8/10/09

Oddly Possible



Here it is another Monday and almost midway through August. My how time flies!

Speaking of time and flying, I've been thinking about Science Fiction lately and how it differs from other genres, since my latest story has strong elements from both Sci-Fi and Fantasy. To me Sci-Fi has always been about odd possibilities. Others have asked me about this too. It does seem like a vague area in the writing world. So here is a bit of research I turned up that just about lays it out nicely and may help if you are writing in this genre.

Science Fiction differs from Fantasy in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature (though some elements in a story might still be pure imaginative speculation). Exploring the consequences of such differences is the traditional purpose of Science Fiction, which is based largely on writing entertaining and rational alternate possibilities in settings that are contrary to known reality.

These may include:

A setting in the future, in an alternate timeline or in a historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the archaeological record.

A setting in outer space, on other worlds, or involving aliens.

Stories that involve technology or scientific principles that contradict known laws of nature.

Stories that involve discovery or application of new scientific principles, such as time travel and new technology, such as faster than light travel or even robots.

New and different political or social systems can be included.

Hmm, well there you have it. Let your creative imagination flow and go write some Science Fiction. And don't forget the romance! Okay, SpecRom (Speculative Romance) is another related subject for a later post...

Kaye

7 comments:

Helen Hardt said...

Hi Kaye -- Great post! I love to read sci fi, though I've never tried writing it. I actually have a futuristic idea brewing, so maybe I'll give it a try sometime.

Unknown said...

i agree. that's why it's better with them breaking it up into sub-genres like fantasy, futuristic, sci-fi, and paranormal. helps a bit anyway. i could never pull off writing any of them. i'm a straight contemp or suspense.

great blog. i love connecting with other readers, reviewers, and writers. i'm following you now. you should check out/follow mine. i have all things book related...
nice seeing you.
xo

Cari Quinn said...

I love sci-fi, though I haven't read nearly enough of it. It's fun to consider things beyond normal everyday experience. :)

Christina Phillips said...

Well I love sci fi (you may have guessed, lol, with my slight BSG obsession!!!)This was a great post to have it all explained so clearly. Thank you!

Shelley Munro said...

I like sci-fi too. I've been working on edits for House of the Cat, which is a rom-sci-fi.

I think you're talking to the converted here, judging by the comments. :)

Linda Banche said...

I used to read lots of sci-fi, but stopped because I prefer romance. But the Eppies actually have a category called science fiction romance, so some people must be writing them.

Kaye Manro said...

Great comments everyone!

Shelley did coin it right--
rom sci-fi or specrom is the way!

Thanks to all for stopping by.