As promised on the show and as a follow up to the talk about Dystopian writing here are a few tips and guidelines I have gleaned from the web and my 'buy me and you won't have to do any work yourself' writing books. As always with these sorts of things they should be treated as suggestive rather than prescriptive - a bit like the Pirate's Code. In fact, one of the most creative and productive responses to any statement about writing that proclaims to be a rule is to prove it wrong.
Anyway:
Dystopian Writing
Potential story elements
a story set in the future - near or distant - but often written in the past tense
a focus on a current emerging trend that the story will put out front as the overpowering norm in society
The story might have a central governing power that is omniscient
the society is somehow dehumanised and lives in fear and ignorance
the protagonist somehow refuses to conform
the outcome shows how the protagonist fails in their attempt to rebel/escape or change society
Things to consider
Where and when is the action taking place?
What is different about technology?
Who is in charge? How did they get there?
How do the rulers rule?/control?
How does society view sex and violence?
How does society view religion?
How does the economy work? How does the workforce function?
What is family life like?
What happens to disobedient people?
Hope this all helps and look forward to seeing a pile of dystopian submissions coming in - it could be fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment