The Basics Regarding Sci Fi Novels

By Kerri Stout


Science fiction is the name of a genre of writing. It involves stories that feature imaginative, not real, content. Typically this involves futuristic science and settings, as well as technology, space, time and light travel, and even extraterrestrials. Sci fi novels are often called literature of ideas, in that they explore potential consequences of innovations. This genre is often used by writers interested in covering literary themes, such as morality, social structure, identity, politics and desire.

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 people in the novels might utilize teleportation devices, computers, ray guns and other types of technology that readers will be familiar with. Some scientific principles that are contradictory or new may be brought up in these books. Faster-than-light travel and communication, as well as wormholes are just a few examples. These stories often include new or different types of social and political systems.

A lot of characters in these books have some kind of paranormal ability. They might be involved with telepathy, mind control, telekinesis or teleportation. Usually the settings are in other universes or dimensions and the storyline involves traveling between these different spaces. There are numerous components associated with sci fi writing, which has existed for hundreds of years.

There are a lot of different categories, sub-genres and related genres for sci fi. This type of literature is often categorized as either hard SF or soft SF. Hard refers to close attention to accuracy of details as they related to the natural sciences. It might also be used to describe that which closely depicts the worlds that advanced technology could create. In fact, there have been accurate predictions in this sub-genre. Soft SF describes works with more focus on the social sciences, for instance: anthropology, sociology, political science, psychology and economics.

Some of the sub-genres of this include time travel, superhuman, cyberpunk, social science fiction, space opera, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic, military SF, alternative history and more. There are also many genres that are similar to this style of writing, such as: ci-fi, horror fiction, fantasy, supernatural, science fantasy, superhero and mystery. People around the globe are fans of this genre of writing and there are many authors who publish novels in this genre.




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