Science Fiction

New moon on January 11, 2024

Today begins the Wolf Moon, the first full moon of 2024. Science fiction is the theme.

Some consider it a sub-genre of speculative fiction, tracing its roots back as far as the Epic of Gilgamesh; while others emphasize the science in science fiction and prefer a much more modern origin. Despite all of that, many distinct sub-genres all find a home under the science fiction roof.

Major examples include hard sci-fi, alternate history, time travel, and the many variations of punk (e.g., cyber). When blending science fiction with other genres, ever more variations arise. Science fiction and western yields steampunk or space cowboy (your mileage may vary but Cowboy Bebop is a personal favorite). Science fiction and mythology yields space opera and fantasy sci-fi.

At its heart, science fiction explores the individual’s relation to a larger group. Great science fiction grapples with a problem either affecting society at large or some population within it, and it explores different ways to address the issue. The theme of a good science fiction story is the author’s answer to the question: How should society best handle that specific problem.

This might imply that great sci-fi stories are of the moment, relevant only to a specific time and place. But peruse a thoughtful list of the best science fiction, such as Esquire’s, and it’s pretty easy to see that good stories even in this genre are timeless.

Wherever your medium of choice takes you, we hope this month’s prompts inspire you in your work!