November 2024

The Western hero’s journey is a celebrated narrative arc, where triumph comes through endurance and overcoming hardship. However, these stories have also instilled a cultural mindset of silent perseverance that extends beyond fiction. Generations raised on tales of stoic heroes have internalized the notion that pain is inevitable and must be borne without complaint. Too, …

The Western Hero’s Journey: Generational Pain in Fiction and Reality Read More »

In the U.S., speculative fiction—from science fiction and cyberpunk to post-apocalyptic narratives—often appears bound by a predictable framework. These genres reflect Western ideals, particularly those steeped in pro-capitalistic and individualistic narratives. As writers and readers, we find ourselves in a self-reinforcing cycle, a creative feedback loop where ideas bounce within a confined space of familiar …

Breaking the Creative Feedback Loop in Speculative Fiction Read More »

In the early days of cyberpunk, cybernetics and implants were more than just futuristic enhancements. They represented a double-edged sword, one that enabled human beings to surpass their biological limitations while also putting them at the mercy of corporations and governments that controlled the technology. From the gritty streets of Neuromancer to the shadowy corporate …

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