Anyone has any tips on writing a science fiction novel
I want to make my book unique unto itself and not another repeat of the general story types. #writer
2 answers
Thomas’s Answer
1) First, focus on the characters. It doesn't matter if it's science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, or something in the modern day--the story is about the characters, the conflicts they encounter, and how they resolve them. Stay away from black and white, good vs evil characters, too. They will be more interesting in shades of gray.
2) Make sure the plot is solid. The setting alone, even if it's a sci-fi world, won't carry the whole novel. I have read work by people in my writing group where the concept is amazing, based on really unique ideas, but the plot goes nowhere, or is too predictable.
3) Then, focus on your world building. Watch out for too much exposition, though, which can be common in sci-fi because you want to tell us all about the world you've created. We don't want to read what feels like an encyclopedia entry, though. Give it to us little by little, as part of the narrative. Show, don't tell.
In essence, regardless of the genre, the main pieces that make up a good novel need to be there, and if your sci-fi world is super weird, knowledge of how it works needs to be disseminated in a way that doesn't turn the reader off. Keep us wanting more without overwhelming us with technobabble.
Then, to make it unique, subvert our expectations with plot twists that make sense within the rules of the world you've created, which will still likely come down to the decisions of characters pursuing their goals.
E. C’s Answer
Maurice W,
Follow these instructions and you shall be fine.
E. C recommends the following next steps:
I would add that you want to avoid swamping your reader in a world that is so foreign they have a hard time understanding it. Tolkien's Middle Earth worked because it incorporated elements from myth readers are familiar with, regardless of whether you'd ever heard of a "hobbit". Stick to the basics of human nature by focusing on characters. If you want to build a rich world, consider doing so over the course of a series or slowly in the book. Perhaps provide an appendix of terms.
That's not to say don't be creative. But give your readers something they can understand; if your characters have robotic companions, liken them to pets. Do they live in pods instead of houses? Give readers a sense of grounding by reminding them of a tiny home or cramped hotel room.
Trinity