What is science fiction these days?

Everywhere I look, I see people with smart phones, tablets, Bluetooth devices and cars that can park themselves. I can find out more information than I need to know by whipping out my phone and calling up a search engine. My phone can track where I’m at (which is spooky) and I keep in contact with the majority of my friends through online means.

So how do we top that, as writers?

It seems that most people aren’t even trying anymore. Everywhere I look I see vampires, werewolves and zombies. Seriously. Zombies. Post-apocalyptic worlds where humans are fighting for their lives using everyday items are huge sellers, while poor science fiction has been cast to the curb once more — despite having huge success in theaters.

So… how do we dream up tomorrow without looking like we’re just copying today?