FutureScapes is an annual writing competition that asks writers to envision a particular sort of world, and tell us a story about it. We want to help writers of excellent potential find their voice while shaping tomorrow.
Our lives have been fundamentally changed by a long sequence of technologies that were first envisioned in fiction. We can thank (at least in part) Star Trek for our mobile phones, tablets, and, yes, even transparent aluminum. We should tip our hat to H.G. Wells for the invention of liquid-fueled rockets, lasers, and myriad other inventions (sadly, no time machine yet with which to thank him in person). And it appears that, along with so much else of the future, Arthur C. Clarke had the internet growing in some corner of his capacious brain (note, Al Gore was studying for a law school midterm at the time).
Yes, fiction has paved the way for the life we now know, but it has also, likely, prevented us from suffering through futures we’d rather not experience.
Don’t believe ? Then start listening. Listen to the news. Listen for the sound of a news pundit asking her guest, “Tell me professor, should we be worried? Are we headed towards 1984?” When they ask that sort of question they’re not wondering whether Walter Mondale will run for president again. They’re highlighting a cultural touchstone we all share thanks to the genius of George Orwell. We even named these specters of possible dystopia after him, these Orwelian Futures.
FutureScapes is about both of these things. It’s about futures we want and don’t want. Things to be pursued and things to be avoided like the plague. FutureScapes is about harnessing the genius of art to chart a better life for humanity.
In particular, FutureScapes seeks:
-Works of short fiction up to 8,000 words, written in accordance with this year’s prompt.
-Compelling stories that explore the nuance of technology, science, politics, and/or policy, without forgetting about plot and character!
-Stories that show us both the positives and negatives of this possible future.
-Stories that can provide a road-map for cities, states, and nations to follow.
-Stories that may be built in a rich and full world, but that manage to show us the reality of a single city, neighborhood, and/or life.
-Stories worthy of the $2,000 prize for first place, $1,000 prize for second place, and $500 prize to each of the four runners-up.
-Stories that, when placed in the hands of a mayor or governor, could change the course of the future.
Contest Overview
-NO ENTRY FEE
-FINAL AWARDS DETERMINED BY PROFESSIONAL AUTHOR
-$2,000 PRIZE FOR FIRST PLACE, $1,000 PRIZE FOR SECOND PLACE
-4 RUNNERS UP EACH RECEIVE PRIZE OF $500
-PUBLICATION IN ANTHOLOGY DISTRIBUTED TO MAYORS, GOVERNORS & MEMBERS OF THE U.S. CONGRESS
-DEADLINE IS JULY 15, 2016
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.futurescapescontest.com/