Illustrations by Lisa Larson Walker, Franco Zacharzewski, Natalie Matthews-Ramo, and Sarula Bao.
Future Tense started experimenting with publishing science fiction in 2016 and 2017, but we really invested in it in 2018, publishing one story each month. That year was capped off by Annalee Newitzs quirky and urgent When Robot and Crow Saved East St. Louis, which won the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award for the best short science fiction of the year. Our hope was that these glimpses into possible futures could provide a thought-provoking parallel to our coverage of emerging technology, policy, and society today, inviting us to imagine how the decisions were making today might shape the way we live tomorrow, illuminating key decision points and issues that we might not be giving enough attention.
In 2019, buoyed by the enthusiastic reactions of our readers, we published 12 stories by a diverse array of talented authors. Every story is paired with a response essay by an expert who provides additional context and delves into themes and challenges raised by the fictionand each story comes with arresting original illustrations in a plethora of styles, from bracing realism to mind-bending abstraction and surrealism. Each quarter is organized around a broad theme, giving us the chance to create a dialogue among the pieces and underlining our conviction that the future is a spectrum of possibilities, shaped by our collective decisionsnot a fait accompli or a foregone conclusion.
This October, we celebrated another milestone, publishing our first anthology, Future Tense Fiction: Stories of Tomorrow, with Unnamed Press. The book, which collects our short stories from 2016 through 2018, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus. We launched the anthology with scintillating public conversations with fiction authors, experts, and others in Washington, San Francisco, New York, and Phoenix.
Were more convinced than ever of the power of science fiction to expand our sense of empathy for people whose identities and day-to-day experiences are vastly different from our owneven beyond the bounds of what we currently consider human. This year, many of our authors grappled with issues of difference, exclusion, and inequality; with bullying and abusive behavior, from the schoolyard to the space station; with the dangers of alienation in digital spaces, and the opacity of technologies designed solely for profit; and with radical possibility and hope, from giant nutritious plants grown in space to entirely new forms of music and self-expression enabled by technological change. In a moment where the future seems impossibly turbulent, leaving us feeling powerless, science fiction can help us get our heads around the complexity, reminding us of the human minds, relationships, and problems buried under branding, hype, and jargon.
Future Tense Fiction will continue in 2020, with a new story, essay, and illustration each month. The first theme of the year (we couldnt resist): politics.
You can find all of our stories on the Future Tense Fiction landing page, and sign up for the Future Tense newsletter to get notified whenever we publish something new. (Its been on hiatus for a little while, but it will be back in 2020.) And dont forget to follow Future Tense on Twitter.
Thoughts and Prayers, by Ken Liu: A family grieving in the wake of a mass shooting finds themselves in a maelstrom of abusive, inescapable trolling powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
Response essay: Whats in It for the Trolls? by digital culture researcher Adrienne Massanari
Mpendulo: The Answer, by Nosipho Dumisa: Two genetically modified young people navigate bullying and prejudice, and discover the secrets locked inside their DNA, in a world wracked by anxiety after a pandemic.
Response essay: Why Are We So Afraid of Each New Advance in Reproductive Technology? by journalist Sarah Elizabeth Richards, who often reports on reproductive technology and genomics
The Arisen, by Louisa Hall: A fairy tale from a future where truth-checkers, an elite caste implanted with chips that suppress emotion, are charged with sorting official fact from distortion and fiction.
Response essay: What Are Facts Without Fiction? by librarian Jim ODonnell
The Song Between Worlds, by Indrapramit Das: An overprivileged teen dragged to Mars on a family vacation stumbles beyond the cushy confines of their resort and encounters an entirely new form of musical performance.
Response essay: What Would Sound Be Like on Mars? by astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz
No Moon and Flat Calm, by Elizabeth Bear: A team of safety engineering students in a spacefaring future are plunged into a real disaster.
Response essay: How Will People Behave in Deep Space Disasters? by disaster journalist Amanda Ripley
Space Leek, by Chen Qiufan: An astrobotanist for the China National Space Administration, assigned to a distant space station, contends with stifling family expectations while researching how to successfully grow food off-worldand deals with a sudden, deadly crisis.
Response essay: What Will Humans Really Need in Space? by architecture professor Fred Scharmen
Zero in Babel, by E. Lily Yu: In a world where on-demand and even DIY genetic modification is commonplace, a young woman struggles to keep up with the punishing cycle of high school trends.
Response essay: The Future Will Grind On, by law professor Diana M. Bowman
What the Dead Man Said, by Chinelo Onwualu: A woman returns to her hometown in Nigeria after her fathers death, opening old wounds, in a future entirely reshaped by migration and climate chaos.
Response essay: The Scars of Being Uprooted, by journalist Valeria Fernndez, who frequently covers immigration
Double Spiral, by Marcy Kelly: An at-home DNA testing company turns to targeted advertising after a privacy scandal and a spate of new regulations, and a researcher at the firm uncovers a shattering conspiracy.
Response essay: Crossing the Germline, by bioethicist Josephine Johnston
Affordances by Cory Doctorow: People from all walks of lifefrom migrants and hapless teens to tech CEOsfind themselves in the clutches of terrible algorithms and search for ways to evade, confound, and even reclaim these technologies of oppression.
Response essay: Not Just a Number, by artist and educator Nettrice Gaskins
A Priest, a Rabbi, and a Robot Walk Into a Bar, by Andrew Dana Hudson: A rabbinical school dropout and a seminary dropout start a company that trains algorithms to be sensitive to issues of faith and beliefand find themselves in an escalating series of ethical conundrums.
Response essay: A.I. Could Bring a Sea Change in How People Experience Religious Faith, by Slates Ruth Graham, who often writes about religion
Actually Naneen, by Malka Older: In a future where artificially intelligent nannies are the norm for the wealthy, a mother copes with complicated emotions when her familys nanny becomes buggy and perhaps obsolete.
Response Essay: What Role Should Technology Play in Childhood? by digital humanities professor Ed Finn
Read the original post:
All of the Sci-Fi Stories We Published This Year - Slate
- Main Show Only - Genetic Engineering - Coast to Coast AM - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- RTPB | Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Stop Monsanto From Poisoning Hawai'i: Genetic Engineering Chemical Warfare - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Informatics 161 PSA: Human Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Don't Trust Whole Foods or Other Health Food Stores For Non- GMO Foods | Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Easier Genetic Engineering! (Brainstorm Ep69) - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- TEDxUCIrvine - Francisco Ayala - Cloning, Genetic Engineering, [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genetic Engineering in Agriculture - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Infowars Special Report : Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Glowing Rats and Extreme Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Endangered Cat Born at Audubon - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Danger of Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- AQA GCSE core science and B1 - Genetic Engineering - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- genetic engineering rDNA.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genetic Engineering for Human Enhancement.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Genetic Engineering - Seven Wonders of the Microbe World (6/7) - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Promising new drug target for inflammatory lung diseases [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2012]
- Mandatory GM Labeling Would Require Major Change [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2012]
- GEN reports on ocular therapeutics targeting the retina [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2012]
- Prop. 37: Another example of the perils of the initiative process [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2012]
- Genetic test predicts risk for Autism [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2012]
- Immediate withdrawal of unsafe GE corn vital - Greens [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Immediate withdrawal of unsafe GE corn vital [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- NZ out of step on GE [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2012]
- Ballot Watch: Labeling genetically engineered foods [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Just another GE mirage [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- The GM Barnyard [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Free Engine [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Cellectis Publishes Results Paving the Way for New Therapeutic Approaches against Cancer and Genetic Diseases [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Does moral decision-making in video games mirror the real world? [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Animals engineered with pinpoint accuracy [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2012]
- Valley farmers fear 'modified' wording in Prop. 37 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- No on Proposition 37 [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2012]
- The Dangers of Genetic Engineering [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Are inhaled medications effective and safe in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation? [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Calif. initiative will test appetite for GMO food [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Calif. initiative will test appetite for GMO food - Sat, 06 Oct 2012 PST [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- California to vote on 'genetically modified' labels [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- California initiative will test appetite for genetically modified foods [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Do we have an appetite for genetically modified food? [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Genetic labelling mooted in California [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- California initiative to test appetite for 'genetically engineered' food [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- New tool for making genetic engineering of microbial circuits reliably predictable [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Researchers develop new tool for making genetic engineering of microbial circuits reliably predictable [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- A Welcome Predictability [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Engineered flies spill secret of seizures [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2012]
- Genetic 'remix' key to evolution of bee behavior, researchers find [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Can vaccines be delivered via the lungs instead of by injection? [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Food labeling regulations [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Therapeutic Antibody Engineering: Current and Future Advances Driving the Strongest Growth Area ... [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Is there a difference between GE & GMO? [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Port Townsend Food Coop: A Sad Story of GMO Crop Cross Pollination - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH! Yes to Prop 37 — it's your right to know what's in your food! - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- editta braun company: planet LUVOS (clip, 4:30) - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Mimic: The Director's Cut (Blu-ray Trailer) - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- South Park Season 1 Episode 7 - An Elephant Makes Love to a Pig - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Yes on Prop 37: Animated Video - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- The Day of the Triffids Part 1 Full Movie - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- YES on prop 37 "flashmob" march - Santa Cruz, CA Sept. 2012 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- World's Weirdest Places Discussed - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- THE CLUB OF ROME - DEPOPULATION AGENDA 21 - THE UNHIVED MIND - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- 27-Medical BiotechnologySG Part II.Gene Therapy, Tissue Engineering and Nanotechnology.mov - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- 26-Medical BiotechnologySG Part Ic. Animal and Human Cloning and Genetic Engineering.mov - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- How to Clone Animals - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 3 - The Day We Died) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 3 - Olivia) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 3 - Entrada) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 4) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 3) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 2) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (1985) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Dendritic Cells: Biology And Clinical Applications - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Port Townsend Food Coop: "I want my food untainted by GMOs" - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Catholic Priest vs. Biologist - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Watch Real Life Superhero Muscles Like Marvel's The Avengers - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (Season 1) - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Fringe Opening sequence (The Final Season: "Fight For The Future") - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- Port Townsend Food Coop: I Want To Know If GMOs Are In My Food - Video [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2012]
- ProCognia jumps on expanded biosimilar collaboration [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2012]