How to write

sci-fi genre

Sec 2 English Language and Literature

Step 1: Think About Your Concept And The
What If Question
All science fiction writers know that SF especially lends itself well to high concepts and
catchy hooks.
This through-line will help keep many elements cohesive, and also make it easier to pitch.
You can try framing it as a what if question? Examples:

What if aliens came not to destroy us, but to save us from ourselves?
What if an artificial intelligence gained sentience and disagreed with its programmer’s
directions?
What if climate catastrophe meant everyone had to live underwater for the next 100
years?
Step 2: Decide On Your Subgenre
Often, that ‘what if’ question will point to one of the earlier mentioned
subgenres. If not, you might need to skip this step for now and come back
to it after you have a firmer handle on the plot and world.
 1 Dystopian / Utopian
Sub-genre
2 Artificial Intelligence

3 First Contact

4 Multiverse

5 Military Science Fictions

6 Alien Invasion
 7 Space Horror
Sub-genre
8 Steampunk

9 Portal Fantasy

10 Afrofuturism

11 Alternate History

12 Ecofiction
Step 3: Create A Character
I find that this method works best:
I usually start with a character and then build the
world around them by asking myself lots of
questions.
What job is your main character going to have?
Why are they the person at the centre of this
story?
How do they instigate change in this world?
How would they speak? What’s their background
and story?
How will they change as the story progresses?

These are general questions I ask of any character in

any genre.
 characters

scientists and explorers Moral & Ethical Dilemmas aliens and ai

Science fiction often includes Protagonists often grapple with Science fiction texts frequently
characters who are scientists, difficult choices and wrestle with the feature non-human characters, such
engineers, astronauts, or explorers, consequences of their actions. These as aliens, robots, or artificial
driving the narrative through their characters are complex and intelligence, providing opportunities
pursuit of knowledge, discovery, and multifaceted, with strengths, for exploring ideas about otherness,
exploration and pushing the weaknesses, flaws and internal diversity, and the nature of
boundaries of what is possible. conflicts that drive the story. consciousness.
step 4 : Create A World Or Universe And
Begin Necessary Research
 outer space dystopian futures virtual or digital realities

Many science fiction stories Dystopian worlds are a The lines between the physical
use space or the universe as a prominent setting, offering a and digital realms are often
primary setting, exploring backdrop to explore themes of blurred through virtual
distant planets, galaxies and power, control, oppression, realities, artificial worlds and
alien civilizations. and societal collapse. immersive simulations.

settings
 post-apocalyptic lands futuristic worlds alternate realities

Sci-fi stories can be set in Science fiction often takes They often feature alternate
post-disaster landscapes, place in future settings, or parallel universes,
where civilization has featuring advanced divergent timelines, or virtual
collapsed, and society lives in technology, space travel, and worlds created by advanced
harsh conditions. speculative societies. technology.

settings
Step 5: Start Building The Plot
And Deciding On Structure
Throughout your pre-writing work, you’ll likely have
already seen some necessary plot points starting to fall
into place. You can then begin to weave these together and
figure out how you’ll lay it all out on the page.
We have plenty of useful information on plot and structure
to help you in this area. Or, if you’re not a pre-planner, then
you can skip this step and simply start writing with your
concept, character, and world in mind and see what
happens.
 common themes
in the sci-fi genre
 advanced technology
Science fiction often examines the impact of
advanced technology on society, exploring
themes such as artificial intelligence, genetic
engineering, space exploration, and futuristic
inventions. These texts raise questions about the
ethical, social, and environmental implications of
technological advancements.

environmental concerns
Some science fiction texts address environmental
and ecological issues, envisioning worlds ravaged
by climate change, pollution, or resource
depletion. These stories serve as cautionary
tales, warning of the potential consequences of
human impact on the natural world and the
importance of environmental stewardship.
identity & existence
Science fiction texts often grapple with questions
of identity, empathy, consciousness, the search
for meaning and the nature of existence. Themes
of transhumanism, cyborgs, and virtual reality
explore the boundaries of human experience and
the blurring of distinctions between organic and
artificial life forms.

exploration of the unknown

Science fiction often highlight themes of
exploration, discovery and colonisation whether
through space travel, deep-sea exploration, or
uncharted territories. These narratives reflect
humanity's curiosity about the universe, our
quest for knowledge and desire to expand
beyond Earth.
 future societies
Many sci-fi stories envision alternate futures,
exploring themes of governance, social order,
and cultural norms. These texts often critique
contemporary society by imagining exaggerated
or speculative futures, offering commentary on
issues such as inequality, surveillance, and the
erosion of individual freedoms.

extraterrestrial encounters
Science fiction frequently explores the possibility
of extraterrestrial life and encounters with alien
civilizations. These stories delve into themes of
exploration, communication, and cultural
exchange, as well as the fear of the unknown and
the search for meaning in the universe.
 conflicts

person vs. technology person vs. extraterrestrial person vs. government

Sci-fi frequently explores the Interstellar conflict between Often characters fight to overcome
conflict between humanity and different species, civilizations, or oppressive systems in dystopian
artificial intelligence, robots or factions is a common trope in sci-fi settings run by tyrannical leaders
other forms of technology, raising often reflecting themes of war, who maintain social inequality,
questions about the boundaries diplomacy, and the clash of cultures environmental degradation, or
between man and machine. in the vastness of space. other forms of societal collapse.
point of view
The choice of perspective and point of view in
science fiction texts can influence the reader's
understanding of the narrative and its characters.

first person narration

Provides readers with intimate insights into the

protagonist's thoughts, feelings, and experiences,
fostering empathy and emotional engagement.

third person narration

Provides a broader perspective on the story,

revealing multiple characters' motivations or
actions while maintaining distance and objectivity.
 Science fiction has long been a significant
cultural force, offering a unique lens through
which to explore the complexities of human
existence, societal structures, and the potential
futures of our world.

The impact of science fiction extends profoundly

into film and television, digital media, video
games and online platforms where visual
storytelling brings speculative worlds to life in
ways that captivate and challenge audiences.

The genre's adaptability across these various

media underscores its enduring relevance and
to wrap up its powerful capacity to inspire imagination,
critical thinking, and a sense of wonder about
the possibilities that lie ahead.
 the

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