The Art of the Possible: Tips for Aspiring Speculative Fiction Authors

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The world as we know it seems to constantly change around us, turning what used to be fiction into reality. If you’re a writer, you probably have already fantasised about what the future may look like or what lies beyond our reality, with the question “what if?” popping into your head many times. However, getting these thoughts on paper can be a challenge, which is why we’re providing you with some tips for those who want to dabble in speculative fiction.

Gathering Inspiration

Before we get into our main tips, one of the most important aspects for speculative fiction writers is gathering inspiration. Reading, of course, is the most obvious place to start with, plus it will help you understand the genre and its vastness even more. One author who can’t be missed is Mary Shelley, who is credited with laying the foundation for what is considered modern sci-fi through her novel, Frankenstein.

But this can also be sourced even in the most unlikely places, such as online casinos. This is especially true for those who choose to play casino slots like Immortal Romance or Jurassic Park Gold Link & Win. Thanks to the wide variety of themes available, you’ll find plenty of sci-fi and speculative fiction-related options that could spark an idea for your future novel. 

Of course, there are also other mediums to explore, such as art and music. Even conversations with friends and like-minded individuals on the genre could lead to you jotting down a mind-bending idea. Alternatively, something as simple as taking a walk outside and questioning possible changes could be what sets you off on your journey. 

Top Tips for Writing Speculative Fiction

When it comes to delving into difficult themes such as society through fantastical or futuristic elements, this is no easy feat for even professional writers. Thus, having a strong premise is necessary for not just readers, but also for you, as a good foundation is much easier to build upon. While the elements of your novel should push the boundaries of what we know, everything should serve a purpose and be based on knowledge. 

But blending facts with imagination requires far more than inspiration — it takes a lot of research. After all, the uniqueness of the genre is ensuring that your creativity is grounded in reality, making your ideas more believable. Whether you look into current technological advancements that lead to a dystopian society or ancient civilisations that can work as a foundation for post-apocalyptic themes, all of this can enrich your world-building details and add depth to your setting.

 

One of the most important aspects of any book is the characters you have and the journey they follow. Make sure to address the stakes involved, along with ensuring that the actions your characters take have consequences to add gravitas to your story. You’ll also need to work on writing vivid imagery and realistic dialogue. Both of these factors can be hard to achieve in this genre, as this is not fully based on what you know, but on the world you have crafted yourself.

 

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