Iridescence: Speculative Fiction and Poetry Featuring Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Iridescence: A Celebration of Cultural Myths and Supernatural Wonder

Iridescence is a breathtaking anthology born from the Kinsman Quarterly's inaugural Iridescence Award, a global literary contest that attracted an astounding 757 submissions from 75 nations. This luminous collection features 36 extraordinary voices, showcasing the vibrant myths, traditions, and creative visions of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).

The title, Iridescence, reflects the kaleidoscopic diversity and otherworldly brilliance of the speculative fiction and poetry contained within. From the fantastical to the celestial, the supernatural to the paranormal, every piece shimmers with the unique cultural perspectives and storytelling magic of its creator.

Readers will be captivated by tales and poems that traverse genres, including mythic fantasy, urban fantasy, gothic fantasy, science fiction, dystopian sci-fi, and metaphysical sci-fi. The collection also explores poetic genres such as speculative poetry, historical mythic poetry, paranormal poetry, magical realism poetry, and metaphysical poetry.

Highlights of this anthology include award-winning works by E. Doyle-Gillespie, Christina Tang-Bernas, and Nicholas Samuel Stember, whose exceptional storytelling earned them top honors. Finalists Odette Cortés, Shantell Powell, Victoria Sosa, Solape Adeyemi, and Adrian Hayes contribute standout pieces that amplify the anthology's brilliance.

The longlisted authors bring additional depth and dimension, with contributions from Akupue Chukwuemeka, Anna Kristo, Ann Yuan, D W, D'Marcus Beatty, D. M. Cross, Dee Mainali, Douglas Perenara Johnston, Gaazal Dhungana, G. R. Betancourt, Grace Aliyu, Ihsan Sim, Jack Wolflink, Jasmine Harrell, Klarissa Conner, Lindsey Woodward, Liz Johnston, Micah Stanton, Marcelo Moreira, Michelle Ivy Alwedo, Olugbenga Ayodeji Ayo-Daniel, Rohit Das, Sandhya Barlaas, Shenali Wijesinghe, Shilpa Kamat, Stephanie Chiedo, Stingray Hopper, and Victoria Sosa.

Immerse yourself in a world of shimmering imagination where every story and poem reveals a facet of the beautifully complex tapestry that is Iridescence. This anthology is more than a collection; it is a celebration of the power of storytelling to bridge cultures, amplify voices, and inspire wonder.