The Basics Regarding Sci Fi Novels

By Kerri Stout


Science fiction is a popular style of writing that involves made up stories that are not based on factual or real events. Typically these involve settings in the future and science components, as well as space, technology, time travel and extraterrestrials. Sci fi novels might be called lit of ideas because it is so involved with exploring the possibilities of modern and future innovations. Writers of this genre might also explore morality, desire, identity, social structure and politics.

No one definition can be used to describe this style of writing. It is known to encompass so many different sub-genres and themes. This style of literature usually includes rational writing about fantasy futures that are actually quite possible realities.

The genre itself is similar to fantasy. Still, it is different because its imaginary components are typically based on science. This is not true of all elements in science fiction stories, as some are based purely on imagination and hold no place in the sciences.

The future is the time setting for most of these novels. Some may be set in historical periods that do not align with a person's knowledge of factual, historical records. The plot lines may take place in outside worlds, a subterranean Earth or space. Humanoid robots, androids, aliens and mutants are some of the characters readers might come across in these types of books.

The characters may use technology that readers can imagine, such as teleportation devices, ray guns and even computers. Certain scientific principles, new or contradictory, may be used in these novels. Examples of these might be faster-than-light communication and travel or wormholes. Varying and new kinds of political and social systems may be found in these story lines too.

Many characters in these stories have paranormal abilities. They might be able to teleport or control minds or dabble in telekinesis or telepathy. Often times the settings involve other dimensions or universes, as well as the travel between these. There are many different components characteristic of sci fi literature, which has been around for centuries.

There are many sub-genres, categories and related genres to be discussed when considering this style of writing. This type of literature is usually regarded as hard SF or soft SF. Hard SF refers to that which puts emphasis on getting accurate details, particularly when it comes to natural sciences. These may come close to describing potential realities that could come of advanced technology. There have been instances in which these literary predictions have come to pass. Then there is SF that is focused primarily on social science, which includes economics, psychology, political science, anthropology and sociology.

Some sub-genres listed with this style of writing are time travel, apocalyptic, social science fiction, post-apocalyptic, alternative history, military SF, superhuman and more. There are also several genres that are similar in style to this kind of writing: science fantasy, mystery and horror fiction to name a few. People worldwide enjoy this kind of writing and there are numerous authors publishing novels within this genre.




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