Writing Excuses 11.48: Elemental Issue Q&A, with DongWon Song
Nov 27, 2016
Join a literary agent as they dive into the art of tackling complex societal issues in storytelling. Explore how science fiction recontextualizes problems to spark discussions. Discover the balance between thorough research and creative freedom while crafting narratives. Learn how to authentically represent marginalized voices and navigate the ethics involved. Plus, find out how humor can be a powerful tool for discussing sensitive themes, all while developing rich, multifaceted characters.
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Episode notes
Writing About Sensitive Issues
- Anyone can theoretically write about any issue, but consider the potential harm.
- Representing experiences far from your own is difficult and can be hurtful if done poorly.
Sci-Fi and Issue Stories
- Science fiction excels at issue stories by changing context and creating metaphors.
- This allows exploration of complex themes by distancing them from current political debates.
Handling Issues in Short Fiction
- Show multiple viewpoints in short fiction, even by having your character be wrong.
- Attach the issue to a main plot driver and leave some questions unanswered.
