This week: Social Movements and Dystopian Struggles Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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For Authors Newsletter by Dawn
Some conversation about aspects happening in our world and how that can be used in fiction. This edition references dystopian worlds with government control, character rights, political protests and social movements. A look at things with concern along with hope that we can continue using fiction to show the wrongs of the world. |
In light of recent events, I've decided it is a good time for a social justice newsletter and discussion about movements made in fiction that reflect the real world. While some of this should be limited to the fictional realm that came with all of those books focused on dystopian worlds and governments, the truth is we are facing some of them today. This is after raids in Southern California along with continued protests leading to once again the national guard deployed (previous protests had the guard in Los Angeles during the pandemic, which I witnessed in person) but this time it's including government agencies in an attempt at mass deportations. At this point, it's starting to feel like a dystopian novel, the year 2025. It's not good but writers can use voices even when at home, behind keyboards and relatively safe. There is also a tradition of writers making statements and creating works that are fiction but reflect social injustices found within the real world.
What can you consider in light of the continue downpour of difficult events in the United States at this time? Rights.
People are losing rights or attempts are being made to cut them down in many different facilities, whether we are looking at sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status or peaceful assembly. The struggle is real and also influential for what we can produce through fiction. Some things to consider as a writer of fiction: What kind of world do your characters live in? Is the government controlling when it comes to what the people can do in public or even in private? Do your characters have rights and if so, do they know them? If the main character is taking part in a resistance, there are different things you can consider and use in order to provide the right conflict and resolution to the story. Things can't go too easy, for example, because even in fiction that can seem a little hard to believe at times. Then again, if it's too hard and impossible, that can be discouraging for the reader. How you develop the world with what the character is capable of doing compared to who they have to face can make a big impact.
Characters fighting against government agents or agencies has been used before, in higher amounts with dystopians but there are many other subgenres that include this type of conflict. Think about stories like the X-men or the Hunger Games as examples. I've got a few stories of my own that I've worked on over the 20 years that I have been on WDC that have included similar from a government agency using kids to tattle on people displaying signs of mutant powers to government dictated quarantines. Many options exist for this type of world, characters and story. It will help if you decide on risk factors, what the characters can do and what they are willing to try and do despite possible backlash.
Then there is the side of the government or the very least, what actions the characters experience in the moments of the stories. What does the government or military agents do in the face of protest or conflict with the people of the world? History and present day can give some good examples because we've seen many things throughout the world done in attempts to gain control (whether right or wrong). It could be something like fire hoses or tear gas to the extreme such as gunfire and death. What happens will show very specific elements of the world along with the difficulty characters face in fighting for survival. The reasons behind actions taken are also relevant for all sides, whether it's a real reason or something staged that could be used to try and force continued control.
Much like our world where it helps to know legal rights or options one can take when facing an injustice, this is something we can consider for our characters in their fictional worlds. The written word is also a place where you can express discontent for actions taken in the world, no matter what side you are on with the different elements. It can even be a form of protest. What will you write?
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Do your characters have rights to protest or take part in social movements? Or does the government not allow such?
Last time, for this newsletter I did a little discussion on fashion and what characters might wear in stories. Here are a couple of comments sent in to discuss fashion and clothing in writing:
Comment by Nostrum  :
Sometimes, a character's attire can work as another characteristic that defines them. For example, in one of the interactives I contribute to, one of the villains almost always dresses impeccably in white business attire, but she's twisted to the core - white dress, blonde hair, but black heart. (The fact that "she" is just a disguise the real villain is wearing, though, adds another layer to the concept of attire.)
Comment by Osirantinous  :
What in interesting NL, Dawn. I've gotta admit I barely ever describe my characters' clothing styles. Honestly, you'd think they're going around naked with how little I mention clothing. Given that most of them are not exhibitionists, that is certainly not true. I do have a fair amount of men in three-piece suits, but that's because I find that SOOOOOOO hot. I don't think the suits influence how they act themselves, but they can and do influence how others in their stories act (or react).
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For Authors: June 11, 2025 Issue [#13172]
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