Sci-Fi Lit Is The Place to Innovate

An article in the Guardian blog briefly explores the terrain of literary experimentation in genre fiction, specifically how genre fiction—I’m talking science fiction and fantasy novels, in particular—is the place for writers to truly play and innovate. Yes, avant garde or adventuresome frolics needn’t be limited to “literary” fiction (how I wish more MFA-ers would take note). Of course, this is in the same category of that now oft emailed Wired article by Clive Thompson.

In general, I am boldface eager for people to stop pigeon hole thinking. And the old argument about SFF being nothing but cookie cutter wish fulfillment is just that: old. Never mind the fact that the argument is also an effortless, dull, discrediting sort of thing to toss off at someone. It grates me that wake-up-and-realize-what’s-going-on articles like these still need to be written to battle such lame-footed, dinosaur claims against SFF. But I’m in a good mood, darn it, and I shan’t be even momentarily dispirited. So, you lot of fresh-thinking people, get more evidence lined-up for the age old debate and read on.