{"id":27864,"date":"2015-09-30T08:29:40","date_gmt":"2015-09-30T12:29:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/?p=27864"},"modified":"2015-09-30T08:29:40","modified_gmt":"2015-09-30T12:29:40","slug":"stina-leicht-on-the-nature-of-message-fiction-inside-sci-fi-fantasy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/2015\/09\/30\/stina-leicht-on-the-nature-of-message-fiction-inside-sci-fi-fantasy\/","title":{"rendered":"Stina Leicht: Message Fiction Inside Sci-Fi & Fantasy"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u00a0love synchronicity. When it crackles like lightning, a shuddering bolt of electricity connecting two things in an unexpected way. Example: I have two awesome authors doing guest posts. Both of those authors sent me posts that inadvertently speak to one another about similar topics. That’s awesome, and so I’m popping both posts up today, today, today. We’ve got Stina Leicht (whose newest, Cold Iron<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, is out now) and S.L. Huang, with Root of Unity<\/strong><\/span><\/a> out (which is the third book after Zero Sum Game<\/strong> and Half-Life<\/strong>).\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Here, then, is Stina’s post. You can check out S.L.’s post here<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

And also, Stina is doing a Cold Iron giveaway. Details at the bottom of this post.<\/em><\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

What does the phrase \u2018message fiction\u2019 mean? I\u2019ve been hearing it a lot lately. Most of the time it\u2019s being implied that \u2018message fiction\u2019 is a new and dangerous trend. That this never happened in genre before. That isn\u2019t true, and those throwing around the term can\u2019t possibly be unaware of this. I\u2019ll explain why soon, but for now I can\u2019t help thinking what they\u2019re truly saying is that Science Fiction and Fantasy is being taken away from its True Fans\u2122. That these True Fans\u2122 don\u2019t wish to read any fiction that contains opinions or topics with which they disagree. That genre fans are delicate hot house flowers. That their constitutions are far too fragile to handle concepts they might dislike. I say, that\u2019s their choice. They can live that way. However, they also claim that such things don\u2019t belong in genre at all and should be edited out. There\u2019s a word for this. It\u2019s called censorship<\/i>. Interestingly enough, they claim to be victims of censorship, and that this gives them the right to dole out the same in return. Because they are anti-censorship.<\/i> This isn\u2019t logical. Mind you, I\u2019ve never been a big fan of \u2018any means to an end\u2019 as a strategy for anyone who claims to be a good person. That way leads, almost instantly, to becoming the thing you hate. And that\u2019s why ultimately, this argument about message fiction boils down to just another round of \u201cFake Geek.\u201d<\/p>\n

But just for grins, let\u2019s play along. Let\u2019s pretend this isn\u2019t what they mean. Let\u2019s ask the question in earnest. What is message fiction?<\/i><\/p>\n

As I understand it, message fiction is fiction that contains a theme. If you\u2019ve taken an English literature class, you\u2019re familiar with the concept. (See: http:\/\/www.roanestate.edu\/owl\/elementslit.html<\/a><\/strong><\/span>) A \u2019theme\u2019 is but one of many tools of the professional writer trade. (See http:\/\/study.com\/academy\/lesson\/what-is-theme-in-literature-definition-examples-quiz.html<\/a><\/strong><\/span>) All writers of fiction use these concepts whether they\u2019re noticed by readers or not. Sometimes, they\u2019re even used unconsciously by the writer. And that is why I say that if the concept of fiction with a theme is new to them, they haven\u2019t been paying attention to our genre or literature in general. Ever<\/i>.<\/p>\n

So, does \u2018Message Fiction\u2019 have a place in Science Fiction and Fantasy?<\/p>\n

Short version: yes.<\/p>\n

Longer version: YES. Because Science Fiction is often defined as the fiction of ideas, and while I tend to lean more toward Science Fiction and Fantasy being the fiction of ideas<\/i> and characters<\/i>, I agree. I\u2019d go so far as to say that without thoughtful, attention-grabbing concepts (and characters,) you\u2019re left with a simple chronicle of events. That isn\u2019t literature. It\u2019s a diary entry. In that sense, all good fiction is message fiction. And I think we can all agree as SFF fans that our genre contains good, even great, fiction.[2]<\/p>\n

Themes have been used in SFF since its inception. Let\u2019s start with Mary Shelley\u2019s Frankenstein<\/i><\/b> which is widely regarded as one of the first, if not, the first SFF novel. One of its main themes is the question of whether or not scientific knowledge can be\/should be used ethically. This is a classic in our genre. It\u2019s everywhere. It\u2019s even present in Jurassic Park<\/i><\/b> which I can\u2019t imagine anyone labeling as anything but entertainment. Star Trek has successfully used social commentary as has Sir Terry Pratchett with his extremely popular Discworld series.<\/p>\n

Mind you, literary devices, like any tool, can be inexpertly or incorrectly used. It\u2019s called propaganda. (See: http:\/\/dictionary.reference.com\/browse\/propaganda<\/a><\/strong><\/span>) What\u2019s the difference between fiction containing a theme and propaganda? That\u2019s easy.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the distinction between a question and a statement.<\/p>\n

Propaganda tells<\/i> you how to think. Literary themes invite you, the reader, to come up with your own answers. Propaganda leaves no doubt whatsoever. It demands that you agree<\/i>. It\u2019s very obvious. No other interpretation is permitted. It\u2019s a closed, authoritarian approach. Literary themes, on the other hand, invite the reader to explore the matter for themselves. They\u2019re interactive. A theme can be something you disagree with. In fact, a theme can be extremely effective if it drives home uncomfortable concepts. A Clockwork Orange<\/i><\/b> by Anthony Burgess is a fine example. It illustrates the struggle between chaos and order, and in doing so, poses questions about the balance between individual freedom versus the establishment. How much of each is too much? It\u2019s a difficult, uneasy read for all sorts of reasons. None of the characters are remotely admirable from what I remember. Nothing demonstrated in the novel is anything I agree with, either. Still, I felt it was a worthwhile read and an important contribution to the SFF genre because it exposed me to new ideas.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s the thing. When it comes to venturing outside our comfort zone human beings tend to be well\u2026 fearful. Thus, if we\u2019re not invited to explore, most of us don\u2019t. There\u2019s a danger in this. If anything proves that, it\u2019s the phenomenon of the filter bubble. (See: http:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles?language=en<\/a><\/strong><\/span>) It\u2019s what ultimately happens when a search engine personalizes searches. The idea was that the data returned would guide the user to more information in which the user is specifically interested. Thus, causing them to increase interaction with the product. However, there was an unforeseen negative consequence to this kind of search engine behavior. Any information that challenges the user\u2019s world view is edited out of their experience. Why is this bad?<\/p>\n

Because human beings learn best through trial and error. Ask any teacher. It\u2019s very difficult to learn anything if you don\u2019t make any mistakes. The whole process of creativity and invention happens through trial and error.<\/p>\n

If the world is tailored to only give feedback the user approves of, the whole world looks like it agrees with them. One stops questioning and learning. Not just that, one begins to miss out on factual events in other parts of the world.[2] It\u2019s not only damaging to creativity, science, and engineering. It\u2019s damaging to democracy. Linda Nagata\u2019s The Red<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/a> touches on this very subject. It\u2019s well worth thinking about.<\/p>\n

So, does \u2018message fiction\u2019 belong in SFF? I don\u2019t think there\u2019s a doubt that it does. It\u2019s why I work with themes in Cold Iron \u2014 mostly around killing, death, racism, and vengeance among others. Can you have fun at the same time? I think you can. In fact, my favorite kinds of fiction are fun fiction that teaches me something. I find it more mentally engaging. I suspect I\u2019m not alone in this.<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

[1] Is it possible to write without a theme? One can experiment. However, I don\u2019t believe it\u2019s wise or actually possible. First, writing is about communication at its base, and communication is about conveying meaning. If there\u2019s no substance behind what you habitually read\u2026 if it\u2019s empty of thought\u2026 well, studies are showing that when it comes to a healthy brain, the phrase \u201cuse it or lose it\u201d applies.<\/p>\n

(See: http:\/\/education.jhu.edu\/PD\/newhorizons\/Neurosciences\/articles\/The%20Brain…Use%20it%20or%20Lose%20It\/<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2008\/02\/080207091859.htm<\/a> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.brainhq.com\/news\/use-it-or-lose-it-principles-brain-plasticity<\/a><\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know about you, but I worry about how my own brain is going to function thirty years down the road. Mind you, there\u2019s nothing wrong with escapism, but like anything, moderation is best. Second, how one might write without a theme? It would mean not venturing outside the defaults. Boring. But okay. Still, the message sent is that only the default matters. In addition, that stance ignores the writer\u2019s subconscious, and the writer\u2019s subconscious is inseparable from the writer\u2019s imagination. Beliefs and ideas creep in, whether the writer is aware or not, and the writer will get tagged for that by critics. It\u2019s just best do so consciously and have control rather than be caught unaware and well, don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

[2] See: http:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/technology\/archive\/2015\/04\/the-truth-about-black-twitter\/390120\/<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/p>\n

Cold Iron Giveaway! My publisher is giving away ten copies of Cold Iron. If you\u2019re interested in participating in the drawing, please state as much in the comments and leave your email address so that I can contact you if you\u2019re a winner. Winners will be announced on Twitter and on my blog (csleicht.com<\/span><\/a>) Thanks!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stina Leicht<\/i> is a two time Campbell Award nominee for Best New Writer and a Crawford Award finalist. The first novel in her new Flintlock Epic Fantasy series, <\/i>Cold Iron,<\/i> debuted July 2015 with Simon and Schuster\u2019s Saga imprint:<\/i><\/p>\n

Fraternal twins Nels and Suvi move beyond their royal heritage and into military and magical dominion in this flintlock epic fantasy debut from a two-time Campbell Award finalist.<\/p>\n

Prince Nels is the scholarly runt of the ancient Kainen royal family of Eledore, disregarded as flawed by the king and many others. Only Suvi, his fraternal twin sister, supports him. When Nels is ambushed by an Acrasian scouting party, he does the forbidden for a member of the ruling family: He picks up a fallen sword and defends himself.<\/p>\n

Disowned and dismissed to the military, Nels establishes himself as a leader as Eledore begins to shatter under the attack of the Acrasians, who the Kainen had previously dismissed as barbarians. But Nels knows differently, and with the aid of Suvi, who has allied with pirates, he mounts a military offensive with sword, canon, and what little magic is left in the world.<\/p>\n

Cold Iron: Indiebound<\/span><\/a> | B&N<\/span><\/a> | Amazon<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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I\u00a0love synchronicity. When it crackles like lightning, a shuddering bolt of electricity connecting two things in an unexpected way. Example: I have two awesome authors doing guest posts. Both of those authors sent me posts that inadvertently speak to one another about similar topics. That’s awesome, and so I’m popping both posts up today, today, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-27864","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"hentry","6":"category-theramble","8":"no-featured-image"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pv7MR-7fq","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27864"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27878,"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27864\/revisions\/27878"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/terribleminds.com\/ramble\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}