Definition of Science Fiction
“A form of fiction that draws imaginatively on scientific knowledge and speculation in its plot, setting, theme, etc.”
Below, I’ve embedded the film version of one of the first works of science fiction that truly inspired me. If you watch, you’ll see that it’s not the space elements that I find fascinating. It’s something a little more down to earth. I enjoyed 2001: A Space Odyssey, but I prefer works of science fiction that deal with near future or apocalyptic scenarios rather than space flight or space exploration. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t write something with space travel as the central plot, it just isn’t my first choice.
Science fiction, at its best, may not be fiction at all. It’s simply reality that has yet to be. I don’t think any writers predictions are completely correct or even that they are intended to be. But I do like to think that my work depicts the road ahead with some accuracy. Either way, the ability to see a few steps ahead demands a close examination of the present.
Is it possible that time is a train and we’re on a track? If you buy a ticket, you can find out where we’re going. Unless of course the train jumps the tracks. And because we’re talking about science fiction you should be thinking of a bullet train. Maybe like the ones in Japan. Start in Tokyo. I’ve heard the city itself can best be described as science fiction.
“The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.”
-Arthur C. Clarke
Works of Science Fiction
Here’s a random list of books I’ve enjoyed that I believe, at the least, contain some elements of science fiction. You can buy these books from Flyleaf or your own independent or used bookstore.
I’ll start with some high school favorites and move on from there.
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – This was the book that made me realize I was a writer. As I read it, I realized I saw the world the same way Huxley did.
Like I said, I learned about Huxley’s work in high school, which I started to think of as strange after reading The Doors of Perception.
- 1984 by George Orwell – Who hasn’t heard of the term Orwellian? Big brother is watching you. Always and forever.
I also read this in high school. My teacher must have taken issue with society.
- The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells – This book represented a lot about what is barbaric an animalistic in society and the individual.
I read this during a semester off during college. Overall, I think Val Kilmer did a really good job in the movie.
- 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke. – My favorite part of this work is the description of the “Dawn of Man.”
I probably read this after watching the Kubrick film. You have to read this book to understand the movie.
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