine, but we would like the book to remain accessible to young adults and squeamish people. Works which seem particularly hateful or which discriminate against specific real-world groups will also be rejected.

Country of Publication & Year Established

AI Policy

Human-created work only; no AI use allowed