Writing Genres: Science Fiction

Today sees the start of a new series, looking at how to write different genres of fiction. The key to writing in any genre is to know that genre, and this means you have to read what is currently published, and what is previously published. 

The Oxford Dictionary defines Science Fiction as 'fiction based on imagined future scientific or technological advances and major social or environmental changes, frequently portraying space or time travel and life on other planets.' 

Science fiction can be either utopian, where a brighter future is imagined, or dystopian, where society is broken down, and there is suffering or injustice. My story 'Conversation in a Utopian Future' looks at a brighter future, while novels like the Divergent series or Hunger Games series are both dystopian. 

Imagination

The beauty of Science fiction is that the only limit is your imagination. Science fiction is ultimately about ideas, and your story needs to have at its centre a big idea. This can be based in hard scientific fact, where you observe the rules of the Universe (or if you're Terry Pratchett, create your own World which follow it's own rules - the Discworld is in many ways the opposite of our round world, but his understanding of science and physics is embedded in the Discworld.) It can start with a simple, 'What If..' What if the earth was knocked off its orbit? What if we entered a new ice age? The possibilities are endless. 

All good writing should have at its heart the 5 W's and the H:

• What happened (your plot)
• When did it happen (Setting)
• Where did it happen (Setting)
• Why did it happen (plot)
• Who did it happen to (Characters)
• How did it happen (plot)

Characters 

Science fiction characters can be human or non-human. They can be from other planets, worlds, and have distinguishing characteristics that you create - such as Aliens that have acid for blood, or Jedi warriors. As with any other characters you create, consider their appearance, values, customs and lives. They should be strong, well drawn, and of course involve the readers emotionally. We love to hate villains and cheer on the good guys, but perhaps your world turns these on their head. Your readers need to connect with good, strong characters. 

Plot

You need to tell a story - what actually happens in your world and to your characters? What is the puzzle / problem or challenge they have to resolve? Do they have to figure out how to live on Mars because Earth is uninhabitable? Even though science fiction allows for huge leaps of the imagination, it does need to remain believable, and for this, consistency is important. It does help to have some understanding of science too. I like to work with timelines, maps and summaries to keep track of the story and characters, and this helps me remain consistent. 

And now, Write...

Try your hand at writing a Sci-Fi story. If you don't know where to start, you'll find 660 writing prompts on this page!

Happy Writing. 

*images courtesy of Pixabay