Tag: sci-fi
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UFO sightings are about to spike. Here’s the truth behind them.
The US government’s UFO report has reignited public interest in unexplained phenomena, reflecting societal fears and conspiracy beliefs while reminding us of historical misconceptions and distractions amid current crises.
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Better Than Us is a feminist’s nightmare, but I still loved it.
Better Than Us is a American feminist’s nightmare. But the Netflix sci-fi series is Russian, not American, which makes it all the more fascinating.
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Review: What science teaches writers about storytelling
Wired for Story explains storytelling in the context of brain science and human evolution. For me, it clarified some of the truisms of writing, while shedding light on why storytelling matters.
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14 lesser-known climate fiction novels and anthologies
A new sub-genre of science fiction—climate fiction—has taken hold. Read these 14 lesser-known climate fiction novels and anthologies.
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Review: Don’t worry. Everything will be fixed by 2037, says this XPrize book
In 2037, the wealthy will dominate through NiceCoin, earned by kindness. Seat14C.com features sci-fi stories envisioning a techno-utopia, though many narratives feel repetitive and lack depth on social issues.
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Five Questions: James Marquis and his Dark Day Dreams
In another installment of my Five Questions series, author James Marquis talks about his characters and upcoming projects. James Marquis is a Seattle writer and author of science fiction novels, a memoir, and a collection of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror stories titled Dark Day Dreams, written under the pen name of James Hawthorne. He enjoys…
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Robert A. Heinlein’s Starship Troopers and the veneration of veterans
The election of Donald Trump inspired book lovers to explore dystopian fiction, particularly Heinlein’s Starship Troopers, highlighting the glorification of veterans and its implications for societal power dynamics.
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Five Questions: Elizabeth Guizzetti, author of The Grove
The blog introduces a new feature called Five Questions, starting with author Elizabeth Guizzetti. She discusses her writing journey, advice for new authors, and upcoming projects.
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Black Mirror: I’ll remember ‘Shut Up and Dance’ until I’m dead and buried.
Black Mirror’s greatness lies in memorable moments, particularly from Season 3, like the haunting conclusion of “Shut Up and Dance,” which elicits deep reflection on accountability and consequences in a digital age.
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Aliens, linguistics, and disruptive storytelling make Arrival must-see sci-fi
Ted Chiang’s “Story of Your Life” and its film adaptation “Arrival” explore time perception through non-linear storytelling, showcasing how language alters consciousness and perception, ultimately revealing alternative views of time.
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Ted Chiang’s sci-fi genius arrives with laser-like precision
The article discusses Ted Chiang’s acclaimed collection, “Stories of Your Life And Others,” highlighting his precision in writing and the profound themes in stories like “Story of Your Life,” which inspired the film Arrival.
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Reviews: It’s true. Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder is science fiction.
Writers often resist genre categorization, yet it aids readers. Ann Patchett’s State of Wonder blends science fiction with literary themes, revealing significant elements that enhance its narrative despite some structural issues.
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Are we creating the dystopia we’ve always feared?
The opening of Star Trek: Beyond and Trump’s nomination highlight contrasting American perspectives on optimism and pessimism about the future, reflecting societal beliefs about technology, governance, and potential dystopia.
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Review: Augments of Change salient in a time of racial tension
In a time of racial tensions and national reckoning with uncomfortable pieces of our history, Augments of Change attempts to satirize race, noting that it’s mostly an illusion. America is going through another paroxysm of racially tinged violence, reminding everyone of our failure to reconcile our history with our ideals. In my own lifetime, the…
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The Girl in the Road: Literary fiction with a sci-fi overlay
Monica Byrne’s The Girl in the Road intertwines two women’s journeys in a future shaped by climate change, exploring technology’s role in economic colonialism while challenging dominant narratives and human resilience.
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Review: In Hieroglyph, sci-fi exists to explore the possibilities of change
Science fiction reflects societal hopes and anxieties, evolving from optimism to realism. The anthology Hieroglyph seeks to inspire and debate sci-fi’s purpose, focusing on human experiences amid technological advancements.
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Planet Nine: I want to believe
Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, much like the ongoing discourse around the hypothesized Planet Nine, igniting belief and skepticism in scientific discovery.
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What Catholic science fiction writers can learn from Mormon writers
The article explores the strong connection between Mormonism and science fiction, highlighting how both the Mormon and Catholic backgrounds inspire imaginative storytelling, showcasing notable authors and religious influences on the genre.
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Is Microsoft co-opting sci-fi’s techno-optimism vs skepticism debate?
High-profile science fiction writers criticize the dark themes of modern sci-fi, while corporate interests, exemplified by Microsoft’s project, dilute artistic integrity and credibility, favoring a commercialized vision of the future.
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Review: “After Water” radio stories put climate in a new light
WBEZ-FM’s anthology, After Water, explores climate change’s impact on society through speculative fiction, presenting engaging stories that intersect science and art, while addressing social issues and the future of water.