A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH ROBERT J. SAWYER

I had the privilege and fun of attending several lectures and readings by Robert J. Sawyer at the recent Kingston Ontario’s Writers Festival. He’s the author of twenty-one science fiction novels (including FlashForward, now a TV program) and winner of so many writing awards, it boggles the mind. But that’s not what moved me to write this little blog. Although I am impressed with these honors, so many people have heaped praise upon him I wouldn’t be adding anything new.

What I do want to comment on was how the content of one of his lectures helped me crystallize some philosophical thoughts as to how futuristic writing and science fiction fits into the greater scheme of things in the world of literature and culture. It’s something I’ve been thinking about as I’m finishing the last book of my futuristic History Camp trilogy. The clarified thoughts go like this:

For the most part, contemporary fiction reflects back to society where it is now and where it came from.

Science fiction, on the other hand, has the unique job of reflecting, not only where we are in society now, but also where we’re going with all the amazing technology we’re developing. Sure, there’s lots of schlock SF out there, but that’s the same with any category of any art form. But work, such as I see Mr. Sawyer’s, (and hopefully mine) is part of an important societal discourse about where we, as a species, is heading. Sure, sure, the writing has to be entertaining and must not preach overtly, otherwise you might as well write a polemic. And I concede that many people just don’t want to think and only be entertained. The really good stuff, like Robert J. Sawyer’s, can be read just as escapism. But then the joke is on the reader. Without knowing it, and against their will, they’ve learned something and been made to think.
I try to emulate that quality in my writing, integrating ideas into an exciting and entertaining adventure. Thank you Mr. Sawyer for leading the way.