After difficulties, the Speculations Readings Series returns in July to DreamHaven Books, 2301 38th St E, Minneapolis. As before, the readings will run from 6:30-7:45 p.m., including an autographing and reception with free soda pop and cookies. After the event, interested persons will adjourn to a bistro to hang out.

On Thursday, July 29, MICHAEL MERRIAM and ABRA STAFFIN-WIEBE will read from their works.

Michael Merriam is an author, performer, poet, and playwright, with ten books and over 90 pieces of short fiction and poetry published. His novel, Last Car to Annwn Station, was named a top Book by Readings in Lesbian & Bisexual Women’s Fiction.  His novella, Should we Drown in Feathered Sheep, was long-listed for the Nebula Award.  His stories and essays have appeared in such places as the Hugo Award winning Uncanny Magazine: Disabled People Destroy Science Fiction issue, and the Ditmar Award winning magazine, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine.  His scripts have been produced for stage and radio.  Michael  is a co-founder of the Minnesota Speculative Fiction Writers.

Abra Staffin-Wiebe loves optimistic science fiction, cheerful horror, and dark fantasy.  Dozens of her short stories have appeared in publications including Tor.com, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Escape Pod, and Odyssey Magazine.  She lives in Minneapolis, where she wrangles her children, pets, and the mad scientist she keeps in the attic.  When not writing or wrangling, she collects folk tales and photographs of whatever stands still long enough to allow it.  Her most recent book, The Unkindness of Ravens, is an epic fantasy coming-of-age novella about trickster gods and favors owed.  Check out her website: http://www.aswiebe.com/to read about fluffy pink murderbears, firebirds bearing gifts, and other things beautiful and bizarre.

Speculations is a co-production of DreamHaven and SF MINNESOTA, a multicultural organization that also sponsors a midsummer speculative fiction convention, DIVERSICON, the 28th edition of which will occur at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West on July 30-August 1, 2021.