Dystopian Discussion

An accomplished author recently spoke to my writing group and told us that she had written and published a dystopian novel in 2008, prior to their rise in popularity.  She said she was “too early” for the main wave of readers, and that these days, we could forget about selling something dystopian.

Not to be taken out of context, it was part of a discussion on why we shouldn’t chase current trends in our writing.

Generally, I agree with her advice.  Chasing what’s popular because it’s popular seems to lack soul or fire, and it doesn’t feel like art.  Right?

But some topics or genres are bigger than us.

Even if something isn’t currently selling, or the market is flooded, it doesn’t mean a good book won’t find readers, or that there won’t be another opportunity for that genre or topic in the future.  It could lead to those things, but then again, nothing in this world is guaranteed.

Dystopian novels have been around a long time, and there are plenty of them:  Brave New World (1932), 1984 (1949), A Clockwork Orange (1962), The Long Walk (1979), and The Giver (1993) are just a few of my favorites.  Check out this Wikipedia list of 100s of dystopian novels, which start as early as 1726 (Gulliver’s Travels).

Dystopia isn’t going anywhere.  Neither are the detective books.  Or romance.

I say write what you want, when you want.  Fill it with passion and tell it with an original voice.  If the market isn’t ready for it, let it marinate, and cook it later!