Speculative Science Fiction  November 8, 2010 - December 15, 2010

DESCRIPTION:
We all know some of the subgenres of science fiction--horror (scares for the sake of scares), action/military (thrills for the sake of thrills), etc. Speculative SF...something not too prevalent in online writing groups.

I'm talking about a poetic mix of philosophy, thought and some good, old-fashioned science fiction. Stories that MEAN something, stories that say something about human nature, or existence, or life in general. Examples in popular culture are Gattaca ("there is no gene for the human spirit"), V For Vendetta ("ideas are forever"), George Orwell's Animal Farm (what does communism really mean?) and Ursula Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness (cross between anthropology and science fiction).

The beautiful thing about science fiction is that you can come up with whatever setting you want and see what kind of an effect that will have on the characters. What if...people could suddenly read other people's thoughts? What would happen to "good will and peace for all" if the last humans on earth were fighting for the last resources? You get the idea.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
If you have a science fiction story that you think is thought-provoking, is brilliant, that makes the reader lean back against his chair at the end and scratch his head, that forces the reader to reexamine his beliefs, and isn't just entertainment for the sake of entertainment but actually has some sort of message about the world, universe, human nature, the human condition, the nature of emotions, (you see where this is going), submit it.

- Stories/screenplays/stage plays only, no poetry.
- I don't care how long or short it is.
- If you submit a novel, keep in mind that I might not read the entire thing...maybe just a couple of chapters.

***Because right now, the number of submissions is low, I'm only awarding 3 prizes. But as it climbs higher, I'll probably add a couple of "Honorable Mentions" :)***

I'll try to leave feedback on every piece submitted.

Preeti

San Diego, CA

8 Contestants
11 Submissions
393 Views
Created Nov 9, 2010