For as long as words have been recorded on rock, stone, paper, screen and memory, Speculative Fiction has existed.
- From stories about the exploration of space through enormous, generational star ships, to alternative histories where human or supernatural intervention has changed the course of the world,
- In stories where new worlds are built upon previously unknown, extraordinary principles. Or those that are set in our own, very real world, but with the hint of magic just out our frame.
Writers have written about hypothetical, speculative events for centuries.
According to the Oxford Research Encyclopaedias article on speculative fiction, the term itself was coined by the writer Robert A. Heinlein in 1941, and then popularized in his 1947 essay “On the Writing of Speculative Fiction.” Heinlein describes it as a specific science fiction subset, which is:
‘Narratives concerned not so much with science or technology as with human actions in response to a new situation created by science or technology, speculative fiction highlights a human rather than technological problem.’
Stories like Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings are considered speculative fiction, even though the term did not exist at the time of their publication. A Midsummer Night’s Dream conjures a world in which characters move seamlessly through time and space in the woodland and the Fairyland; while The Lord of the Rings explores a world of mythical creatures and magical powers that do not exist in our world.
As such, Speculative fiction is a catch-all term for stories that don't align with fiction that is based in the real world. That is to say, stories with even the smallest mystical, magical, or fantastical elements can be considered speculative.
Elements of Speculative Fiction
Speculative fiction describes a world outside of our own and is a broad term to include genres like science-fiction and fantasy. Speculative fiction creates another world where future possible versions of life are explored.
The mixed nature of speculative fiction allows for multiple elements to feature including:
Magic: Magic realism exists in a dislocated kind of reality where anything magical might happen as part of everyday life (eg: Harry Potter)
Sci-fi/Fantasy: Generally, sci-fi imagines scenarios within the realms of technology, biology, physics, ecology, genetics, and chemistry. Common sci-fi tropes include space travel, time travel, mad scientists, and artificial intelligence. Fantasy, on the other hand, imagines beings and worlds beyond anything recognizable within our own reality and is often inspired by fairy tales, myths, and legends
Weird fiction: Weird fiction is a subgenre of fiction that utilizes aspects of fantasy, horror, and supernatural fiction, while often featuring non-traditional alien monsters. (The Shinning)
Dystopian: Imagines a world where things are not going well. Dystopian fiction spans time and space, from classic futuristic narratives like George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four to more contemporary book series like The Hunger Games.
Key elements of Speculative Fiction
Speculative fiction isn't just about escapism, though it excels at that too. It's a laboratory for the mind, a playground where writers explore the limitless possibilities of "what if?". What if magic was real? What if we could travel through time? What if artificial intelligence surpassed human intelligence? With that in mind, lets explore some of the genres key characteristics:
Reimagining Myths and Legends:
Twisting the Familiar: By taking classic myths and folklore and give them a modern twist, you can create a story that is both familiar and new in exciting ways. Imagine a retelling of King Arthur set during the second World War, or space opera inspired by Norse mythology, or a dystopian spin on the Cinderella story. Playing with established tropes and expectations can often help in the creation of surprising and engaging narratives.
Subverting Archetypes: Challenge the traditional roles of heroes, villains by exploring the motivations and complexities of mythical figures through a new lens. In a feminist retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the focus might shift to the Beast's inner struggle rather than Belle's transformation.
Blending Myth with Realism: Ground mythical elements in realistic settings and characters. Imagine a modern world where gods walk among us, or mythical creatures face contemporary challenges. This juxtaposition can create suspense, humour, and thought-provoking exploration of human nature.
Finding New Meaning in Old Tales: Use myths and legends as metaphors for contemporary issues. Explore themes like environmentalism, technological dependence, or societal inequalities through reinterpreted fables and folklore. This approach allows you to engage with both the past and present in a meaningful way.
‘Good fantasy fiction: ... explores real human conditions through fantastic metaphors which universalize the characters' individual experiences to speak personally to us all’ - Laura Resnick
Balancing Speculative Elements with Storytelling:
Weaving the Fantastic into the Fabric: Instead of info dumps, introduce speculative elements through organic world-building. Describe them through characters' reactions, everyday interactions, and gradual reveals. Imagine a world with telepathy - showcase it through overheard thoughts, miscommunications, and the fear of revealing one's inner voice.
Show, don't tell: Let the action and consequences of technology, magic, or futuristic settings demonstrate their impact. A society where memories can be recorded might lead to characters struggling with identity or seeking lost experiences. Show the challenges and benefits through their choices and emotions.
Grounding the Unfamiliar: Anchor fantastical elements in familiar human emotions and experiences. Even in a world of dragons, explore universal themes like loyalty, betrayal, or the struggle for survival. This creates a bridge for readers to connect with the characters and story despite the extraordinary setting.
Less is More: Avoid overwhelming readers with complex rules or lore. Introduce speculative elements gradually, focusing on what directly impacts the plot and character development. Leave room for mystery and exploration, prompting readers to engage with the world you've built.
Using Real-World Trends for Speculative Ideas:
Scientific Advancements as Springboards: Imagine the ethical dilemmas of human-like AI companions, the societal shifts following breakthroughs in genetic engineering, or the thrilling possibilities of colonising Mars. Look towards emerging technologies for inspiration, then extrapolate their potential consequences and explore them in your narrative.
Speculative Social Commentary: Use your story to address pressing social issues like climate change, wealth disparity, or political polarization. Create dystopian futures that serve as cautionary tales or utopian societies that challenge our current paradigms.
Speculative Reinterpretations of Current Events: Explore potential outcomes of recent political events, natural disasters, or technological advancements. Imagine an alternate timeline where a key decision went differently, or a social movement took a more radical turn. Use fiction to reflect on reality and spark open discourse.
Personalise the Global: While drawing inspiration from global trends, remember to root your story in specific characters and their experiences. Explore how these broader issues impact individuals and communities on a personal level, creating relatable narratives that resonate with readers.
‘As a writer of fiction who deals with technology, I necessarily deal with the history of technology and the history of technologically induced social change. I roam up and down it in a kind of special way because I roam down it into history, which is invariably itself a speculative affair’ -William Gibson
What is the Importance of Speculative Fiction?
Speculative fiction's importance extends far beyond mere entertainment. It's a potent tool for stimulating our minds, challenging our perspectives, and even shaping our future. Here are some key reasons why this genre matters:
Expanding our imagination: By exploring the bounds of reality, speculative fiction allows us to envision possibilities we could never conceive within our normal constraints. This not only fuels creativity but also encourages us to think critically and problem-solve outside the box. Imagine the impact of science fiction inspiring scientists and engineers to push the boundaries of technology!
Critical Inquiry: By venturing into alternative realities, we can hone our critical thinking skills. We can question our assumptions, confront our biases, and challenge the very way we perceive the world. In the crucible of the unreal, we learn to dissect, analyse, and ultimately reimagine the boundaries of the real.
Empathy and Understanding: Stepping into the shoes of fantastical creatures or alien beings allows us to develop empathy and understanding for perspectives outside our own. We learn to see the world through different eyes, to navigate unfamiliar cultures, and to appreciate the richness of diversity, both earthly and extra-terrestrial.
Innovation and Problem-Solving: Speculative fiction often dares to dream beyond the present, envisioning technological advancements and societal structures that spark real-world innovation and creative problem-solving. By grappling with fantastical challenges, we might just stumble upon solutions to problems that plague our own reality.
‘There is more to be pondered in the grain and texture of life than traditional fiction allows. The work of essayists is vital precisely because it permits and encourages self-knowledge in a way that is less indirect than fiction, more open and speculative’ - Charles J. Shields
Recommended reading
Annihilation – Jeff Vandermeer
- An expedition of four women is sent into an unknown region called Area X: A psychologist, a surveyor, an anthropologist, and the narrator, a biologist. The purpose of the mission is to collect data about Area X after all previous expeditions have failed to return.
- ‘Story of Your Life,’ tells the story of linguist Louise Banks as she attempts to communicate with alien beings that have mysteriously arrived on Earth.
The Martian – Andy Weir
- The story follows an American astronaut, Mark Watney, who is stranded alone on Mars in 2035 and must improvise to survive.
Never let me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro
- The book follows three friends as they grow up in an English boarding school, where the origins and purpose of the school remain questionable.
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