The science fiction genre has undergone significant changes and evolution over time, influenced by various factors such as ideologies, social issues, and technological advancements.

The 20th century produced science fiction works marked by ideologies such as capitalism and communism, as well as threats like nuclear power, racism, and pollution.

In the last 20 years of the 20th century and the first 20 years of the 21st century, science fiction concerns shifted to include ecological issues, climate crisis, demographic crises, and the dangers of scientific and technical advancements.

The genre has become more diverse and inclusive, with authors from underrepresented communities, such as women and people of color, making significant contributions to the evolution of science fiction.

Authors like Nnedi Okorafor, China Miéville, and Octavia Butler have explored new themes and ideas, such as African futurism, artificial intelligence, and the first contact with alien civilizations.

The rise of digital platforms and new mediums has changed authors' expectations of their readers and has sparked novel ideas, such as "choose your own adventure" narratives, comic books, and video games.

The speculative fiction genre has grown over the past few decades from a niche, isolated faction of enthusiasts to a universal mode of entertainment, thanks in part to the popularization of science fiction through film and other media.

The future of speculative fiction is expected to become increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative, with an exchange of knowledge between scientific researchers and writers.

The Dartmouth Speculative Fiction Project has brought together authors and professors to collaborate on new speculative fiction work rooted in scientific research, and has aimed to foster collaboration and represent diversity in both background and writing experience.

The project's organizers hope to bring together an even more diverse group of people, including international authors, in future iterations of the project, and will continue with authors workshopping their stories with research partners.

The resulting works of fiction will be presented at a Dartmouth symposium and published in an anthology in Lightspeed Magazine, and students will be invited to submit their own stories, with up to four being chosen and featured in the professional collection.

The science fiction genre has expanded and redefined itself over time, with numerous subgenres emerging and evolving, including cyberpunk, steampunk, and solarpunk.

The genre has been influenced by authors from diverse demographics, including women authors and people of color, who have made significant contributions to the evolution of science fiction.

The lack of diversity in sci-fi stories can imply that people of color are not imagined in the future, but recent efforts to include diverse characters and themes in sci-fi have helped to create a more realistic and representative portrayal of the future.

The importance of diversity and inclusion in science fiction cannot be overstated, with diverse teams and perspectives leading to more innovative and effective solutions.

By promoting diversity and inclusion, the science fiction genre can become more representative and inclusive, and can help to break down barriers and challenge societal norms.

Ultimately, the future of science fiction depends on its ability to evolve and adapt to changing societal values and demographics, and to provide a platform for underrepresented communities to share their voices and perspectives.

The genre has the potential to be a powerful tool for social commentary and change, and can help to promote empathy and understanding between different communities.

However, this can only be achieved by addressing the specific challenges faced by underrepresented communities, and by implementing initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

By doing so, the science fiction genre can become a more vibrant and diverse field, and can help to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.

The rise of Chinese female writers in science fiction has become one of the most striking trends in the genre, with many focusing on issues that women face that men may not feel, providing a unique female perspective.

The internet has played a significant role in promoting diversity and inclusivity in science fiction, providing a training base for women and queer talents, and removing many barriers to writing based on industry and social stereotypes.

Digital platforms have enabled authors to connect directly with their readers and build a community around their work, which can be particularly beneficial for new and marginalized authors.

The success of digital platforms like Kindle Unlimited (KU) has been driven in part by the fact that they are indifferent to traditional notions of literary prestige and cultural capital, and are instead focused on providing readers with the content they want.

Social media has become an important outlet for writers to reach readers, with hundreds of visitors and audiences of book fairs discovering creators through electronic platforms and social media.

Digital platforms have added new publishing windows to creativity, especially in fields such as plastic art and cartooning, where individual and collective exhibitions have declined.

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in the field of literature and art, with AI technology having made significant progress in recent years, making people rethink the relationship between creators and AI.

Generative AI has the potential to bring major changes to literary and artistic creation, particularly in online literature based on genre novels, with the use of generative AI in online literature raising questions about how to respond to and grasp the trend of "content production automation".

The speculative fiction genre has grown over the past few decades from a niche, isolated faction of enthusiasts to a universal mode of entertainment, thanks in part to the popularization of science fiction through film and other media.

The future of speculative fiction is expected to become increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative, with an exchange of knowledge between scientific researchers and writers.

The science fiction genre has the potential to be a powerful tool for social commentary and change, and can help to promote empathy and understanding between different communities.

However, this can only be achieved by addressing the specific challenges faced by underrepresented communities, and by implementing initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

By doing so, the science fiction genre can become a more vibrant and diverse field, and can help to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.

The science fiction genre has undergone significant changes and evolution over time, influenced by various factors such as ideologies, social issues, and technological advancements.

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Content: Science Fiction and Politics in Literature and the Arts (Symposium, Toulouse)

Science Fiction and Politics in Literature and the Arts

The aim of this symposium run by the LLA-Créatis laboratory at the University of Toulouse Jean-Jaurès is to develop open thinking about “political” questions, in the broad sense of the term, that science fiction narratives allow. Different types of stories can be considered, in different literary genres or in cinema, video series and comics. It can be studied and interrogated from a historical, political and social perspective by involving, where appropriate, the possible contributions of different analyzes (anthropology, semiotics, feminist studies, postcolonial studies, etc.) Diversity of perspectives and questions raised by gender.

The entire twentieth-century period produced works in San Francisco that were marked by ideologies such as capitalism and its “communist” counterpart, but also by threats associated with civilian and/or military nuclear power, religious-related abuses, racism, minority liberation struggles, and pollution. , etc. These perceptions persisted, but in the period from the last 20 years of the 20th century to the first 20 years of the 21st century, other concerns were voiced: ecological pesticides, the climate crisis, demographic crises, resource depletion, or the danger. The scientific and technical potential (transhumanism, “artificial intelligence”, etc.) is being carried away.

The link to the realities of the times (as in the collection “Le Passager Clandestin / Dyschroniques”) can of course depend on one or more authors, take into account a work or compare several (especially in the case of short stories and short films). The broader perspective will consist in considering the basic ideologies, either in relation to the literary prizes awarded, or in relation to the works themselves, the semantics of these presenting themselves from the outset sometimes as criticism, sometimes as propaganda, the two being able to be combined according to modalities that tend to be ironic, Satirical, disruptive, etc.

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In any case, it would be a matter of highlighting the “exploratory potential” in these works, of identifying the “problematic tools” and of making the ideas put forward in fictional form productive from the point of view of political theory. (Y Rambhala).

Of course, it is advisable to include works belonging to different geographical and linguistic fields so that the panorama of this search is sufficiently realistic.

Provisional schedule of courses (date adjustments possible)

Oct 20, 2-4 PM / Nov 17, 2-4 PM / Dec 15, 2-4 PM / Jan 19, 2-4 PM / Feb 9, 2-4 PM / Mar 15, 2-4 PM / May 31 , 2-4 p.m

Contribution proposals must be sent Before October 1, 2023 To the following addresses: frederics[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The 20th century produced science fiction works marked by ideologies such as capitalism and communism, as well as threats like nuclear power, racism, and pollution.

What time period produced science fiction works that included idealogies such as capitalism, and communism, and also threats of nuclear power, racism, pollution, and more?

In the last 20 years of the 20th century and the first 20 years of the 21st century, science fiction concerns shifted to include ecological issues, climate crisis, demographic crises, and the dangers of scientific and technical advancements.

What concepts does Ishiguro's literary science fiction novel bring up?

The genre has become more diverse and inclusive, with authors from underrepresented communities, such as women and people of color, making significant contributions to the evolution of science fiction.

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Content: 60 Sci-Fi Books That All Science Fiction Fans Must Read

Are you looking for a new science fiction book to read? Looking to fill up your reading list with journeys to strange new worlds and fast-paced science fiction adventures? You're in luck because we've compiled a list of the best sci-fi books.

Whether you're looking to dive into the great sci-fi classics you missed out on or you're looking to delve into brand new tales from up-and-coming indie authors, you're sure to find something that will spark creativity and excitement for you. Science fiction and fantasy novels provide us with allegories, cautionary tales, and deep dives into the human condition told through the lens of the fantastical and the cutting-edge.

The Best Sci-Fi Origins Books

Where did it all begin? Read these early tales with impossible futures, fascinating creatures, time travel, and alien invasion!

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein brought us the iconic monster made by Victor Frankenstein. Considered the first true science fiction novel of the modern era, it would foreshadow genetic tinkering stories of the future.

The Blazing World by Margaret Cavendish (also called The Description of a New World, Called the Blazing-World)

Considered to be the first science fiction work, in the 17th century, Duchess of Newcastle Margaret Cavendish wrote of a utopian world.

Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The third Oz book by L. Frank Baum features Tik-Tok, the wind-up clockwork man Dorothy Gale encounters in the Land of Ev. Tik-Tok is basically one of the first robots in literature. Other wacky features in Ozma of Oz include a sand-sailing boat and lunch pail tree.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

A 19th century classic by Wells, depicting time travel and inspiring science fiction tales for over a century.

The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

The book would go on to inspire a radio program that terrified people into thinking Martians were actually invading Earth. Wells would kickstart first contact stories and alien invasion at the same time, offering up a cautionary tale that touches sci-fi to this day.

The Best Sci-Fi Space Epics Books

Transport yourself across the universe with these pillars of world-building in science fiction, all of which are either now adapted for TV or film or soon will be.

Dune by Frank Herbert

Frank Herbert’s Dune is considered a masterwork of world-building and family intrigue, inspiring other famous series and their respective houses. In the first book, Paul Atreides encounters the resident free people of the planet Arrakis (Dune), the Fremen, and achieves a destiny of messianic proportions. Dune recently graced the big screen in a new adaptation by Denis Villeneuve.

Binti by Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor's Binti novella series begins with Binti, a Hugo-award-winning Africanfuturistic science fiction horror story published by Tor.com. Binti is the first of the Himba people ever to be offered a place at Oomza University, the most exalted institution of higher learning in the galaxy. She faces the choice to accept the offer and give up her place in her family so that she can travel among the stars. Hulu has ordered a pilot for Binti.

Foundation by Isaac Asimov

The beginning of the Foundation series reveals the “psychohistory” developed by mathematician Harry Seldon. Seldon would establish a new empire called Foundation to preserve the culture from societal collapse. Foundation debuted as a TV show on Apple TV in 2021.

Embers of War by Gareth L. Powell

Gareth L. Powell's award-winning trilogy Embers of War follows the war-weary crew of the sentient spaceship Trouble Dog, who after becoming disgusted by her role in war joins the House of Reclamation. Trouble Dog and her captain Sal Konstanz are sent on a rescue mission, which intersects a mission to find missing poet Ona Sundak. The galaxy teeters on the brink of another war, just as an alien presence makes itself known, altering the course of things to come. Now under development for TV.

Rendezvous with Rama by Sir Arthur C. Clarke

A strange spacecraft enters the solar system, and humanity investigates. The secrets within the enormous craft, called Rama, reveal the heritage of an advanced alien civilization. Rendezvous with Rama is in development for a film adaptation with Denis Villeneuve at the helm.

The Best Hard Sci-Fi Books

If you like your science fiction taut with the edginess of battle and the implication of future wars, you must add these books to your collection!

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman

This classic military sci-fi epic details the tragic effects of time dilation on a group of soldiers fighting a seemingly endless war.

Ringworld by Larry Niven

Set in the 29th century, Louis Wu and his companions explore a vast, Earth-orbit-sized, constructed world. Their adventures uncover the alien civilization that built it.

The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu

First set with the backdrop of China’s cultural revolution, this new epic involves secret scientific experiments, alien invasion, challenging moral dilemmas, and impressive world-building.

Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

A man in his 70s is recruited as a soldier in the Colonial Defense Force, and altered physically in unexpected ways. Strong on character development, this kickstarts the Old Man’s War Series.

Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein

This classic military sci-fi tale follows Johnny Rico and military recruits who become involved in a battle between humans and aliens nicknamed Arachnids or “Bugs.”

If you love Starship Troopers, check out our review of the wisdom of Grand Admiral Thrawn – Michael

The Best Sci-Fi Robot Stories

The future of robots is here and is complex and necessary reading in these sci-fi tales.

I, Robot by Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov’s intriguing work introduced the laws of robotics that all robots must adhere to work alongside humans.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

The first novel in the Murderbot Diaries, All Systems Red, follows a cyborg that goes by the name Murderbot contends with self-awareness in the corporate-dominated future.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

The beginning of the Lunar Chronicles series is a retelling of Cinderella from the point of view of a cyborg.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick

Famed for its eventual big-screen adaptation, Blade Runner, this novel recounts a future in which highly realistic artificial fugitives are on the run from bounty hunter Rick Deckard.

The Alchemy of Stone by Ekaterina Sedia

Mattie is an automaton in this steampunk and urban fantasy novel involving gargoyles, Mechanics, and Alchemists.

The Best Sci-Fi Mars Stories

Our neighbor, the red planet Mars, beckons to us. What would it be like to walk on the shifting red sands of Mars? Find out in these Martian classics.

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury’s mesmerizing prose introduces us to a Mars full of exotic possibility, soon plundered by humanity’s arrival.

Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson

The first in the Mars Trilogy, Red Mars, involves the colonization and terraforming of Mars and the conflicting moral questions that result.

The Martian by Andy Weir

Astronaut Mark Watney is left behind on a Mars mission and must draw upon his skills and ingenuity in order to survive.

Mars by Ben Bova

Navajo geologist Jamie Waterman joins the first expedition of scientists exploring Mars. The grounded approach Bova takes to all the interaction, politics, and bureaucracy help achieve a plausible future story.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

The first book in the Red Rising Trilogy envisions a future of planetary colonization in which caste systems abound. Darrow must fight against this system of overlords.

The Best Sci-Fi Fantasy Books

Fly high with dragons, roam lands on epic quests, and learn the hearts of true heroes in the fantasy masterpieces.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien’s magnum opus spans three books, opening up a fantastically detailed and wholly invented universe in Middle Earth that was hinted at in The Hobbit. Considered the ultimate work of fantasy, The Lord of the Rings brings myth, allegory, poetry, song, war, and melancholy to heights of realism and wonder.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

The first novel in The Earthsea Cycle tells the tale of the wizard Ged, and his journey to redeem his reckless past.

A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin

Beginning with A Game of Thrones, Martin’s elaborate, dark fantasy series covers land in which seasons last decades, and a terrible force from the north threatens to bring an icy apocalypse to an area filled with rulers jockeying to take the Iron Throne.

The Dragonriders of Pern Series by Anne McCaffrey

This remarkable series takes place in the world of Pern, where people telepathically bond with dragons. Dragonflight is the first in the series.

The Fifth Season: The Broken Earth, Book 1 by N.K Jemisin

The Fifth Season marks the first book of the award-winning The Broken Earth trilogy. Set against civilization’s collapse and natural disaster, Essun endures great personal tragedy in her quest to rescue her daughter.

The Best Sci-Fi Dystopian & Apocalyptic Books

Set in a nightmare future, these dystopian and apocalyptic legends will keep you up at night.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

In a totalitarian future America, handmade Offred is forced to bear children to men of a ruling class. The tale follows her harrowing life in a bleak future, and the attempt to escape and bring down the subjugating class to restore rights.

The Stand by Stephen King

A deadly pathogen escapes a military installation, rapidly spreading and bringing civilization essentially to an end. A group of survivors makes its way to a form of a promised land while battling a malevolent group seeking domination.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

In the near future breakdown of the society of Los Angeles, empathic teenager Lauren believes in a better future entailing traveling to other planets. Lauren gathers followers to her belief as she makes her way north.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Set in the Great Lakes region of America, a group of nomadic creatives picks up the pieces after the fall of civilization due to pandemic flu. Station Eleven has been adapted for HBO Max.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The first book in the Hunger Games Trilogy follows the immense challenges that Katniss Everdeen faces in the post-apocalyptic version of America called Panem. She takes her sister’s place in the government-sponsored Hunger Games to compete for survival in a no-holds-barred and deadly competition.

The Best Sci-Fi Near Futures Books

The future is here, or nearly so, in these ground-breaking novels set close to our present day.

Contact by Carl Sagan

Scientist Ellie Arroway detects a potential extraterrestrial signal from space, which appears to instruct humanity in how to build a machine. She faces self-doubt amid scrutiny to uncover the mysteries of the discovery.

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

This cautionary tale about genetic engineering in which scientists make living, cloned dinosaurs for an amusement park. Mayhem ensues.

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke

Mysterious monoliths appear across many worlds, seeding life with intelligence. Following the discovery of one such monolith on the moon, Dr. Bowman and a team of scientists investigate the signal it sends to Saturn’s moon Iapetus. The onboard AI begins exhibiting dangerous behavior during the journey.

Flashforward by Robert J. Sawyer

A physics experiment creates an unintended consequence of everyone on earth losing consciousness for two minutes. Each person sees a “flash forward” decades in the future while they are unconscious. The resulting accidents and visions challenge everyone’s ideas of free will.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

In dystopian 2044, impoverished Wade Watts navigates through the virtual reality world of the OASIS, seeking to reverse his fortune.

The Best Sci-Fi Books for Younger Readers

Take adventures through time and space, no matter your age!

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

The Murry children and Calvin O’Keefe crosses universes and space-time to try to find their missing father. Their tale is a mind-bending adventure of good vs. evil.

His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass/The Subtle Knife/The Amber Spyglass) by Philip Pullman

The Golden Compass/Northern Lights begins this sweeping saga of two children, one born in a parallel universe, one born in our own. In Lyra’s world, people’s souls exist in animal form, called daemons. Her father and mother represent warring factions determined to control all universes. Filled with talking animals, witches, airships, and strange creatures, His Dark Materials packs an emotional punch.

The Apothecary Series by Maile Meloy

Set in the 1950s, The Apothecary starts this highly entertaining, thrilling adventure series in which American Janie Scott meets Benjamin Burrows, the son of an apothecary. After Benjamin’s father is kidnapped, the teenagers uncover a terrifying plot that could result in humanity’s end. They use potions with magical effects to try and stop the impending doom.

The Serpent's Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond #1) by Sayantani DasGupta

The first of the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series, book one begins with Kiranmala discovering her parents are missing, and there is a demon in her kitchen! Two princes recruited her and sent to another dimension, where she must battle the Serpent King and the Rakkhoshi Queen to rescue her parents and save the Earth.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

This delightful middle-grade novel recounts a discarded robot named Roz and her search for love and acceptance.

The Best Sci-Fi Ponderous Books

These mind-bending sci-fi novels will have you thinking for a long time afterward.

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

Raised on Mars, Valentine Michael Smith returns to Earth and tries to fit in. His unusual upbringing makes him seem superhuman, but he attempts to help his Earth kin understand things from a different perspective.

The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester

Set in the 24th century when telepaths (“Espers”) are common, and police are telepathic as well. Ben Reich tries to evade the telepathic police for a murder he wants to commit. The story opens up the moral issues of using telepathy, regulated mostly by a guild, but raises concerns about the exclusion of telepaths who run astray as well as psychological intrigue.

Solaris by Stanislaw Lem

Solaris follows humans’ failed attempts to communicate with extraterrestrial intelligence. The sentient planet tests the researchers with their memories and emotions.

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

A story spanning time and space and connections between various characters, Cloud Atlas explores the theme of fate with a mind-bending narrative.

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

This classic tale follows the journey of Genly Ai on his mission to the planet Gethen. The ambisexual Gethenians present challenges and growth for Ai.

The Best Sci-Fi Cyberpunk Books

If you dream of the future lit by neon, shadowed by noir, and fueled with intrigue, these seminal cyberpunk novels are for you!

Neuromancer by William Gibson

In the first novel of the Sprawl Trilogy, hacker Henry Case is hired to help an AI take over the global network called The Matrix.

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders

A modern cyberpunk tale is weaving together magic and science, with wit and feeling.

Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan

Set in the 25th century, humans have spread through the galaxy and can be preserved after death via cortical stacks, then essentially regenerated or “re-sleeved” into another body. Takeshi Kovacs stumbles upon a vast conspiracy after his latest “sleeve.”

The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester

This early entry into cyberpunk sci-fi follows teleporter Gully Foyle, an outcast considered dangerous.

Synners by Pat Cadigan

The synthesizers, or Synners, are people who can turn mental images into products for consumption. The story is told via various characters’ viewpoints.

The Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books by Indie Authors

Discover the latest sci-fi and fantasy stories, while supporting independent authors!

Mindful Things by Mya Duong

Nineteen-year-old Lauren begins to experience visions and uncovers the fact her deceased parents were witches. A madman hungry for power pursues her, and she must embrace her magical heritage to try to stop him.

The Infinite by John W. Akers

The inventor Pax works on a secret project that can revolutionize human cognition. His plans are derailed by a computer virus that could end civilization, so Pax is forced to choose how he can help humanity survive.

Threadwalkers by Joanna Volavka

Miranda Woodward undergoes a discordant series of events following her father’s death. This is a young adult time travel tale.

Resonance by Jennifer Greenhall

In Book One of the Resonance Series, Sophia Walsh uses her psionic abilities for good but finds herself the next target of a killer.

Heliopause: The Questrison Saga®: Book One by J. Dianne Dotson

Heliopause by J. Dianne Dotson kickstarts The Questrison Saga®, a four-book series science fiction and fantasy series. In Heliopause, a mystery at the edge of the solar system reveals a galactic menace. A galactic natural disaster unfolds, aiding the monster in the void. Human Forster and human-looking, ageless Galla-Deia team up with telepaths, galactic mages, aliens, and androids to face the greatest threat to all life in the galaxy. Full of diverse characters and exotic worlds, found and made families, heartbreak, and whimsy, this space opera recalls Star WarsDoctor Who, and Game of Thrones.

At Your Money Geek, we are huge fans of the science fiction genre, everything from military science fiction to novels about space travel, parallel worlds, and fantasy novels. We are always looking for new books to read and exciting sci-fi writers to profile, let us know in the comments what authors you are currently enjoying.

This post was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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J. Dianne Dotson dreamed up other worlds and their characters as a child in the 1980s in East Tennessee. She formed her own neighborhood astronomy club before age 10, to educate her friends about the universe. In addition to writing stories, she drew and painted her characters, designed their outrageous space fashions, and created travel guides and glossaries for the worlds she invented.

As an adult, Dianne earned a degree in ecology and evolutionary biology, and spent several years working in research. She published Heliopause: The Questrison Saga®: Book One (2018) and its sequels Ephemeris: The Questrison Saga®: Book Two (2019), Accretion: The Questrison Saga®: Book Three (2020) and her last novel in the saga, Luminiferous: The Questrison Saga®: Book Four (2021).

Dianne is also a science writer, content writer and manager, short story writer, watercolorist, and illustrator. She lives with her family.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

Authors like Nnedi Okorafor, China Miéville, and Octavia Butler have explored new themes and ideas, such as African futurism, artificial intelligence, and the first contact with alien civilizations.

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Content: Swords & Spaceships

8 Excellent Genre-Bending Sci-Fi Tales To Take You to the Next Frontier

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Lyndsie Manusos

Senior Contributor

Lyndsie Manusos’s fiction has appeared in PANK, SmokeLong Quarterly, and other publications. She holds an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and has worked in web production and content management. When she’s not nesting among her books and rough drafts, she’s chasing the baby while the dog watches in confused amusement. She lives with her family in a suburb of Indianapolis.

Prophet by Sin Blaché and Helen Macdonald, published by Grove Atlantic

The must-read queer sci-fi thriller of the summer! In a world just one perilous step from our own, an unlikely pair sets out on the most dangerous and otherwordly mission of their lives. When a diner suddenly appears in a remote field, Adam and Rao are confronted with the most devastating weapon they have ever seen: Prophet. No one knows who created it, or why, but this spooky substance is bringing happy memories to life, then stifling people with their own joy. Despite their troubled past, the two are drawn closer than ever to defend what they hold most dear.

As I said in my 2022 science fiction subgenre primer, the genre of science fiction is expanding. Like our universe, it is expanding quickly, redefined with every story, be it short or long-form. And beneath the large umbrella of science fiction, subgenres are added and redefined. All in all, there are endless ways to tell a science fiction story (don’t let any old guard tell you different).

And then — subgenres aside — there is genre-bending science fiction. There is science fiction that centers horror and science fiction that is fabulist and weird. There’s science fantasy, as well as science fiction romance. There’s science fiction that is nearly unclassifiable, a mixture of so many things, or even all the things. I’ve mentioned in my Book Riot oeuvre that genre-bending of any shape or size is my kind of work. When writers are bold and brave in their genre weaving, that’s when the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention. That’s when I rub my hands together and think, “oh, this is going to be good.”

Genre-bending science fiction doesn’t have to be confined to the novel form, either. Short fiction science fiction is in a golden age right now. Check out the latest finalists and winners for the Nebula, Hugo, and Locus awards, and I promise you will find mindblowing, genre-bending, exceptional work.

Below I will showcase eight tremendous genre-bending science fiction tales, ranging from short stories to novels, and everything in between. I believe I’ve mentioned at least one in a previous post from last year, but you’ll notice the genre coverage is different. Ergo, these stories are genre-bending.

In any case, I hope you’ll enjoy these stories as much as I do.

Genre-Bending Science Fiction: Novels & Novellas

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor

Fatima had a past before she became known as Sankofa. Before those around her called her the adopted daughter of the Angel of Death. With a mere glance, an entire town could fall. But before that, the world was different.

So much of what Okorafor writes is genre-bending science fiction (the Binti trilogy!). This novella begins in an almost fantasy-horror like fashion: Sankofa walking, leaving fear and horror in her wake. But as the story unfolds, it becomes this all-encompassing tale of African futurism, how the world shapes us, and then how we might reshape the world.

Hexwood by Diana Wynne Jones

One of the things I love about including this book is seeing this title on Goodreads and reading all the genres it’s described as. Hint: it’s like all the genres. Fantasy, science fiction, time travel, magic, dragons, robots, portals, you name it, Hexwood probably has it. And clearly, none of this should surprise you coming from the legendary Diana Wynne Jones.

The tale follows Ann Stavely as she watches people disappear through the farm’s gate. She meets a sorcerer, and time begins to move differently in the woods nearby. Little does she know that far beyond Earth, Controller Borasus receives word that an ancient machine has been awakened.

I mean, clearly, genre-bending at its finest.

Escape Velocity by Victor Manibo

I love how Victor Manibo is always able to craft the perfect mystery within his brilliant science fiction worlds. Manibo is a master at showing Earth just around corner, especially if we keep on our current trajectory. Picture a world of hyper-capitalism, a luxury liner — Space Habitat Altaire —and a ruthless world of amassing “points” in order for the chance to start a new life on Mars.

Now, add a decadent mystery of whodunit with a sprinkle of who’s willing to do anything to get what they want: Ava wants to find out who murdered her brother; Laz wants to win Ava’s heart; Sloane wants to collect secrets as his family’s wealth declines; Henry will do whatever it takes to get to Mars.

And all this is set during a class reunion on a luxury space liner, with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Get your science fiction Knives Out fix with this one.

Borne by Jeff VanderMeer

I still think about this book. I still think about Borne and that giant bear, Mord. This book is solidly science fiction, but it’s also just fucking weird. That’s honestly the best way to describe it, too, which is why I love it so much. It’s post-apocalyptic, and it manages to be both epic and extremely intimate.

Rachel is trying to survive in a world that wants to kill her at every turn. Then she finds Borne, an amorphous creature, in the fur of a Godzilla-sized bear named Mord. Rachel cannot bring herself, nor allow her lover Wick, to destroy Borne. Borne reminds her of better times and better places, and an attachment grows between them. This book is personal as well as out of this world. It’s weird fiction at its finest. It’s science fiction at its most profound.

Genre-Bending Science Fiction: Short Form

This list includes short fiction, though that ranges in word count. Below you’ll find tales that are short stories or novelettes.

Foxfire, Foxfire” by Yoon Ha Lee from Beneath Ceaseless Skies

Let me begin by saying that the publication of this story is in a highly respected (and one of my personal favorites) genre magazine called Beneath Ceaseless Skies. Its mission: to publish the very best in “literary adventure fantasy.” And yet, this story also has beautifully crafted science fiction elements.

This novelette follows Baekdo, a magical, shapeshifting fox who is able to speak to gods. Baekdo is set on becoming human, which requires him to kill — and devour the liver of — 100 humans. Baekdo has no qualms about coming to his 100th kill, but things don’t go as planned. Baekdo’s 100th victim is the pilot of a Cataphract, a giant battle mech. Baekdo swears on the tiger-sages that he will keep his oath with the pilot, Jong, and finish her mission. It’s an intimate, magical tale while also being epic in scope. Truly, a genre-bending masterpiece.

The Gondoliers” by Karen Russell from Orange World and Other Stories

Karen Russell is a masterful genre-bending writer. I fell in love with Russell’s work over ten years ago, with her first collection St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves. Like Kelly Link, Russell was vital in redefining, for me at least, what fiction, especially literary fiction, can do. “The Gondoliers” is a wonderful example of this.

It follows Janelle Picarro, a.k.a Blister, in a post-apocalyptic world where parts of Florida have fully submerged underwater and is now called New Florida. Blister is a gondolier, ferrying people across the waters. Blister and her sisters use echolocation to communicate and steer. There is a little bit of everything in this story, and you won’t be the same when you reach the end.

Memories of Memories Lost” by Mahmud El Sayed from khōréō

khōréō is one of my favorite speculative fiction magazines. “In Memories of Memories Lost,” El Sayed crafts a devastatingly personal short story of memory, loss, and sacrifice.

After aliens take over Earth, humans must pay a “memory tax” to their cosmic invaders. The story follows Ahmed, who chooses, for his tax, to give a large family memory in the form of a heirloom. In doing so, he can assure the comfort of his father, who suffers from dementia. It’s a story of complex relationships and love. It’s a story that begs hard questions of ourselves, our souls, and our loved ones: What if we could give traumatic memories away? Would we regret the loss?

The Dizzy Room” by Kristina Ten from Nightmare Magazine

Look, I know I’ve mentioned this story before, and it’s because the story is that good. Published in the renowned horror magazine Nightmare, this story is about a video game, but it’s also a horror story about memory and language. There are images and a multitude of sensory details that will haunt me forever.

This is science fiction horror at its best, with a mounting dread that will have you tempted to lean back while also leaning forward, closer to the page, admittedly desperate to hear the sounds of the game itself beckoning you. I am not at all surprised that this story is a finalist for the 2023 Shirley Jackson Awards.

Find Genre-Bending Stories Everywhere

Every genre has trailblazers, writers who take a genre and build upon it, question and criticize it, and remold it into something new. These are the writers I seek out again and again to dissect and study these genres, rediscovering them and also falling in love with them all over again. They are out there now, and their stories are waiting.

If you’re interested in more genre-bending work, check out these other Book Riot gems:

Who wrote "Binti," a Hugo-award-winning African futuristic science fiction horror story?

The rise of digital platforms and new mediums has changed authors' expectations of their readers and has sparked novel ideas, such as "choose your own adventure" narratives, comic books, and video games.

Title:

Content: Dartmouth Speculative Fiction Project considers next steps for the genre

The project brings together authors and Dartmouth professors to collaborate on new speculative fiction work rooted in scientific research on campus.

by Sophie Chadha | 53 minutes ago

From April 13 to 16, speculative fiction authors from around the country came to Hanover to participate in the Dartmouth Speculative Fiction Project, a series of events which included interdisciplinary activities between visiting authors and Dartmouth faculty, as well as readings and panel discussions open to the public. The project aimed to foster collaboration between authors and Dartmouth faculty – with a focus on designing stories rooted in scientific research – and addressed the present and future of the speculative fiction genre.

The project was co-organized by engineering professor Solomon Diamond, English professor Rebecca Clark, the Design Initiative at Dartmouth program manager Paula Olson, Hugo award-winning speculative fiction editor Liz Gorinsky and author and former visiting film and media studies professor Sharang Biswas Th’13.

According to Hugo and Nebula awards finalist Nibedita Sen, speculative fiction is a general term that provokes valuable questions.

“The term ‘speculative fiction’ … works as an umbrella term: It is fiction which imagines things that do not currently exist, things that may come into being through science or through magic,” Sen said. “It could be advancement, or it could be, ‘What if we went backwards? What if we stepped to the side?’ It could be a different dimension, a different timestream.”

In a Q&A panel on April 15, some authors touched on the exchange of knowledge that occurs between scientific researchers and speculative fiction writers. Author K.M. Szpara said he believes the future of speculative fiction will become increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative.

Nebula award-winning author Sam J. Miller  said we should reframe one stereotype about fiction — that it is dismissive of reality’s problems — and instead view its creation of a world without societal problems as proof of the possibility that our society could exist without them.

“It is as simple as, ‘ … And then the housing crisis is over … And then all the people standing in the way of progress are gone.’” Miller said.

Calvin George ’24, who attended the Q&A, said he was intrigued by Miller’s concept of speculative fiction as a tool for social change.

“It was really interesting to hear from these authors [about] how imagining worlds where a huge problem like climate change is gone can actually help us solve those problems by giving us a sense of hope that they are not absolute or inevitable,” George said.

Sen said she views fiction as an important lens through which we can better understand the reality of our problems.

“A lot of people view escapism as a form of writing that is less than, but I don't believe in that. Like Tolkien said: Is it not a prisoner's duty to try to escape? Fiction is the spoonful of sugar that helps the truth go down,” Sen said.

Sen said this belief manifested in her own writing following the results of the 2016 presidential election, when she pivoted into the realm of horror as a form of catharsis.

“[In 2016,] people like me were being viewed as monsters, so I decided, ‘Well, I will show you what a monster really is,’” Sen said.

Looking to the future of speculative fiction, teacher, linguist and author Rob Cameron points to the genre’s growth over the past few decades from a niche, isolated faction of enthusiasts to a universal mode of entertainment.

“With the popularization of science fiction through film, especially Marvel, ‘geek culture’ has become much more expansive — you do not have to be a geek to enjoy it,” Cameron said. “At the same time, authors’ expectations of their readers have changed with these new mediums: Are people really going to sit down and read this book? This kind of thinking sparks novel ideas like ‘choose your own adventure’ narratives, comic books, video games and more.”

According to Biswas, the Speculative Fiction Project came to life when pitched the idea of centering speculative fiction around scholarship at Dartmouth to Diamond. When selecting the authors for the panel, Biswas shared that the organizers primarily aimed to represent diversity in both background and writing experience.

“If you’re claiming to do a project that looks at the future of humanity, you need to represent diverse perspectives,” he said.

Biswas added that if the project were to happen again, he hopes it can bring together an even more diverse group of people with more funding.

“In the future, with better channels of funding, we hope to have more geographic diversity and be able to bring in international authors,” Biswas said.

The Speculative Fiction Project will continue as authors workshop their stories with their research partners. These works of fiction will be presented at a Dartmouth symposium in June and will subsequently be synthesized into an anthology in Lightspeed Magazine next year.

According to Clark, students will be invited to submit their own stories and up to four of them will be chosen and featured in the professional collection.

The speculative fiction genre has grown over the past few decades from a niche, isolated faction of enthusiasts to a universal mode of entertainment, thanks in part to the popularization of science fiction through film and other media.

The future of speculative fiction is expected to become increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative, with an exchange of knowledge between scientific researchers and writers.

The Dartmouth Speculative Fiction Project has brought together authors and professors to collaborate on new speculative fiction work rooted in scientific research, and has aimed to foster collaboration and represent diversity in both background and writing experience.

The project's organizers hope to bring together an even more diverse group of people, including international authors, in future iterations of the project, and will continue with authors workshopping their stories with research partners.

The resulting works of fiction will be presented at a Dartmouth symposium and published in an anthology in Lightspeed Magazine, and students will be invited to submit their own stories, with up to four being chosen and featured in the professional collection.

The science fiction genre has expanded and redefined itself over time, with numerous subgenres emerging and evolving, including cyberpunk, steampunk, and solarpunk.

The genre has been influenced by authors from diverse demographics, including women authors and people of color, who have made significant contributions to the evolution of science fiction.

Title:

Content: Science Fiction: Chinese Female Writers | Culture | DW | 21.10.2023
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Cultural warp and weft
Science fiction: the rise of Chinese women writers
While the space for feminist expression in China has shrunk further over the past decade, there ’ s good news from this week ’ s World Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu: Chinese female writers are thriving in the science fiction world, making them one of the most striking trends in the genre.
The rise of Chinese female writers in science fiction has become one of the most striking trends in the genre, according to participants at this week's World Science Fiction Conference in Chengdu.
The World Science Fiction Conference, the world ’ s oldest and most influential science fiction event, was held in China for the first time this year and attracted a large number of local fans, both male and female.
China remains a relatively socially conservative country, and under President Xi Jinping, the space for feminist expression has narrowed further over the past decade.
But author and editor Regina Kanyu Wang, who was nominated for two prestigious Hugo Awards at the World Science Fiction Conference this year, said the number of women writers in science fiction has soared in recent years.
She said more and more women are now realizing that "it's not just nerdy, nerdy science-fiction novels like Liu Cixin [author of the three-body series] that can be published, or can be considered science fiction." Liu Cixin is great, and we all like him.
But there's a lot more to it than Liu Cixin's style. "
The good news, says Wang, is that once women start to become writers, they don ’ t feel they ’ re being treated unequally.
The market and readers need a new perspective, she said.
The 81st World Science Fiction Conference will be held in Chengdu from October 18 to 22.
"Now, many Chinese female science fiction writers focus on issues that women face that men may not feel," Zhou Danxue, a literary scholar at XJCC Liverpool University, told AFP. "These writers can reflect unique female experiences in their own way."
Wang said that in the past two years, four anthologies of Chinese fantasy novels written only by female or non-binary authors have been published, which is a major breakthrough.
There wasn ’ t even an all-female science fiction writer ’ s portfolio before that.
Before the 1990s, there were very few female science fiction writers.
An article in the collection "The Way Spring Comes", which Wang Kanyu participated in compiling, pointed out that the Internet is a training base for women and queer talents.
Author Ni Xueting explained that the widespread use of the Internet “not only brought a new sense of community to people, but also … removed many barriers to writing based on industry and social stereotypes, especially for non-male writers. ”
Chen Qiufan, one of China ’ s leading science fiction writers, told AFP that the genre had traditionally not received special attention and was seen as “written and read by boys. ”
He said there was now a "wider and more diverse audience", estimating that his readers were split equally between men and women.
Chinese women writers begin to make their mark in science fiction
Monet, a 21-year-old woman who visited the science fiction convention on Friday, said she sometimes felt isolated among her own fan base.
“It ’ s hard to share my interests with people who don ’ t understand me.
They ask, "Why does a girl like science fiction?"
She is optimistic about these changes in attitude, pointing out that there are a lot of interested primary and secondary school students at the conference site.
“I think interest in Chinese science fiction has to be nurtured from an early age, ” she says.“ We didn ’ t have that opportunity when we were young … I really envy them, to be honest. ”
(AFP)
© 2023 Deutsche Welle Copyright Notice: All content in this article is protected by copyright law and may not be used without special permission from Deutsche Welle.
Any misconduct will lead to recovery and criminal prosecution.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

The lack of diversity in sci-fi stories can imply that people of color are not imagined in the future, but recent efforts to include diverse characters and themes in sci-fi have helped to create a more realistic and representative portrayal of the future.

Title:

Content: 'Snowpiercer' star Daveed Diggs says it's 'frustrating' when sci-fi stories lack diversity: 'That implies that you can't imagine a future with people of color'

  • "Snowpiercer" star Daveed Diggs told Insider that it's "frustrating" when sci-fi stories lack diversity.
  • Diggs said that it implies "you can't imagine a future with people of color."
  • Diggs added that "Snowpiercer" tries to make the future reflect what the world looks like now.

"Snowpiercer" star Daveed Diggs told Insider that it's "frustrating" when sci-fi movies and TV shows lack diversity.

Diggs, best known for his role in the original Broadway cast for the "Hamilton" musical, stars in the dystopian thriller about the last of human civilization living on a fast-moving train after Earth becomes a frozen wasteland. One of the aspects that make the series stand out is the fact that the characters are racially and geographically diverse.

Diggs, who plays the lead character Layton, told Insider that he hoped more sci-fi movies and TV shows embrace diversity in regards to their cast.

"The frustrating thing when our science fiction lacks diversity is that that implies that you can't imagine a future with people of color and that's super frustrating no matter who it is who's writing the show," Diggs said. "Because that also implies that you don't see them in your present or see us in your present."

He continued: "One of the things I do like about this show is that we try to make the world of the future also reflect our contemporary world."

In 2014, a study by book publisher Lee & Low Books found that in the top 100 domestic grossing films in the sci-fi and fantasy genre, only 8 had a person of color as their lead character. In six of those eight movies, the protagonist was Will Smith.

In recent years, major sci-fi franchises, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and the CW's Arrowverse, have started to include better racial diversity, as well as diversity in other areas.

Diggs also told Insider that the series reflects the contemporary world with its underlying themes for season three.

"Season three asked us to look at the inherent flaws in a bunch of political systems," Diggs explained. "We live in a world in which, in the last few years, we've been witnessed to a fair amount of authoritarian regimes popping up in places that we thought were solidly committed to democracy and that happens on 'Snowpiercer.'"

He added: "The big political question this year is how useful is a broken democracy and what are you willing to do to fix it? And what does it mean to fix it?"

The third season of "Snowpiercer airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on TNT.

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The importance of diversity and inclusion in science fiction cannot be overstated, with diverse teams and perspectives leading to more innovative and effective solutions.

By promoting diversity and inclusion, the science fiction genre can become more representative and inclusive, and can help to break down barriers and challenge societal norms.

Ultimately, the future of science fiction depends on its ability to evolve and adapt to changing societal values and demographics, and to provide a platform for underrepresented communities to share their voices and perspectives.

The genre has the potential to be a powerful tool for social commentary and change, and can help to promote empathy and understanding between different communities.

Yusuf Azza al-Din Eissa's writes about humanity with what perspective?

Yusuf Azza al-Din Eissa's writes about humanity with what perspective?

Yusuf Azza al-Din Eissa's writes about humanity with what perspective?

Yusuf Azza al-Din Eissa's writes about humanity with what perspective?

Yusuf Azza al-Din Eissa's writes about humanity with what perspective?

However, this can only be achieved by addressing the specific challenges faced by underrepresented communities, and by implementing initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

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Content: June is celebrated worldwide as Pride Month. It is a time to commemorate the progress made in the LGBTQ+ community and reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. Whilst society as a whole has made important efforts in the fight for equality, the legal industry still has a long way to go.

Law firms – and the legal environment in general – face significant challenges when it comes to diversity and inclusion, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ individuals.

Historically, the legal profession has been notoriously exclusive. Although the situation has improved over the years, there are still significant disparities in the industry. Women, people of colour, and members of the LGBTQ+ community have often faced barriers to entry and even advancement in the legal profession. This lack of diversity can have a significant impact on the practice of law, as lawyers with different backgrounds and experiences can bring unique perspectives to legal issues.

One of the main challenges facing law firms in promoting diversity and inclusion is the lack of representation at the highest levels. Many partners and decision-makers at law firms come from homogenous backgrounds, making it difficult to identify and address biases and promote diverse perspectives. Additionally, the legal industry's highly competitive nature can lead to a culture that values conformity and traditional values, making it challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals to feel comfortable and valued.

At Keltie, we recognise the importance of, and are proud to be part of a team that is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal industry. We understand that a diverse team brings together a range of perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to more innovative and effective solutions for our clients. We are committed to fostering a culture that celebrates differences and creates an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

As legal professionals, we can contribute to these goals by being proactive in our efforts. This includes seeking out opportunities to learn about other cultures and perspectives, challenging our own biases, and advocating for diversity and inclusion initiatives within our organisations. By implementing policies and practices that promote inclusion, such as establishing our DICE (Diversity, Inclusion, Charity, Environment) committee, and providing training programmes to combat bias, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Those in senior or managing roles have a unique opportunity to use their positions of influence to advocate for marginalised communities and to be vocal about their support for these initiatives. By leading by example and promoting a culture of inclusivity, we can inspire positive change throughout the legal industry.

Despite the challenges facing law firms regarding inclusion, significant progress has been made over the years. Today, more law firms are recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion and taking steps to promote these values. However, there is still a long way to go. The legal profession has the potential to be a leader in promoting equality, but it will take sustained effort and dedication to make this vision a reality.

Pride Month serves as a reminder that the legal industry still has work to do in promoting diversity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. We believe that everyone deserves to feel valued, respected, and included regardless of their sexual orientation or any other aspect of their identity. We look forward to continuing our efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Join us in our commitment to building a legal profession that embraces diversity, promotes equality, and ensures justice for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

By doing so, the science fiction genre can become a more vibrant and diverse field, and can help to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.

The rise of Chinese female writers in science fiction has become one of the most striking trends in the genre, with many focusing on issues that women face that men may not feel, providing a unique female perspective.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

The internet has played a significant role in promoting diversity and inclusivity in science fiction, providing a training base for women and queer talents, and removing many barriers to writing based on industry and social stereotypes.

What is considered a major breakthrough in science fiction publication?

Digital platforms have enabled authors to connect directly with their readers and build a community around their work, which can be particularly beneficial for new and marginalized authors.

Title:

Content: Though her knitwear patterns had previously been published in books and magazines, Reagan Davis was ready to spin a different kind of yarn.

A longtime fan of the cozy mystery — wholesome whodunits more in the vein of Agatha Christie than John Grisham — the Ontario-based Davis decided to self-publish the first three books in her "Knitorious Murder Mysteries" series.

Three years and 12 entries later, the series has found an audience, mostly through Kindle Unlimited (KU), a subscription service that offers readers access to hundreds of thousands of ebooks for $10 per month.

"Cozy mystery readers are enthusiastic readers. They read a lot," Davis, who writes under a pseudonym, said. "It's not at all a competitive community. My fellow cozy authors, we all support each other, we all promote each other's books, because we all appeal to the same people."

They're so enthusiastic that Davis has been able to set aside her pattern-making business and focus entirely on designing knitting-themed murders.

The subscription model works for reader and writer alike, she said. Readers can read as much as they want for a flat rate, and writers get paid by page read.

That new system is having an effect on how some writers approach their craft by encouraging them to write faster, longer and crazier. The longer a writer can keep a reader hooked, the more money they stand to make, Davis noted.

A portion of the monthly subscription fee gets funnelled into a pot, called the Kindle Direct Publishing Select Global Fund, which gets divvied among all the authors based on how many pages of their books were read.

Amazon said its fund was worth US$45.2 million last month alone. Representatives did not respond to a request for comment on how much of that went to Canadian writers.

Kobo Plus, a similar subscription service from the Toronto-founded, Rakuten-owned e-reading company, pays writers based on time spent reading.

And unlike libraries, which can only lend out as many copies of an ebook as they own the rights to, there's no limit to the number of KU or Kobo Plus readers who can download a book at any given time.

The payment model works for writers like Davis, who said she makes 60 per cent of her income from KU and the other 40 per cent from ebook and print sales. But she said it's also affected the way some people write.

"A lot of KU writers try to write long because we get paid per page read," she said. "But I mean, you can't force a story to be longer than it is and keep someone's interest."

Speed is also of the essence for KU writers, Davis said. The more books she publishes, the faster her community of readers grows and the more pages there are for that community to read.

Technology affecting content isn't anything new in publishing, said Hannah McGregor, an author and assistant professor of publishing at Simon Fraser University.

"The internet is doing things to writing very fast, because the internet works very fast," she said. "And the book was developed and was normalized very slowly, and so it did things to writing more slowly. But that relative speed doesn't change the fact that literature is always framed by technologies."

She gave the example of Charles Dickens, whose novels penned in the 19th century were published in instalments.

"That was a response to the evolution of print and the way that newspapers and magazines were becoming cheaper and cheaper to produce and easier to get out to a really wide audience," McGregor said.

"This literature that's treated as unquestionably canonical and serious was itself influenced by technological shifts interested in building an audience."

Self-published ebook authors don't tend to get the same sort of respect as Dickens and his ilk, she said, because they're largely writing genre fiction: mysteries, romances, fantasies, sci-fi and even fan fiction.

"Traditional publishing has really turned up its nose at that," McGregor said.

"I think the huge success of Kindle Unlimited stems from the fact that Amazon as an organization is fundamentally indifferent to literature, publishing, cultural capital, prestige, elitism. They don't care, because they're just there to make money.

"So while other publishers ignored the growth of this community of fan fiction writers and romance writers, Amazon was like, 'Oh, cool, you guys like that. We'll build you a tool to do that.'"

Rae Knightly said she didn't even consider going with a traditional publisher after writing "Ben Archer and the Cosmic Fall," the first book in her middle-grade science fiction series about a 12-year-old boy gifted with an alien superpower.

"I had no idea if my story was any good," she said from her home in Port Coquitlam, B.C. "I had no idea if it had any value or if anyone would read it. And since I knew that traditional publishing could take years, I didn't want to wait that long."

Like Davis, Knightly opted to write a series of books in an effort to garner more attention in the crowded market of self-published books.

"Amazon pushes authors who publish series and who publish consistently and who publish often. So it's not enough to just have one book," Knightly said.

Initially, she planned on writing three books about Ben Archer. But after establishing an audience — not an easy feat — she decided to keep going.

"I think the turning point came after Book 3," she said. "I think readers are more likely to try you out when they see that you have several books out.

"The other thing is, things changed for me the day that I realized that I needed to treat my writing as a business, which is a big mind switch for a creative person."

The success of digital platforms like Kindle Unlimited (KU) has been driven in part by the fact that they are indifferent to traditional notions of literary prestige and cultural capital, and are instead focused on providing readers with the content they want.

Social media has become an important outlet for writers to reach readers, with hundreds of visitors and audiences of book fairs discovering creators through electronic platforms and social media.

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Content: Friday 1st September 2023 Abu Dhabi UAE
Prayer times
News Highlights
Today 's Issue
Today 's Issue
A culture
The means of communication...
Enhanced windows for creativity
Social networking sites have provided creators with platforms to spread (from source)
September 1, 2023 01: 03
Said Yassin (Cairo)
Creators in the fields of story, novel, plastic art, comics and other types of art have suffered over the past decades from the decline in the levels of access of their literary and intellectual production to the public, in light of the shrinking number of publishing houses and art exhibitions in many countries. It has a special character and can not be bypassed in any way.
Al-Ittihad polled the opinions of a number of writers, writers and artists about the role of social media and electronic publishing, and did it add new publishing windows to creativity or has it a negative role on it?
In the beginning, Noha Dawood, who has published a number of novels, said that social media has become one of the most important outlets for the writer to reach readers, and hundreds of visitors and audiences of book fairs have known the creators through electronic platforms and social media, and this represents a great challenge for the creator, as he can provide good works and at the same time reach the audience easily, provided that he does not overstep on social media no matter how good. Reality moves with its calculations.
The researcher, artist and poet Mahmoud al-Shanqarabi acknowledges that the networking sites have added a lot to the creators of plastic art and cartoonists in light of the decline in the establishment of individual and collective exhibitions, as well as the decline of some paper newspapers that used to accommodate dozens of drawings per day for artists.
He pointed out that social media introduced him more to the public, and that his paintings and works published immediately after their completion provided him with opportunities to communicate with a wide sector of the public from various Arab countries, especially that his audience on social networking sites exceeded the number of his artistic audience that he has been for 60 years.
The writer Iman Al-Omari believes that social media has many positive aspects, contrary to what some of those who focus on highlighting its negative and bad aspects on culture and creativity, as it is like anything else contains the good and bad, and in the field of literature has benefited the book a lot, where it facilitated the acquaintance of writers among them, and facilitated the exchange of experiences and knowledge of what is offered in markets, without going through libraries in search of supply. For international and old writers, these can download their writings from their sites and avoid any practical difficulties that may hinder their purchase.
She said that the e-book will not cancel the paper book, as evidenced by the continued holding of regular book exhibitions and the increasing number of printed books and the demand for their purchase.
As for the Syrian artist Ibrahim al-Hassoun, he considered that communication sites are important windows for the creator, and free to display his creative production, especially as they reach the largest possible segment.
The writer and novelist Mohamed Refaat looks at the matter from another angle, and believes that although online platforms provide the opportunity for many writers, especially new ones, they have also sometimes contributed to the squandering of their rights, in some countries, in the absence of laws governing the relationship between the publisher and the writer or the reservation of intellectual property rights decisively.
All rights reserved to Al Ittihad Newspaper 2023 ©

Digital platforms have added new publishing windows to creativity, especially in fields such as plastic art and cartooning, where individual and collective exhibitions have declined.

The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic in the field of literature and art, with AI technology having made significant progress in recent years, making people rethink the relationship between creators and AI.

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Content: 【 Printing 】
【 Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4 】
The rise of generative artificial intelligence, the impact on online literature geometry
Related LINKS http: / / www.CRNT.com 2024-03-16 18: 10: 12
Beijing, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) creation is a hot topic in the field of literature and art, according to the Guangming Daily.
In recent years, AI technology has leapfrogged and updated iteration, making people rethink the relationship between creators and AI.
In particular, the input and use of generative artificial intelligence has made creators believe that artificial intelligence will bring major changes to literary and artistic creation, and online literature based on genre novels is the first to bear the brunt.
In 2023, Reading Group released the first large language model focusing on the vertical field of online literature "Reading Pen" and its application products, which realized the content generation function of artificial intelligence in the world view setting, role setting, scenario description and fight description, and became a hot topic in the entire online literature community.
How to respond to and grasp this new trend of "content production automation" is an inescapable problem in front of online literature practitioners and researchers.
Literature has never died because of media change, but has achieved new changes under the impact of technology.
"Network" is the fundamental attribute of network literature.
Whether it is the creation, dissemination, reading acceptance and even IP development, it has an inseparable relationship with digital technology, with many media attributes such as typing, interactivity, and community.
As a consumer culture, its entertainment, commercialization, and industrialization are also deepening.
Due to the extensive use of "upgrade and strange" and "golden finger" in the creative process, online literature is often defined by scholars as database writing in a digital artificial environment, and is also suitable for the modular narrative of various "moe elements" aggregation proposed by the Japanese scholar Toho.
This type of generative artificial intelligence (AIGC) based on neural networks and deep learning, mainly on the basis of a rich corpus database, uses algorithms to recombine existing text or generate new text, and is especially suitable for network literature database writing and operation.
Since generative artificial intelligence can assemble a vast pool of knowledge achievements jointly created by existing human groups and achieve optimal configuration, it is naturally difficult for a single author to compete with such a huge "collective intelligence".
Many past examples have shown that the text generated by AI independently can often even surpass most ordinary writers, making it impossible to distinguish whether it is a human or a machine behind it.
The rise of generative artificial intelligence indicates that technological rationality is strongly involved in literary and artistic creation.
In the past two years, new AIGC products have been introduced, which has pushed the scope of application and creative potential of artificial intelligence to an unprecedented height.
This leaves the industry in a frown: Will AIGC really replace online writers?
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