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And no, it's not out of flavor.
Dystopian Fiction is Powerful
With the current movements to advance society, dystopian fiction is extremely important because this genre allows us to explore societal issues, challenge norms, and reflect on the human condition.
Dystopian fiction is necessary.
It serves as an expression and critique of present-day concerns and encourages readers to contemplate issues on a deeper level.
Of course, the story needs to be compelling and entertaining, but dystopian fiction should also inspire critical thinking.
When writing a dystopian novel, ask yourself:
· What societal problems bother you the most?
· How have these issues been handled in the past?
· What would not solving things lead to?
· What would the country or world look like if the worst thing happened?
The basic elements of writing a fiction novel are the same, but what dystopian fiction does differently is highlight how the societies around the characters affect them, how their world went wrong, and what the characters do to ‘fix’ it and create a better system.
Many dystopian fiction novels warn us about how our world would change if the worst we can think of happened.
So, how can we ensure our story is relevant and compelling? We get clear on the following:
Premise
Characters
Worldbuilding
Conflict
Dilemmas
Darkness/hope
The individual impact
Resolutions
The Premise
A strong premise is the foundation of a gripping story. The theme and central conflict drive your narrative and solidify your premise.
Make your premise and dystopian world unique and thought-provoking by tackling relevant current or historical societal problems, successes, and setbacks.
First, look at our current societal issues. Then research how similar issues were addressed in the past.
· What did our predecessors do to promote change?
· To what extent did what they do work?
· What or who stopped further change?
· If the same process they used in the past was tried again, how would society handle that today?
· What new approach do you suggest your characters and readers take to solve the problem?
· If your book sets up a utopia-like environment, what current issues could easily alter the society to be worse off than what we are experiencing now?
Complex characters
While your characters are still well-rounded individuals with basic human desires and emotions, because it’s dystopian fiction, they face personal struggles within the larger societal context.
They need strong motivations, deep flaws, and personal arcs. Their motivations are based on both personal wants. Some flaws are common human flaws. Others can be seen by society as flaws. As the story progresses, their personal wants become less important and evolve into aspirations for bigger change.
Your characters will also have to be changed in some way by their differing circumstances.
You will have to get into the minds of your characters and understand their world through them.
This might not be easy, as you need to put yourself in their situation and feel what they do about their world and their place in it.
Immersive world
Dystopian fiction relies on worldbuilding to establish a vivid and immersive backdrop for your story. Of course, this includes the physical setting, but your world is dystopian and what is more important is how it affects your characters.
So, construct detailed political, social, and cultural systems. These unique elements of your world will dramatically influence your character’s lives, create conflict, and provide room for improvement!
Conflict and tension
Dystopian stories thrive on a sense of urgency and peril. Whether it's the threat of oppression, survival in a harsh environment, or the fight for freedom, the tension should be palpable.
Clearly define the stakes for your characters and establish extensive consequences of failure.
Keep raising the stakes and the consequences throughout to keep that tension high.
Moral and ethical dilemmas
Thought-provoking ideas make readers question their established morals and ethics.
Your story should explore moral dilemmas. ‘If this, then that’ discussions that take into account society’s version of right and wrong versus the person’s version of right and wrong.
As you challenge your characters, your readers to grapple with difficult choices and contemplate the consequences of their decisions and actions as well as those of others.
Balance darkness with hope
Dystopian fiction is intense and bleak, but it is essential to offer hope and show resilience.
Give your characters moments of compassion and acts of resistance.
This will create a more nuanced and emotionally resonant story and can encourage readers to envision a better future.
Impact on the individual
While the setting is a societal critique, remember to focus on the characters’ personal journeys.
Show their emotional struggles and growth throughout the novel.
By grounding your story in the human experience, readers will connect to the larger themes and make your dystopian world relatable.
A satisfying resolution
Dystopian fiction is challenging, but readers often appreciate a satisfying resolution. The conclusion of your story should align with the themes and messages explored in your novel.
Strive for an ending that feels earned rather than gifted and leave readers with hope or reflecting about how they can advocate for change.
Remember, dystopian fiction allows us to imagine and explore the darker aspects of society. By crafting a thought-provoking narrative, creating believable worlds, and situations relevant today, you will captivate readers and inspire them to improve the system!
Happy writing and revising!
Kristin Noland - Ghostwriter and Editor of Speculative and Crime Fiction
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