Speculative Fiction Contest & Art Expo
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Speculative Fiction Contest returns for the 16th time! Speculative Art returns as an Expo to showcase creative entries in formats other than narrative fiction. The contest is proudly sponsored by the SOA Actuary of the Future Section and the Emerging Topics Community. Submission deadline is February 28, 2025.
Jump to rules, awards and submission links:
Past Speculative Fiction 1st-place Winners
2022-2023: Karl Gagnon, FSA, MAAA, Longevity Risk Management
2020-2021: Chris Fievoli, FCIA, Just Don’t Look At It
2019-2019: Nathan Worrell, FSA, Zombie Raptors
2016-2017: Robert (Rodge) Ellerbruch, Timeline
2014-2015: Ken Feng, FSA
2012-2013: Ben Marshall, FSA, MAAA, FCIA, CERA
2010-2011: Karyn B. Baker
2008-2009: Chris Fievoli, FCIA
2006-2007: Ben Marshall, FSA, MAAA, FCIA, CERA
2004-2005 Chris Fievoli, FCIA
2002-2003: Alan Shulman
2000-2001: Randy Makin
1998: V.C. (author unknown)
1997 (tie): Victoria G. Stachowski and Alice Underwood, FCAS, CERA
Speculative Fiction Contest
The 16th Speculative Fiction Contest invites you to present your vision for our actuarial future by February 28, 2025. This contest is open to SOA members and candidates who are legal residents in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
Fiction Contest Rules
Entrants must submit a story in accordance with the following rules. (See Fiction Contest Official Rules for complete details.)
- The story must include some sort of actuarial topic.
- The story must not exceed 6,000 words.
- Entrants must use their real name on the story for submission and for publication (if selected) and may not use a nom de plume.
- Submissions must be in English.
- Stories may be submitted in Microsoft® Word (.doc or .docx), Rich Text Format (.rtf) and OpenDocument Text (.odt).
- Entrant must provide name, phone number, email address, and the names and contact information for the co-authors, if applicable, on the entry form. Open to SOA members and candidates in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
- Entries limited to one story per person.
- By submitting a story, you are agreeing to provide the SOA with the right to publish your story, in accordance with Section 7(b) of the official rules.
Please note: The use of AI tools or AI-generated content in any part of the story is strictly prohibited. The entrant must attest that generative AI tools were not used.
Fiction Contest Awards
|
Award |
Prize |
Judge |
Criteria |
|
First-Place Prize Package* |
$400 |
Dr. Bob Mielke, Professor of English, Truman State University |
Originality, creativity, writing style and inspirational value to actuaries |
|
Second Place |
$300 |
Dr. Bob Mielke |
Originality, creativity, writing style and inspirational value to actuaries |
|
Technology |
$200 |
Emerging Topics Specialists |
What is the most unique use of technology in an actuarial setting? What new tech is imagined? |
|
Actuarial Career |
$200 |
Emerging Topics Specialists |
What the is most unique actuarial profession of the future? |
|
Futurism |
$200 |
Emerging Topics Specialists |
What the is most unique vision of the future? |
|
People’s Choice |
$100 |
Voters |
Discretion of the voters |
|
Best First Entry |
$100 |
Dr. Bob Mielke |
Originality, creativity, writing style and inspirational value to actuaries to highest ranked first-time entry |
*First-Place Prize Package includes $400 + a professional literary critique of your writing + an actor-read audio version of your story.
As in the past, all Speculative Fiction authors will receive words of advice about their entry from contest judge Professor Bob Mielke.
Speculative Art Expo
The Speculative Art Expo is a chance to let your creativity run wild. We invite you to send your visions expressed through works of art and written formats other than narrative fiction (such as poems, screenplays and comics). What does the future look like? What does it sound like? Send us photographs, songs, digital art, video or whatever form of media you are inspired to create by February 28, 2025. This expo is open to SOA members and candidates who are legal residents in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec).
Art Expo Rules
Entrants must submit in accordance with the following rules. (See Art Expo Official Rules for complete details.)
- Creative entries can take the form of (1) Creative writing in all forms other than narrative fiction such as poetry, screenplays, comics, graphic stories, etc. and (2) Art in any medium: such as digital graphics, photography, painting, sketch, sculpture, videos, music, etc.
- Videos and music are not to exceed 3 minutes.
- Written submissions must be in English and not exceed 3000 words.
- Entrants must use their real name on the submission form and any display.
- Written entries may be submitted in Microsoft® Word and PDF formats.
- Non-written entries must be submitted via a link (YouTube, SoundCloud, etc.) or as a document or photograph and must include a written description of 50 words or fewer.
- Entrant’s name, phone number, email address, and the names and contact information for any co-creators, if applicable, are required on the entry form.
- Entries limited to one art submission per person.
- By submitting an entry, you are agreeing to provide the SOA with the right to publish, display, and reproduce your entry, in accordance with Section 7(b) of the official rules.
Please note: Any AI tools used in your entry shall be disclosed in writing and documented responsibly and appropriately. You are accountable for the originality of the content of your entry and for ensuring any AI-generated material has been disclosed to the SOA.
Art Expo Awards
|
Award |
Prize |
Judge |
Criteria |
|
People’s Choice (up to 3) |
$100 |
Voters |
Discretion of the voters |