Monday, September 8, 2014

What To Know About 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.

Usually the time of these novels is set in the future. There might be some placed in historical settings that go against what readers know to be true based on facts and records of history. Most stories are told in settings like subterranean Earth, outside worlds or even outer space. Mutants, humanoid robots, aliens and androids are just some of the characters that might be included in these novels.

These characters may utilize technology that is plausible to the readers, such as computers, teleportation machines and ray guns. Their actions often related to scientific principles that are considered new or even contradict the physical laws we accept to be true, such as wormholes, faster-than-light communication, time travel and more. Different and new forms of social and political systems might also be included in these plot lines.

Characters found in these fictional stories usually have a paranormal ability. They may be involved with mind control, teleportation, telekineses and even telepathy. Typically the settings are in other dimensions or universes. The storyline might even involve traveling between these various dimensions and universes. Many components are linked to sci fi literature, which dates back 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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