In science fiction, all problems are human problems. Remember, science fiction is two words: science and fiction. Remove fiction and all we have is science. Science with no story is called a textbook, not a novel.
Tag: science fiction
Aug 29 2018
DysFUNctional: World-Building from Orwell to Apocalypse
Say it with me: world-building is fun. Seriously! It’s the only way—aside from global domination—we will ever get to arrange the world exactly as we want. Don’t like green peppers on your supreme pizza? Banish them! Hate people who squeeze the toothpaste tube from the middle? Declare them subversive enemies of the regime! Yet, some …
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Sep 13 2017
There & Back Again—Using Distance to Up the Story Stakes and Pace
It’s Squatter’s Rights Wednesday with me, Cait Reynolds. Today, we are going to go the distance. Literally. No matter what genre we write, our characters generally go places. The physical distance between these places impacts the timelines of our stories, pacing, and tension. Distance, great or small, can also be used to create atmosphere or …
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Jul 24 2017
Science Fiction, Horror & More—Why Speculative Fiction Matters
On Friday, we explored how shame is the beating heart of great fiction, how probing the shadow sides of human nature is what can separate the mundane from the magnificent. All fiction has its place. Some fiction is purely fun and escape and the world needs more fun and feel good. Certain books are simply a …
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Jul 19 2017
Lasers, Swords, and Brianna, oh, my!
It’s Squatter’s Rights Wednesday! I’m back, along with Denny Basenji, opinions on words, and a new haircut. Also, I do know that I owe everyone my freshman year high school photo. I will post that on Friday. *pinky swear* So, today, I’m talking about world-building for epic fantasy and science fiction. Of course, there are …
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International Association of Professional Writers & Editors
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