Science Fiction and Fantasy Books

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Is your goal to write some of the best science fiction and fantasy books of all time? If so, you better get started, because there are hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of writers with the same goal in mind. The first step is to understand the basis of both genres—while they’re very similar and are often blend brilliantly, they still have unique, defining characteristics.

If you were to ask a group of writers, they would all give you different definitions of science fiction as a genre, ultimately proving it’s a difficult one to define. Author Damon Knight stated that "Science fiction is what we point to when we say it," while author Isaac Asimov wrote, “Science fiction reflects scientific thought; a fiction of things-to-come based on things-on-hand.”

It’s safe to say that science fiction refers to stories that include some element of science, in an imagined setting, either futuristic or otherworldly, that is different from the one we live in. While fantasy also takes place in an otherworldly setting, the worlds are typically magical, mythical or supernatural. 

While science fiction and fantasy books are incredibly similar, science fiction tends to reflect more rational aspects or attributes, while fantasy is evoked from the subconscious. Science fiction is a way of imagining the possibilities of the future or another world such as outer space, while some of the best fantasy novels are inspired by an inner quest to discover deeper meanings in life.

As recent best-selling dystopian literature exemplifies, these genres often overlap and cross into others. In addition, they can, on some level, teach us about the concerns of humanity and help us to relate to those from different worlds and cultures. Post-apocalyptic settings can bring to life our greatest fears of society’s demise, allowing us to empathize about the character’s plight in a realistic way that allows us to almost experience their transformation or arc.

Despite futuristic or fantastical settings, readers must relate to the characters to invest in their struggle—regardless of whether they’re aliens, monsters, vampires or wizards. The series of events that take place throughout should possess tension and include conflict that draws you in and carries you through to their resolution. The best fantasy novels will keep you on the edge of your seat, whether or not you can understand what it’s like to be in the character’s shoes, with supernatural powers, non-human weaknesses and paranormal strength.

Whether you choose to write a story that ranks as dystopian literature, time travel, steam punk or dark fantasy, more than anything, it needs to be about the characters and their concerns.