The grassroots Afrofuturist collective of Black science fiction and fantasy writers, known as The Voodoonauts, signed a publishing deal earlier this month. The anthology is currently titled Voodoonauts Present: (Re)Living Mythology and will be published in November 2022. the collection was acquired by Justine Norton-Kertson at Android Press, a small independent press that publishes science fiction, fantasy, light horror, and other “-punk” subgenres.

The Voodoonauts was founded by Zimbabwean writer Yvette Lisa Ndlovu, Kenyan writer Shingai Njeri Kagunda, as well as American writers Hugh “H.D.” Hunter and LP Kindred. All four are listed as the editors for the upcoming collection. The collective was formed to address lack of adequate Black representation in speculative, science fiction, and fantasy markets. Their goal is to foster “a community space and generative writing workshop committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of Black SFF writers.” Check out their website to learn more about the collective.

According to Publisher’s Marketplace the anthology contains “12 works exploring mythology, folklore, wives’ tales, and superstitions from Africa and its diaspora through a range of speculative lenses.”

 

The Voodoonauts are known for their outstanding summer writing workshops. The first event was held July 31st-August 1st, 2020 with a cohort of 25 writers, and was extremely successful. This year, the summer workshop will be held August 4-7 (virtually) and the application will open on April 1st. So far, authors like Suyi Davies Okungbowa, Sheree Renee Thomas, and Arley Sorg are on the list of distinguished guests that will be present at the seminars. Follow their Instagram and Twitter, @voodoonauts, for updates and more information.

Congratulations to the Voodoonauts team! We see and appreciate all you do to support, celebrate, and and cultivate upcoming Black SFF writers!