“Essentials of Science Fiction” by Joan Y. Edwards
In writing a time travel novel, I’ve been studying to figure out what essential pieces of science fiction. This is what I’ve learned so far. Please add any essentials you’ve discovered in this genre in the comments.
- What if – What if a certain science experiment was done or technological invention was created? It depends on your personal preferences whether the experiment or invention is plausible.
- Impact – How would this experiment or invention impact the human race, specific individuals
- Setting – Time, Culture, Place, Environment.
Often science fiction takes place in the far future. However, it could take place in the past or near future.
An author can narrate straight through from the beginning to the middle and go to the end. He/she can also start near the end and back to the beginning and come back to the present.
Science fiction novels that take place in the near future can fill readers with greater fear and trepidation than those 10,000 years into the future. It seems more plausible and therefore puts the readers facing the problems themselves in a real situation.
Here are my favorite Science Fiction Movies:
Star Wars
E.T. Extra Terrestial
K-Pax
Please let me know your favorite Science-Fiction books or movies. I listed 9 resources for you!
Resources
- Alan Donohue. “How to Write a Sci-Fi Screenplay:”
https://penandthepad.com/write-scifi-screenplay-4869519.html - Amy Sterling Casil. “Three Elements of Science-Fiction Literature
https://penandthepad.com/three-elements-science-fiction-literature-2241.html - Dan Livingston. “25 Best Far Future Science-Fiction Books:” https://best-sci-fi-books.com/25-best-far-future-science-fiction-books/
- “Difference between General Fiction and Science Fiction Structure:” https://penandthepad.com/difference-between-general-fiction-science-fiction-structure-3400.html
- Goodreads. “Best Near Future Science Fiction:” https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/45509.Best_Near_Future_Science_Fiction
- M.T. Wroblewski. “Linear Narrative:” https://penandthepad.com/linear-narrative-1805.html
- Nancy L. Erickson. “Importance of Setting in Your Story:”
https://blog.bookbaby.com/2018/02/importance-of-setting-in-your-story/
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Joan Y. Edwards, Author
Copyright © 2020 Joan Y. Edwards
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My favorite SF writers are Asimov and Heinlein.
The “what if” can be broader than your definition. Asimov said, SF has ONE assumption. Everything else should be realistic. In his Empire series, the assumption was faster-than-light travel.
You and your readers may enjoy my 50,000 word novella, “Liberator,” which is the lead story of “Bizarre Bipeds: What IS humanity’s place in the universe?” http://bobswriting.com/bipeds.html
Dear Bob,
Thanks for writing. It was fun learning your favorite Science Fiction writers are Asimov and Heinlein. I’ll have to check them out. Thanks for explaining Asimov’s viewpoint that Science Fiction has only one assumption, the rest should be realistic. That makes sense. Thanks for sharing your Liberator novella.
Enjoy your day.
Live being well.
Stay safe.
Never Give Up
Joan
I know you enjoy this genre. I don’t really, but I watch some science fiction programs occasionally if the person I’m with really wants to. It’s good of you to pass along tips to those who are interested in writing for this genre.
Dear Linda,
Thank you for writing even though you don’t like the Science Fiction genre. You are so sweet to watch it with others who love it. May they watch equally as many shows in the genre you enjoy most. Which genre is that? Which genre do you enjoy the mosts?
Never Give Up
Live safe.
Live well.
Never Give Up
Joan
I’m not a huge sci-fi fan but have to admit I enjoy some episodes of the original Star Trek and Star Trek Next Generation.
Dear Melanie,
Thank you for writing. My mother loved Star Trek. I never watched it while it first ran on TV.
Enjoy your writing. I’m looking forward to reading your next book.
Live well.
Live safe.
Never Give Up
Joan
I love Star Trek next generation, Patrick Stewart is my favorite actor. I’m working on a project, called Far Away, science and action
I love Contact with Jodie Foster, simple story, powerful ending
Dear Billy,
Thanks for writing. I’m glad that you and Melanie both like Star Trek Next Generation. Cool.
Have a fun day! Enjoy being you!
Never Give Up
Joan
I love science fiction and have written a few books for kids in the genre. Thanks for giving me more to think about as I revise.
Dear Juli,
It is great to hear from you. Wow! Thanks for writing science fiction books for children. I’m glad I’ve given you a few things to ponder as you revise your stories. I love learning new ways to look at things. Share any ideas you have about science fiction, too.
Live.
Live well and safe.
Never Give Up
Joan