Sci-Fi Writing Tips

onomatomanic

Could we have a sticky to collect some of the more helpful general advice on the do's and dont's of plot-construction in speculative fiction? I've been reading some of the older threads which have been moved to this board, and came across two insights so far which I found personally useful and would like to see included:

I mean only things like these, which are specific to sciency plot devices and fantastic settings, none of the usual trite genre-independent writing advice like "show, don't tell" and "avoid excessive use of adjectives".

Ryan_m_b

Good idea, this should probably be restricted to generic SF tips though. In other words not a place to discuss specific problems.

Personally I've really valued the principle that whatever plot device (i.e. new/modified law of physics/technology/society) your story uses make sure it is consistent and the social ramifications are well explored. How it works barely matters compared to this.

Nimbian

I'm a First time writer while posting this, and I hope to become more then a "first time" Writer at some point.

But So far My advice would be to simply Write, It doesn't matter in the beginning if its total bunk in your eyes or the eyes of others. You will get better, as you get more confidence. So far its working for me.

Now for SF specific Advice.
SF is defined as
Much like Ryan says above Make sure your setting acts in a consistent manner, it doesn't matter if your telling a story about the Psi Ghosts of Jupiter, or a Time traveling, dimension-hopping super-criminal. It will help maintain the fourth wall, among other things.

One of the best way to do that is to make an outline of the events you want to touch on, and to define you Plot Devices ahead of time, as much as you can. Even if the Audience will never hear about it, take the time to define what is different about your world. If it is a technology make sure you clearly write down what it does, and any flaws it might have, Aliens, what they are, what personalities they have, or even what they eat if it differs from human Norms. You don't need to write this all down (but it helps if you do) but you do need to have this clearly in your mind while writing. If you're having problems with a part of your setting ask for help, either here by asking questions, or IRL.

And Finally what ever your writing, Editing is fine, but do not fall into the trap of endless revisions, for some people I know including myself, It just leads to frustration, depression, and then you just stop writing. Set Goals but realistic ones.

onomatomanic

^ This is indubitably sound advice, but also exactly what I meant by "the usual trite genre-independent writing advice".

There is nothing wrong with that as such, but the problem is that there's so much of it that the less obvious and thus more valuable insights exemplified by the two quotes in my OP (YMMV, needless to say) all too easily get lost among it.

Fortunately for me, I'm just a lowly forum member, and so don't have to figure out whether and how to translate that opinion into something more concrete.

GregJ

Some useful ones from Orson Scott Card when it comes to naming characters (which I find particularly important in building a character people can relate to). While he does say "rules" I would think of them more as "tips" or ideas.
http://www.hatrack.com/writingclass/...-03-05-1.shtml

"First rule: No two characters in the same story can have their key name (i.e., the one most commonly referred to) start with the same letter or the same sound). "

"Second rule: People from similar cultures should have names that reflect that; from different cultures, the naming should show the difference."

"Third rule: All names should be pronounceable by American readers. Thus, you change the spellings or transliterations, and you don't get cute with punctuation marks."

More useful general tips for science fiction writing (and I think some for just writing in general) from the author can be found at his website:
http://www.hatrack.com/writingclass/index.shtml

Borek

Chauvinism, don't you think?

Nimbian

No Realism
As English speakers, any SF we would write has to be understandable by the audience. The largest English population is currently the US. The Best method to sell books is to appeal to the largest number of people.

Although I never had a problem reading books with strangely written names in them myself.

Also Respectful this comment and the preceding one is not necessary for a sticky thread, can possibly should be purged/deleted

chasrob

The Turkey City Lexicon is a handy link for SF writers.

It's from veteran writers who have been there and done that.

onomatomanic

It occurred to me just now that that rules out naming two members of a Power Trio "Harry" and "Hermione" (sharing not just initial letters, but pretty much first syllables)... well, maybe that's the proverbial role-proving exception?

chemisttree

I'm not sure that the sounds of the names are as important to readers as the spelling. I can always mispronounce 'Hermione' to myself if I need to but I'd never confuse it with 'Harry'.