THE WHAT?
The Fanciful Fiction Auxiliary (FFA) is a fictitious amateur writers’ group starring various oddball characters with certain ‘ideas’ (read: incorrect ideas) about their place in the literary world. It’s presided over by its triumphantly egotistical founding member, Valkyrie Cul-de-Sac (played by the real-world founding editor of the FFA, Jackie Ryan). The other Auxiliary members are devised and performed by a revolving group of established and emerging writers who have been invited ... to turn bad. To go rogue. To overwrite. To underwrite. To ‘do it wrong’.
So wrong it’s right.
Think unashamedly purple prose, plot twists so contorted they defy the laws of physics, multiples of double entendres, and a steadfast commitment to keeping a straight face. Writers aren’t just submitting a story when they produce something for the FFA—they’re encouraged to let their wild alter egos roam free; to experiment with the absurd under the (loose) protection of a pseudonym and a huge wig; to devise (and write in the voice of) characters that fit into this delusional world. Contributing authors may also pose for awkward 'author photos' and story ‘cover shots’ in costumes befitting their eccentric creations, and perform FFA-related readings in character at various festivals. It’s a complete world, you see.
Completely bonkers.
FUN FACTS
- Writerly guest stars include Michelle Law, Krissy Kneen, Pascalle Burton, Michael Kelly, Christopher Currie, Lorelei Vashti, Michelle Dicinoski, Katherine Lyall-Watson, and Trent Jamieson
- FFA writers Lisa Fa’alafi, Lucas Stibbard, Neridah Waters, Michelle Law, Trent Jamieson, Carody Culver, Kathryn Kelly, Andie Fox, Kellie Vella, Pascalle Burton and Adam Hadley also appear in Burger Force.
- The FFA in performance (with a rotating cast of contributors) has sold out shows at Brisbane Powerhouse (Mills&Boom! and Metro Arts (Dirty Laundry). The FFA has also performed at Woodford Folk Festival and Brisbane Writers Festival, MC'd the Queensland Poetry Festival, and confused all and sundry at the Women of the World Festival (as part of the 2018 Commonwealth Games).
- All of the photos are by Jackie except for the photos of Jackie. Those are by Carody. All photoshop 'styling' by Jackie.
