We’re so excited to reveal the cover for Challenging the Tides: An Anthology of Hope!
Be inspired.
This collection of stories looks to our future with hope, not fear. Enjoy adventures set in and around the Humber region. Discover communities who overcome the challenges of climate change. Meet characters who find a future that works for them. The tales are written by past guests of Humber Speculative Fiction, established, and emerging authors of East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.
Pre-orders will be available soon. Be sure to sign up to our page for updates.
Challenging the Tides received an impressive range of submissions. Our slush readers and editors, Michelle Horst and Susan Oke enjoyed reading them. Sadly, there were too many to include them all.
Find out more about each of our contributors by clicking on their names.
The Authors of Challenging the Tides: An Anthology of Hope are (in alphabetical order):
Thank you to everyone who submitted a story. Thanks also to the past guests of Humber SFF who have agreed to be a part of the anthology.
These stories explore the underlying impact communities face because of climate changes. And of course the tales are inspired by our area. Fearless, inventive characters and welcoming places let us see glimpses of what could be when a group works together.
Challenging The Tides would not be possible without the generous donation from The Sir James Reckitt charity.
Challenging the Tides: An Anthology of Hope will be released in late September 2026.
Growing up, Andrew Knighton’s goal was to go on fantastical adventures in impossible worlds. When that didn’t work out, he started imagining the adventures instead, and a writer was born. He’s now the author of the Forged For Destiny trilogy and the Executioner series, as well as assorted short stories, comics, novellas, and murder mystery games. He lives in Yorkshire with an academic and a cat, growing vegetables and striving for a brighter future, while still hoping that a magical portal will open between the broad beans. You can find more of him at andrewknighton.com
About The Executioner’s Blade.
Unteholz is a city built on the backs of dying monsters. When Lena Sturm, the city executioner, learns that she executed an innocent priest, she sets out to find the real killer and bring them to justice. But her quest for the truth drags her into a web of conflict and conspiracy, with everyone from zealous Bishop to a mad alchemist as potential suspects. As Lena persues justice, an army marches on the city, intent on bringing it to its knees. With the pressure mounting and the city’s future in danger, Lena must not only fight to uncover the truth but also to keep her adopted home safe.
While we read through the submissions for our upcoming anthology, we’re pleased to share with you our upcoming dates and a return to a Beverley favourite: https://monkswalkinn.com/
28 September 4.30 pm
Following the fabulous Festival of Words Science Fiction and Fantasy events, this is your chance to catch up with friends.
Coming around quick is the Bridlington Spa comic-con, September 7th. This is one for the comics and graphic novel lovers and cosplay fans. Alongside panels and Q&A with artists, writers and more. Don’t miss the artists’ workshops! Tickets are available here https://www.bridcomiccon.com/ or in person from Bridlington Spa
Speculative Fiction at The Festival of Words
Once again, East Riding Libraries’ Festival of Words is here, and on September 28th you’ll find an amazing line up of speculative fiction panels and a workshop lead by A.Y Chao. It’s great to see past guest Sunyi Dean feature in this year’s festival too. Tickets to hear Eliza Chan, Sunyi Dean, Ben Aaronvitch and A.Y Chao are here. https://www.eastridinglibraries.co.uk/festival-of-words/
Hull Horror Fest has become a must for horror fans. Fill your quaking boots with horror and halloween stalls, Guests from our favourite TV and film, artists, authors (of course), all the zombies you can dodge, and Q&A talks. It all takes place on 25th October in Hull’s Costello Stadium. This years special guests feature actors from the 2025 movie, 28 Years Later.
Our members asked for more writing opportunities. So over the summer we hope to hold a series of writing workshops to help inspire…
Our Anthology ( First and maybe only…)
Humber Bridge
We want to promote the writing talent in the region so here’s your chance to be part of something special. We’re bringing Solarpunk to the U.K’s Humber region.
Humber SFF Solarpunk Anthology Submission Call
Solarpunk is a subgenre of both Science Fiction and Fantasy exploring the future. Solarpunk is not dystopian, but it doesn’t need to be utopian either. It’s one of hope, community and technology living together. We’re looking for short stories exploring sustainable futures set in East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and its coastal areas.
If your story is chosen, you’ll be published alongside past guests, and award winning regional writers.
By Appleby Frodingham Steelworks – tank and Appleby Coke Ovens by Chris Allen, CC BY-SA 2.0,
Submissions CLOSE 1st September
Maximum 8000 words
Stories must be within the Solarpunk genre.
Stories should use elements of community, hope, and be set in or inspired by the Humber region.
Authors submitting must reside or be born within the East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire postal code areas.
Stories should not be generated by AI. The use of grammar software and similar tools is acceptable.
Submissions should use Shunn Modern format: Times New Roman or Courier New, 12 points, black, double line space, italics for emphasis. More information on this https://www.shunn.net/format.
Submission closes on 1 September 2025 stories received after that will be deleted.
Authors will be paid a nominal fee if accepted.
We’ll post details of the workshops as soon as they are confirmed.
Plans for 2025 HSFFH schedule are coming together. We know you’re keen! Sign up to be the first to know about our next events at Chugg Coffee House in Beverley.
Yes to more author and publisher talks!
Yes the writing sessions are coming soon. (We haven’t forgotten. Thank you for your patience!)
Other REALLY exciting developments are in the process…
Want to know more? Find us at Beverley Library for #Springfest. We’re in the Local Author Market Place THIS SATURDAY 15th March.
Humber Speculative Fiction