I have a simple idea for a science fiction book. But as part of the idea I want to build a story using the next concepts / eras/ mind-blowing realms. To do this I will need a reasonable handle on the range of ideas and concepts covered in the past.
I am gradually working my way through the list of Award Winning Science Fiction books (ref previous blog). To aid me in my search for the next direction in sci-fi, I am going to summarise the themes and ideas that come out of my readings.
In management speak, you might call this a gap analysis: what are we missing?
As I create and add to my reviews I'll put them in google docs as "The Next Dimension".
Already a pattern is showing:
> Take the alien's perspective with possibly(?) as little human involvement as possible
> Non-humanoid alien form
> Often the the character story is relatively basic and revolves around their experiences and actions to suit the events. The next level of sci-fi needs to get into the guts and soul of the character to the level that Zadie Smith gets to in "On Beauty" but not as detailed as Virginia Woolf's "To The Lighthouse". Both books, by the way amaze me in the author's ability to delve right into the innermost thoughts and feelings.
Ok -there's a start. Here's hoping for something wonderful.
Be inspired - and shine.
