A Quick Note on Writing Science Fiction for the Novice Writer
by Ryker J. Phoenix
"Science fiction is any idea that occurs in the head and doesn't exist yet, but soon will, and will change everything for everybody, and nothing will ever be the same again. As soon as you have an idea that changes some small part of the world you are writing science fiction. It is always the art of the possible, never the impossible."
-- Ray Bradbury
Science fiction is one of the most popular genres of writing today. It is a genre that is constantly evolving, and the possibilities are endless. It is a genre that can be used to explore social issues, and it can be used to explore the future.
Science fiction can be used to explore the future by looking at social issues. For example, a writer might explore the issue of climate change by looking at the future and how it might impact the environment. Alternatively, a writer might explore the issue of technology by looking at the future and how it might impact society.
Elements of Science Fiction
- Realistic and fantastic details
- Grounded in science
- Usually set in the future
- Unknown inventions
- Makes a serious comment about the world
- Often contains a warning for humankind
Science Fiction Settings
- Another planet
- Under the oceans
- Another dimension of existence
- May be a utopia or dystopia
- May be in the future
- May time travel to the past (or future)
- May take place in present, but alternate reality
Science Fiction Characters
- Protagonist (Hero)
- Antagonist (Villain)
- These characters may be a being (human or other) or may be a force
- Protagonist or Antagonist may be society’s laws, a disease or other problem, technology, etc.
- Creatures, robots, aliens, etc. Science is Important to the Story
- Advanced technology
- Genetics
- Disease
- Exploration
- Special powers or senses as a result of science
- Science can be the savior or the root of the problem
Message or Warning for Humans
- Science Fiction stories often contain a message or warning
- Think of the message Ray Bradbury was trying to send in Fahrenheit 451
Science is Important to the Story
- Advanced technology
- Genetics
- Disease
- Exploration
- Special powers or senses as a result of science
- Science can be the savior or the root of the problem
"Science fiction encourages us to explore... all the futures, good and bad, that the human mind can envision."
-- Marion Zimmer Bradley
Writing science fiction can feel daunting, but it’s also a fulfilling and enlightening process. Use this and the website below as your guide, and you’re well on your way to pulling together your first story.
No comments:
Post a Comment