What is it we are doing here?

Reflections on the value of our genre and why this space matters

Why alternate history?

I am now at a point where half of my life has been spent considering alternatives to history as we know it. Sometimes, it is merely an exercise in fun. Other times it is an exercise in commentary — a chance to discuss the current world through an alternate one that is sometimes better, sometimes worse, oftentimes just as complicated as our own. More often than not, it is done to escape the harshness of the present world and imagine something better. And many times what starts as escapism can turn dark.

In short, I believe the value of alternate history is a deeper understanding of our reality. It is a chance to explore what events in our history have led us to the moment in which we find ourselves and how they fit together. It is an opportunity to think about the world we inhabit and how we got here. It also inspires research, which means learning new things about the very real history we all share.

And what is … all this?

My hope is to both have an outlet for my own alternate history writing and also to discuss various scenarios, my own process for researching and writing, and to share the works of alternate history I am reading. Why do I like them? Why, even if I don’t like them, am I reading them?

If folks come away amused, I will consider that a success.

If it inspires someone to take up the genre or approach it in a new way, I will consider that a success.

If I can be a resource for other writers — well, all the better.

I do not profess to be an expert on this funny little genre, but I do spend a lot of time thinking about it, and that sort of thinking is best done in community.

Also, those of you who know me as “Vidal” on alternatehistory.com know that I am always thinking of new scenarios. Sometimes, I am just musing on questions. Sometimes, I am writing bits and blobs from a universe into which I get a fleeting glimpse. I want a place to share them without the obligation of fleshing out each part of the universe. And, yes, you can expect some “sneak peaks” at Jimmy Two!

Mostly, I want to stay writing, and I want to have fun doing it.