80 Sci-Fi Tropes for Science Fiction Writers

80 Sci-Fi Tropes for Science Fiction Writers

 

 Science fiction as a genre dates all the way back to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in 1818.

The genre has grown and evolved in the last two centuries, but some things remain constant. Sci-fi tropes are common plot elements, premises, and themes that show up over and over.

Science fiction tropes are popular and recognizable. While some sci-fi tropes may feel cliché, there’s always a way to add a fresh spin to beloved motifs.

If you’re running low on science fiction story ideas, take a look at these sci-fi tropes and see how you can spin them into something new. We’ve divided the list into various subgenres of science fiction, but some tropes may fit in more than one category.

Read more of "80 Sci-Fi Tropes for Writers" here.

[Free Event] Science Fiction Writers' Week 2023 Returns

 

Ready to write a bestselling science fiction novel? September 11–14, 2023 Join ProWritingAid for this FREE online event featuring bestselling authors like Lauren Beukes (The Shining Girls) and Jordan Ifueko (Raybearer). Sign up now Replays available on demand for two weeks after the event.

Here's what you can look forward to... 😍 Live interviews with bestselling authors like Lauren Beukes (The Shining Girls) 👽 Workshops on outlining, writing, and editing your science fiction book 🤝 Networking events to get to know other science fiction writers 🚀 And so much more!

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Can't make it live? Science Fiction Writers' Week 2023 begins September 11th. If you can't join us live, register to receive the replays after the event.   Save your spot

👉 Don't forget to share this event with your writing friends. 👈

 

ProWritingAid’s Science Fiction Writers’ Week 2023: The Ultimate Guide for Speculative Fiction Writers

If you’re a speculative fiction writer looking to elevate your craft, network with industry pros, and get your hands on some cutting-edge writing tools, then clear your calendar for September 11–14, 2023. ProWritingAid is hosting its Science Fiction Writers’ Week, and it’s an event you can’t afford to miss — especially since it’s free!

Why You Should Attend

Learn from Bestselling Authors

Ever wondered how authors like Lauren Beukes and Jordan Ifueko write NYT bestsellers? This is your chance to find out. Both will be present for live interviews where you can ask your burning questions.

Craft Workshops

From world-building to scene construction, the event offers a plethora of workshops to power up your writing skills.

Networking

Looking for a critique partner or just want to mingle with like-minded writers? The networking events are designed just for that.

Special Offers

Attendees get 40% off ProWritingAid’s annual licenses until September 28th. If you’ve been considering this tool, now’s the time to invest.

The Full Schedule

September 11

• Blade Runner & Beyond by Lucy V. Hay: Learn how to blend science fiction and thriller elements to create compelling stories.
• Unleashing AI for Writing by Joe Nicoletti: Discover how AI can serve as your brainstorming companion and creative catalyst.
• Finding Your Ideal Reader by Sue Campbell: Learn how to create an ideal reader persona to boost your book marketing.
• Essentials of Writing Science Fiction by Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez: Get a comprehensive guide on how to build and improve your science fiction story.
• Breaking Through Writer’s Block by Dani Abernathy: Learn unique methods to overcome writer’s block.

September 12

• Worldbuilding the Final Frontier by Janet Forbes and Dimitris Havlidis: Dive deep into the nitty-gritty of science fiction worldbuilding.
• An Interview with Lauren Beukes: Get insights from the award-winning author.
• New Worlds, New People by Eileen Cook: Learn how to use setting to show character arc and change.
• How to Write Engaging Scenes by Savannah Gilbo: Master the art of writing well-structured and engaging scenes.
• Networking Event: Speed Dating: Meet other people in the Science Fiction writing community.

September 13

• How to Edit a Science Fiction Novel by Shane Millar: Get tips and tricks for editing your novel.
• Science in Fiction for the Non-Scientist by Catherine Asaro: Learn how to include science in your fiction even if you’re not a scientist.
• World Anvil Software Demo: Get a walkthrough of the World Anvil software.
• Villainous Intent by Savannah Gilbo: Learn how to use interiority to reveal your character’s inner life.
• How to Tell The Story You Were Meant To Tell by Ramy Vance: Get a step-by-step plan for drafting and launching your novel.

September 14

• How to Use ProWritingAid to Edit Your Science Fiction Novel by Hayley Milliman: Learn how ProWritingAid can support your editing process.
• Across Time Zones and An Ocean — Science Fiction Author Panel: Join a discussion with Julie E. Czerneda, Dan Hanks, and Chris Panatier.
• Bring Your Story World to Life by Julie Artz: Learn an iterative approach to world-building.
• An Interview with Jordan Ifueko: Get insights from the NYT Bestselling Author.
• Networking Event: Build a Science Fiction World: Collaborate with other writers to create a Science Fiction world.

Speaker Bios

The event features an impressive lineup of speakers, including certified developmental editors like Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez, award-winning authors like Lauren Beukes and Jordan Ifueko, and experts in AI and marketing like Joe Nicoletti and Sue Campbell.

How to Register

Ready to take your science fiction writing to the next level? Register for this free event here.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best in the industry, all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, this event has something invaluable for everyone. See you there!

Thank you for coming to Science Fiction Writers’ Week

 

 Thank you for coming to Science Fiction Writers’ Week!

What a week! ProWritingAid couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for sharing your stories, knowledge, and enthusiasm.

Missed a session, or just want to rewatch your favorites? Head to the Hub to watch the the replays now.

 

How long do I have access to replays?

All attendees have access to the session replays until September 9, 2022.

After that, replays are only available for ProWriting Academy members.

 

Science Fiction is the Most Important Literature by Ray Bradbury | Writing Quote

 Science Fiction is the Most Important Literature by Ray Bradbury

Science fiction is the most important literature in the history of the world, because it’s the history of ideas, the history of our civilization birthing itself. …Science fiction is central to everything we’ve ever done, and people who make fun of science fiction writers don’t know what they’re talking about. 

― Ray Bradbury

 

About the Author 

Ray Douglas Bradbury (/ˈbrædˌbɛri/; August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of modes, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction. Wikipedia
 

Born: August 22, 1920, Waukegan, IL
Died: June 5, 2012, Los Angeles, CA
Movies and TV shows: Fahrenheit 451, The Ray Bradbury Theater, A Sound of Thunder, and more
Awards: Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, National Medal of Arts, Pulitzer Prize Special Citations and Awards, and more

Check out Ray Bradbury's work at Amazon:

• Buy Ray Bradbury Books at Amazon
• Buy Ray Bradbury DVDs at Amazon

Most of What I do is Science Fiction by Octavia Butler | Writing Quote

 Most of What I do is Science Fiction by Octavia Butler

 

 

 Most of what I do is science fiction. Some of the things I do are fantasy. I don't like the labels, they're marketing tools, and I certainly don't worry about them when I'm writing. They are also inhibiting factors; you wind up not getting read by certain people, or not getting sold to certain people because they think they know what you write. You say science fiction and everybody thinks Star Wars or Star Trek.

-- OCTAVIA E. BUTLER

  

Buy Octavia E Butler Books at Amazon

 

 About the Author 

Octavia Estelle Butler was an American science fiction author and a multiple recipient of the Hugo and Nebula awards. In 1995, Butler became the first science-fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship. Born in Pasadena, California, Butler was raised by her widowed mother. Wikipedia
 

Born: June 22, 1947, Pasadena, CA
Died: February 24, 2006, Lake Forest Park, WA
Place of burial: Mountain View Mortuary & Cemetery, Altadena, CA
Education: Pasadena City College (1968), John Muir High School Early College Magnet, More
Parents: Octavia Margaret Guy Butler, Laurice James Butler

Buy Octavia E Butler Books at Amazon