From the Leader-Post article “In Praise of Science Fiction Writing” by Ed Willett:

So why write these stories of alternate worlds? Because by doing so, science fiction writers are able to say things about our own world that, because of the unusual setting, sneak by the defences and prejudices of readers and cause them to think thoughts they might not have otherwise thought.

All of which may seem like a pretty heavy load to be borne by a form of storytelling that also inspires grown women to dress up in metal bikinis…but it’s also important to remember that science fiction not only inspires, informs, enlightens and alarms, it most of all entertains. It wouldn’t be as inspiring, informational, enlightening or alarming if it didn’t.

[via Book Ninja]

Related posts:

  1. The Laws of Science Fiction Writing
  2. Fiction and Science
  3. Science Fiction, Science Present
  4. The History of Science Fiction
  5. Who, Exactly, is Saying that Science Fiction is Dying?

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