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