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I’ve been writing a book for almost 10 years now that has truly tested my intelligence. Two years ago I started writing another story, a YA sci-fi retelling of Thumbelina, that is beyond any science I ever learned. In fact, science was my weakest subject in school. So, why put myself through these struggles?
With the first story, I wanted to create a dystopian world that, frankly, looks more real every day. It started out with Star Wars vibes, a ragtag group of rebels fighting the government. But in writing a book that takes on themes of feminism, sex work, and dictatorships, I went in over my head. Or did I? The more I work on this manuscript, the more I see myself learning.
What I’ve Learned From Writing a Book About Dystopia
When I started writing Operation Succubus (pending title), I only looked at the story through a basic feminist lens. I focused on the overarching patriarchal society’s control of women’s bodies. But then I had to consider my characters and their lived experiences. I have a Chinese-American woman who’s a lesbian and a black trans woman as supporting characters. I’ve had to dig deep to write a narrative that does justice to their experiences as women. These are not perspectives that come from my own voice.
Hell, even my main character isn’t completely my own voice. I wrote her as Latinx American, with Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian roots. That’s me. But I decided to make her asexual. That’s not. Once more, I’ve had to do research, read blogs, and think about the ways feminism and her role in the world I created affect her.
Even though I’ve been writing a book with these characters and themes for years, it wasn’t until recently I stopped to think about what message it sent about sex work. I’d included it as a plot device in the narrative, but I never gave it nuanced thought. I realized I have to do better, to show at least a basic understanding of sex work’s role in feminist discourse. Again, I find myself diving into research and seeking resources to gain a better understanding of the topic.
What I’ve Learned From Writing About Nanotech
My second manuscript that’s lived less time in my brain took on the science of nanotechnology. I admit science has always been my downfall. Though I love science fiction dearly. When I started writing Belina (pending title), I had to do a little research to get the foundations of nanotech. I fell into a world beyond my understanding.
I’d barely passed biology both times I had to take it, once for high school and once for college. How on Earth could I start writing a book about nanotechnology? What even is it? How does it work? What are its basic applications? All these questions swam in my mind as I dove into the rabbit hole.
As I’ve continued to write and revise my book, I realized I don’t need to be an absolute expert. But I did need to have some semblance of understanding. My protagonist is a STEM character. She loves science. She loves solving puzzles. And that’s when I realized what I had in common with her. She wants to solve problems. That’s how I started understanding what role nanotech played in her life and in the story.
My question for fellow writers (or anyone who is thinking about starting): What stories have you written or plan to write have made you think critically? Let me know in the comments! And any recommendations for research on the aforementioned topics are also greatly appreciated.
My current wip The Beginning of the End is making me think critically about mental illness and how to write a sex scene without fetishizing.
oooh, that’s an interesting one. best of luck with your writing!