Common Errors in Fiction Manuscripts, Part 7

Overdone Dystopia





While we're dealing with speculative and
science fiction, I'm going to deal with overdone dystopia in SF literature.
Just as the evening news focuses on catastrophe, so does SF literature focus on
a future that's gone to fiery regions in a wicker contraption. In fact dystopia
has become so common in SF that it's simply an accepted scenario. We're all
going to wear gas masks. It's always going to rain. Crime rules. Conscience
fled on the arm of Hope and humanity is more cyborg than biological.





Although there is still an audience for
this type of literature (and as long as male adolescent geeks exist, so will
this literature), it would be refreshing to find a writer who dares to push the
boundaries of SF and go where the greats of the Golden Age dared venture – into
new territory.





So, global warming is a fact. Instead of
writing about a devolved world, however, why not write about an adapted world?
What if coastal cities became canal cities and transportation was via overhead
rapid transit rail and canal boats powered by wind and solar? What if high-density
housing developed into a version of the hanging gardens of Babylon?





Now that could be fascinating reading.





Comments? Questions? We'd love to hear
from you.