Writing science fiction

Occasionally, I work with science fiction writers - but what makes good science fiction? Here are some thoughts:
* The best science fiction writers create fantastic worlds but write about them as if they were completely normal. You need to do so as well
* Make sure the reader is able to suspend disbelief. The plot and events need to be believable
* Base your ideas on good science - that is what makes the best sci-work, it could happen.  If a story comes over as impossible, you are moving into fantasy rather than sci-fi
* You have to explain more
* Science fiction must evoke a sense of wonder in the reader. They must want to be in that remarkable world, to meet aliens, to travel in time and space
* Be visual - you can see what is happening, make sure we can as well
* Awe and wonder is all very well but what is also needed is a command of writing: a hatful of bug-headed aliens does not negate the need for skilful writing

What makes bad science fiction?

The great Science Fiction editor John W Campbell said that a science fiction writer should never put beings into a story that are so far superior to Man that we cannot understand their motives, we cannot overcome their will or we cannot meet them face to face in a fair fight. It’s a rule that stands true today
Don’t try to re-create popular sci-fi stories - we do not need another Star Wars. You can be more original than that!
Make your aliens alien - be original, it’s not enough to give them a pointy head. Think it through, make them realistic
No, it wasn’t a dream - keep loyal to the genre, no one waking up to discover they were in bed all the time!

John Dean