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Just how to write good science fiction and fantasy - this authors' viewpoint:\
Science fiction and fantasy authors and works flourish these days just like mushrooms after a particularly wet day. So, what we should really ask ourselves is, how do we really distinguish the bad science fiction and fantasy from the good?
Please note, I keep bundling science fiction and fantasy together. Some may disagree, but science fiction and fantasy have a lot in common, though they are defiantly not the same.
So, back to the question, what is good science fiction and fantasy?
First of all, science fiction and fantasy are just like any other piece of literature - what makes good literature is also -part- of what makes good science fiction and fantasy. Good and believable characters who are not cardboard characters, interesting and unexpected plot, smart dialogue and unique settings. Of course, there are things which are unique to science fiction and fantasy and these must be explored.
So, what is unique to science fiction and fantasy?
Science fiction and fantasy themselves, of course, where only the imagination limits the author. In science fiction and fantasy, after all, everything is possible. A character can be cyborg and have x-ray vision and punch through walls or it can learn a special spell that can kill all enemies from afar.
So if everything is possible in science fiction, what is good science fiction and fantasy?
Keeping the rules, of course. If a character can do anything, it is still bound by rules. If he can see through walls or punch through them, then a lead shielded wall may stop his vision and a reinforced force shield covered wall will stop his punches. And the spell wielding character may be subject himself to a far killing spell or be thwarted by a protective enchantment.
So, in conclusion, good science fiction and fantasy are similar to any other kind of literature, though rule and limit keeping in a literature where everything is possible are one of the most important things.
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