Featured Story of the Week: 2313

2313 is a wonderful original fiction written by Roland of Gilead. In this week's Featured Story, we take a closer look at this awesome work!

Give us a brief summary of 2313.

Tony is a down-and-out petty criminal with nothing to look forward to other than a snort of suspect cocaine when he returns home, but when a fatal shooting lands him three hundred years in the future he will be faced with saving the future of humanity.

When he’s captured by the powerful military arm of the tyrannical Council, Tony is faced with the certainty of death. But circumstances soon change and with Captain Greene by his side the two men must travel across the stars to uncover the truth and find a way to get Tony home.

The book is written as a unique blend of traditional novel and as a narrative-driven history book.

What inspired you to write 2313?

You know that's quite difficult to answer. The initial idea suddenly hit me one night when I was going to sleep. I had this sudden and very strange idea about a man being transported into the future and having an old revolver which can just eat through the advanced shields of the future society. The rest of the novel then just spilled out from there.

How long have you been working on this story?

I worked on the novel for a few months. I think i finished the first draft in about two months and then it was just over a month for me to do my first edit.

What is your favorite thing about writing 2313?

I'm actually really pleased with the narrative style. I think i've managed to blend the traditional story idea with a memoir-esque narrative style quite effectively.

What is the most challenging thing about writing it?

The most challenging thing is the same as what I'm most proud of. It was difficult maintaining a narrative style throughout. There were a few moments I had to step back and just remember that I was supposed to be writing it from the point of view of someone else, someone who had lived through this and therefore wasn't yet alive, and that he was supposed to be writing it for people who wouldn't be alive for many years. That got a little confusing at certain points.

Have you ever experienced writer's block with this story? If so, how did you overcome it?

Thankfully not, no. This novel actually flowed quite well most of the time.

Do you write with an outline, or just wing it?

I have a concept in my mind but I like writing freely without the tough constraints of a plan.

Do you have any pre/post writing rituals?

Not particularly no. I think I should start one though, so feel free to recommend and share any of your own.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?

Just that I hope you enjoy 2313 and I'd love to hear your feedback on my work.

Special thanks to Fandango and Katie Mosing for editing!