Exploring Genre Fusion, Representation, and the Evolution of Speculative Fiction
Nicole Givens Kurtz discusses her genre-blending approach, the inspirations behind her series, and the importance of representation in speculative fiction and horror.
Nicole Givens Kurtz is a literary force to be reckoned with. A genre polymath, her work effortlessly traverses crime, horror, and speculative fiction, earning her accolades such as the Ladies of Horror Grant and the HWA’s Diversity Grant. With over 50 published short stories and contributions to renowned platforms like Marvel’s Captain America anthology, Kurtz has cemented her place as a trailblazer in the literary world. Her creations, from the cyber-noir universe of the Cybil Lewis series to the avian-ruled hierarchy of The Kingdom of Aves, are as diverse as they are thought-provoking.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Kurtz delves into her creative process, revealing how she masterfully blends genres to reflect the complexities of life. She discusses the inspirations behind her richly imagined worlds, from the gritty cyberpunk landscapes of Blade Runner to the matrilineal societies of ancient civilizations. Kurtz also shares her insights on the evolving publishing landscape, offering invaluable advice to emerging authors from marginalised backgrounds.
Her work is not just storytelling—it’s a mirror to contemporary societal issues, weaving social commentary into gripping narratives that linger long after the final page. Whether exploring dystopian futures or reimagining vampire lore, Nicole Givens Kurtz continues to push boundaries, challenging readers to see the world through a fresh, unflinching lens.
Your works span multiple genres, including crime, horror, and speculative fiction. How do you approach blending genres in your writing, and do you have a favourite combination?
NGK: I blend genres because life isn’t one genre. I love mysteries, and as such, suspense and mysteries tend to find their way into all of my stories. Mystery and suspense are easily woven into various genres due to the popularity and our own curious nature of ‘what happens next?’. My favorite genre blend is cyberpunk and noir, and the majority of my works are cyberpunk noir, such as Blade Runner or Altered Carbon.
The Cybil Lewis series presents a cyber-noir world with deep political intrigue. What inspired you to create Cybil’s world, and how does it reflect contemporary societal issues?
NGK: The inspiration for Cybil Lewis came from two primary sources: Robert B. Parker’s Spencer series and Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. In 2003, I wanted a detective duo, much like Spencer and Hawk, but women, Black women, who are grossly underrepresented in the genre. This combination of private detective and cyberpunk, two of my favorite genres, is why Cybil Lewis’s series came to be.
The Kingdom of Aves series features a unique world ruled by bird clans and religious hierarchy. How did you develop the mythology and political structure of this world?
NGK: For The Kingdom of Aves, the mythology comes from a variety of places, but primarily Catholicism and other ancient civilizations who practiced matrilineal government and culture. I wanted a kingdom that focused on women rulers and in addition, I wanted it to be a fantasy. Aves is set up on a clan system, and in those types of systems, oppression is born. There isn’t equality in Aves, and the other bird clans notice, just as the case in the real world. I research India’s and Britian’s structure as well as speaking with my mother about her youth under the segregated South United States in the 1950s and 1960s.
As the editor of SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire and Blackened Roots: An Anthology of the Undead, what do you look for in a strong horror story?
NGK: Emotional impact! Horror that is gross or exploitive just for the sake of it doesn’t do much for me as a reader. I sought stories for SLAY and Blackened Roots that lingered with me long after I finished the story, whether those emotions were tears, laughter, or deep contemplative musings, I selected stories that dug deep. It’s hard to do with a short word count, but I was lucky enough to have very talented authors contribute to both anthologies.
Your Death Violation series explores cybernetics, human rights violations, and crime in a dystopian future. How do you balance the social commentary with the thriller aspects of the story?
NGK: I balance the social commentary with the thrilling aspects of the story but not focusing on the social commentary. Living as a Black woman, every moment of my life is a political act, is a part of social commentary. This is the case with my characters and the world they inhabit. They go about their jobs, and, just as in real life, the social aspects are part of the fabric, part of the world, part of the every day comings and goings of existing within a society. They don’t live in a vacuum, and we do not either.
You’ve been active in the speculative fiction community for over two decades, including as an instructor at the Speculative Fiction Academy. How has the publishing landscape changed for Black and indie authors during your career?
NGK: When I first began, there were few Black speculative fiction authors. Cover art for those genres didn’t include or show Black faces, in science fiction, definitely not in fantasy—unless they were monsters or aliens or orcs, and not in horror. I knew I wasn’t the only person who loved these genres and who read them, but the representation was grossly lacking. With the rise of the internet and social media, Black readers and authors began to make connections and amplify the need for our stories to be told. For now, there are many more works by Black authors in all genres, not just “urban” stories, because Black people aren’t a monolith. Publishing is still producing only 6% of stories by BIPOC authors. There’s still so much work to do.
What advice would you give to emerging authors, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, who are trying to establish themselves in the speculative fiction and horror genres?
NGK: My advice would be two fold: 1. Network with like minded authors and publishers by going to conventions or by joining online communities that focus on those genres and 2. Set the definition of success for yourself. Don’t let anyone else define what success means for you. It will save you a lot of headache and heartache on this journey.
