Science fiction is often called the “literature of ideas.” Sci-fi novels include a wide variety of futuristic concepts. Since they’re so imaginative, anything is possible, especially in soft sci-fi novels. A sci-fi novel can be about space, time travel, aliens, or time-traveling aliens in space.

Fahrenheit 451 fits into the science fiction genre because it depicts a future in which technological advancement has significantly transformed society. Fahrenheit 451 fits squarely into the science fiction genre due to its exploration of the social and political consequences of scientific innovation.

Science Fiction characteristics and conventions in Fahrenheit 451…

• Science Fiction characteristics and conventions in Fahrenheit 451.
• Futuristic setting.
• Oppressive government.
• Social criticism.
• Misuse of technology.
• Dystopia.
• Advanced technology.
• Exploration of societal issues.

Writing Your Paranormal, Science Fiction, or Fantasy Romance

1. Strong, believable characters.
2. You need a strong, believable, and logical plot to drive the story.
3. Emotion.
4. Employ what I call “Quad D”: Details, Description, Dialogue, and Development (story and characters).

How to Write a Good Science Fiction Novel, in 10 Steps

1. Identify the ‘big idea’ in your story.
2. Know your readers and what they want.
3. Make the science integral to your novel.
4. Don’t let science overwhelm the story.
5. Show us your character’s motivations.
6. Introduce the problem early on.
7. Create believable characters.

Science fiction contains the usual elements of the novel: a specific setting, character development, plot (central conflict, complications, climactic events, resolution), themes, and structure.

A good science fiction work posits one vision for the future, among countless possibilities, that is built on a foundation of realism. In creating a link between the present and the future, science fiction invites us to consider the complex ways our choices and interactions contribute to generating the future.

The benefits of reading sci-fi include those listed for reading fantasy — stimulate imagination, creativity, problem solving and coping skills, but we have to add vocabulary, analytical skills, and memory and mental stimulation. Here are a few selections to get you started. “The Stars We Steal,” by Alexa Donne.

5 Things We Can Learn From Reading Science Fiction and Fantasy

• Human Imagination Knows No Bounds. I’m someone who likes escapist reads—I want my books to ferry me to far-off places or times.
• Be Brave When All Hope Seems Lost.
• Magic is Real.
• Progress Isn’t (Always) What We Envision.
• You Are Not Alone.

Through science fiction literature and films, we are able to address technological change, existential risks, and cultural crises that may define our future. It not only allows us to speculate what the future could look like, it also gives us tools to draw from when/if these or similar events actually take place.

Reading has been shown to put our brains into a pleasurable trance-like state, similar to meditation, and it brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm. Regular readers sleep better, have lower stress levels, higher self-esteem, and lower rates of depression than non-readers.

A novel is a piece of long narrative in literary prose. Narrative prose is meant to entertain and tell a story. It is a description of a chain of events which includes a cast of characters, a setting, and an ending.