My first dystopian novel, Industrialized, Part One: Experiment, is coming out in April of 2024. However, I started writing it in the midst of the Egyptian revolution of 2011, as I remember watching in awe and horror as protesters destroyed ancient artifacts. The thought of a proud nation falling victim to unrest and striving to erase their own culture captivated me… and it sparked one of many dystopian book ideas that led to the birth of the Industrialized series.
Dystopian fiction has long captivated readers with its gripping and thought-provoking narratives. But how do you create a world that’s convincingly broken from scratch? In this article, we will unveil the top seven dystopian book ideas to help you brainstorm how to start dipping your toes into this exciting genre.
Each of these tips and tricks is poised to help you invent a unique and hauntingly realistic portrayal of a future gone awry. From totalitarian regimes to post-apocalyptic wastelands, your imagination is the main tool you’ll need to capture the resilience of the human spirit even in the darkest of times.
Be prepared to question the limits of humanity, confront unsettling truths, and embark on thrilling adventures that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The best part? These soon-to-be worlds are entirely your own, crafted completely by you with just a few dystopian book ideas guiding the way.
1. Exploring the Characteristics of a Compelling Dystopian Book
No matter what you’re writing, it’s important to consume literature in your respective genre. Readers have certain expectations when they pick up a book – for example, fantasy readers are likely expecting a bit of magic in the storylines they explore. Dystopian novels have certain characteristics that make them captivating and memorable. Getting to know the elements of dystopian as a genre is a great starting point to begin building your world.
A dystopia, as you likely know, is the opposite of a utopia – a world marred with repression and social unease. As such, the establishment of a bleak and oppressive society that is different from our own is often a key element of literature in this genre. Dystopian societies can be governed by a totalitarian regime, suffering from environmental disaster, or plagued by technological advancements gone wrong… there’s always some sort of catalyst for unrest, but what it may be is up to your imagination. We’ll get into some pieces of inspiration in the coming steps.
In addition to the setting, a compelling dystopian book also requires well-developed characters that readers can connect with. These characters should have clear motivations, whether they are fighting against the system or trying to survive in it. By creating complex and multi-dimensional characters, you can add depth and emotional resonance to your story. (If you haven’t checked out my story on character analyses, you might consider checking that out after you start building your world. It’s a great tool to help you build believable characters with real motivations!)
Another essential aspect of a compelling dystopian book is a strong and engaging plot. The story should be filled with tension, conflict, and high stakes. Whether it’s a race against time to stop a catastrophic event or a fight for freedom against an oppressive regime, the plot should keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to know what happens next.
A good tool to consider is the if/then statement. If my character doesn’t stop the mayor from running for president, then the world will get sucked into a wormhole. If my character doesn’t make their breakfast in exactly the same order every single day, then the balance of the universe will be catastrophically thrown off. Many pitch events will require a setup similar to this, so it’s helpful to know where your story stands at its core.
2. Digging into Compelling Real-Life Scenarios
One way to create a spellbinding dystopian book is to draw inspiration from real-life scenarios that are unsettling and thought-provoking. As I mentioned earlier, the Egyptian revolution of 2011 sparked enough reflection in me that I was inspired to keep running with my musings. Take a look at current events that have had a significant impact on society… or at least on you! For example, you can explore the consequences of climate change, political unrest, or technological advancements. Something currently making a positive impact on society – like chocolate, for example – can have extreme and negative consequences with a bit of creative treatment.
By examining these real-life scenarios and considering their potential future implications, you can create a dystopian world that feels grounded in reality. This will make it easier for readers to connect with your story and see the parallels between your fictional world and the world they live in.
This is also rather on-par with the use of many dystopian works. They often “provide urgent propaganda for a change in direction,” according to the Encyclopedia of Science Fiction.
3. Drawing Inspiration from the Past
History has always been a great source of inspiration for dystopian fiction. By studying past events, you can draw parallels to the current state of the world and imagine how things might have turned out differently. Look for historical periods that were marked by social, political, or technological upheaval, and consider how those events could have shaped a dystopian future.
For example, you can explore the rise and fall of empires, the consequences of colonialism, or the impact of technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution. By examining the past, you can gain insights into human nature and society’s capacity for both progress and destruction.
In Industrialized, there are a few events I drew direct inspiration from. I looked at the Six-Day War and how tensions alone caused stakeholders to start preparing their militaries. The battle started with guerilla groups committing acts of violence, and political silence and inaction didn’t help ease frustrations.
I also drew inspiration from Decree 770, a brainchild of Romanian leader Nicolae Ceaușescu that restricted abortion and contraception in favor of forcing population growth. The immediate consequence of this was a population of young people whose needs weren’t being met, overpopulation in orphanages, and the death of thousands of people. Chilling moments in time like this are prime for the pickin’ when you’re looking for inspiration.
4. Studying Military History from a Country Beyond Your Own
Separate from governmental and cultural history, military history can provide a wealth of inspiration for dystopian book ideas. By studying conflicts and wars from countries beyond your own, you can gain a fresh perspective and incorporate unique elements into your story. Look for lesser-known conflicts or military strategies that have had a significant impact on a particular society.
For example, you can explore the tactics used by ancient civilizations, such as the Mongols or the Romans, or examine the guerrilla warfare tactics employed by resistance groups during World War II. By drawing inspiration from real-life tactics, you can add depth and authenticity to your dystopian world.
5. Exploring Fringe Science and Unproven Concepts
In the realm of dystopian fiction, there is oodles of room for exploring fringe science that pushes the boundaries of our imagination. Fringe science, or pseudoscience, sounds believable, but it’s either unproven or too fantastical be factual. But with a bit of finesse, you can take something as bizarre as time travel and turn it into something convincing. Read as much as you can about why it isn’t sensical and flip those arguments on their head!
When dipping your toes into the unexplored concepts of pseudoscience, ensure that they are seamlessly integrated into your story’s world. Develop a clear understanding of the rules and limitations of these concepts, and use them to drive the plot and deepen the sense of dystopia. By incorporating these elements thoughtfully, you can create a dystopian world that captivates readers and leaves them yearning for more. But keep in mind that there is a fine line between fantastical and believable… you’ll have to really flex your writing muscles to take something as out-there as instant mutation to turn it into something grounded and sensible.
6. Getting techy and nerding out
Machines and artificial intelligence are an enduring theme in the modern world – things are changing fast, and a tech-filled future seems inevitable. Consider what the technology in your conceptual world looks like. Have robots replaced customer service jobs? Have they taken over our governments are started ruling the world? What will phones look like in twenty years? Let your mind run wild and jot down some ideas.
It’s never a bad idea to subscribe to a few tech periodicals to see what’s on the cutting edge of science in this day and age. When I was writing Industrialized, historic tech came into play, too. I remember reading an article back in the day – 2003, perhaps? 2004? – that discussed a team that was working to create a sort of invisibility cloak. It worked, to a degree, and seems to be a technology that’s advancing further today. (The story was in one of those childrens’ newspapers that elementary schools often get… I can’t even remember the periodical’s name, but the story has stuck with me for years.) Beyond modern-day history, I also looked back to the Industrial Revolution for inspiration. Characters like Titus Tarm are directly inspired by industrialists of yore, particularly John D. Rockefeller. Being a Cleveland native, I live in a world where Rockefeller’s influence also translated into social programs. It’s a strange balance to see, and it was one I was inspired to explore.
7. Drawing inspiration from real-life people
I can’t mention the Rockefeller/Tarm connection without encouraging you to get to know some historical figures, too! Rockefeller was a natural choice for my story, especially since his influence is all over Cleveland and easy for me to research in-person. Whether you choose some big names or some little known ones, we have an entire untapped timeline of human history behind us that’s just begging to be explored.
A few incredible figures that have captured my imagination yet never translated into any stories are:
- Zheng Yi Sao: Arguably the most influential pirate of all time, this badass lady commanded a crew of some 60,000 pirates. Her collective of ships was so vast that she essentially owned the waters, and she wasn’t afraid to engage in warfare with fleets sent by world powers.
- Muwatalli II: This Hittite king moved his nation’s capital and dared to engage Pharaoh Ramesses II in the Battle of Kadesh. At the battle, both sides claimed victory. History implies that both sides suffered a great loss, however, and that political propaganda attempted to change the narrative.
- Michael Faraday: Forget the Edison-Tesla debate… this scientist deserves some fanfare. This king of electromagnetism started thinking about electricity in a way that contemporaries weren’t ready to embrace… and he was offered knighthood, but he insisted on staying humble right to the mortal end.
Writing Your Own Dystopian Book
Creating a compelling dystopian book is no easy feat, but with the right ideas and inspiration, you can transport readers to a captivating and thought-provoking world. Whether you draw from real-life scenarios, historical events, or your own imagination, the key is to create a world that feels both familiar and unsettling.
Remember to develop well-rounded characters, craft an engaging plot, and explore the consequences of societal, political, or technological changes. By following these tips and utilizing the dystopian book ideas provided in this article, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a masterpiece that will captivate readers and leave them eagerly awaiting your next book.
So, escape to another world and let your imagination soar as you embark on a thrilling journey through the realms of dystopian fiction. The possibilities are endless, and the power to shape a new world lies in your hands. Happy writing!
Disclaimer: The dystopian book ideas provided in this article are meant to serve as inspiration and starting points for your own creative work. It is important to develop your ideas and create unique and original stories that reflect your own voice and vision.