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Everyone knows that when writing science fiction, the sky’s the limit—but if you don’t plan on setting the story on Earth, then the sky isn’t your limit! Many readers pass over realist contemporary fiction and choose to read sci-fi instead. Why? Well, for one, they can find engaging plots and characters in this genre with no lack of adventure, suspense, conflict, and even romance. However, the main reason readers opt mainstream fiction is the imaginary setting that takes you on a world somewhat different from the one we live in.

These worlds may be basis of the sense of place in other genres, but it’s the very essence of any good science fiction. The setting is so much more than just a framing device in a way that may not be in a realist fiction. You can’t immediately assume that when someone grows plants that it’s going to be the same as it is on Earth. How do you grow plants on the moon? How does it thrive? Suddenly everything changes. Now, do a once over on Moon Luck by Harral. This book has a remarkable world which not only sets the stage for where the story revolves but also lays groundwork for the characters to interact and develop.

Thus, if you want a craft a compelling world like Scott Harral’s, then we recommend you follow the tips itemized below.

Pre-determine Every Detail

Although most writers prefer to build their world along the development of their stories, detailed plans are a science fiction writer’s best friend. And by detailed plan we mean every detail. From the environment of the world to the governing rules, down to the last features. Some writers juxtapose a real-world setting with fantastical elements, while others create an entirely imaginary universe with their own physical laws, logic, and populations of imagined races. This blueprint will be extremely helpful when you’re writing, you may decide to eliminate or change some of these details to your liking as you progress.

The downside of flying by the seat of one’s pants is that you may unintentionally forget characteristics that will be important to the overall plot. So identify all the features you want present on your world.

Take Charge of the Human Sensory

Get creative and go beyond simply describing the appearance to unlock the richness and depth of your fictional world. While there’s nothing wrong with relying heavily on visual descriptions, it can become too descriptive and less immersive for readers. Immersion is the one thing that any writer wants, and you should do, too. Using all five senses is a brilliant rule that helps make your fictional world come to life. Sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Each sense a powerful tool on its own way. And when combined, they don’t simply describe the world that events take place in offers a full, riveting experience.

There is no necessity to use them all, particularly in a single scene. However, being aware of them as you write, and learning to use them effectively will result in a rich and believable setting that readers are going to want to inhabit themselves.

Use Existing Works to Inspire You

If you’re not like Scott Harral with experience and in-depth knowledge of his setting—the moon, then we recommend you try to revisit the works of other science fiction writers for inspiration. This one is a given, and it’s probably something you’ve heard many times before, but the importance of this can’t be stressed enough. Additionally, never steal ideas rather review the work to see how they built their world.

Plan with Caution

Discovering a new world is a whole lot difficult than building it before you get too deep into the writing. Yes, it can be fun but it is so easy to get lost in the small details you want to include as you progress. Therefore, it’s especially important to have a blueprint. However, over planning can also be a problem. Many science fiction writers become so engrossed in world-building that they find themselves entangled in millions of details, which can be confusing and monotonous. World-building must not come at the expense of your story. You may feel like you have to follow the plans you’ve laid out for yourself but your story and other details will continuously change along the way, so it’s better not to get too hung up on the minor things.

As a fiction writer, the pressure to come up with a compelling narrative will always be there. That is why having inspiration firing throughout the process is a must. But how will this be possible? Even the world’s best artist or writer can feel creatively burned out along the way. And, when this happens, you will feel as though there aren’t many good ideas coming out of your head. The overwhelming feeling combined with stress and exhaustion is not something to look forward to.

Writing can be a demanding task alone, but it can go beyond that. Writer’s burnout is characterized by extreme tiredness and emptiness, which is not a pleasant feeling at all. Even if you are the most passionate writer, your enthusiasm will surely go down when burnout aggravates. A point will come when you start to doubt your own capabilities. Hence, you should never let it worsen or add up—you should do something about it.

Because of the pandemic, many people are affected mentally and emotionally. This proves that the number of people needing help to mitigate burnout is increasing— writers are no exception. Below are the ways to stay creatively inspired as a fiction writer:

Go Back to the Reasons Why You Started Writing

Every author has a story to tell behind their books, and this story always contains a good amount of motivation and inspiration. There is an excellent possibility that the reason why you are burned out is that you’ve lost that fire of spur and drive. So make sure to go back to your story, where you can find that very reason why you started writing in the first place. From there, you can get back on your feet in no time.

Touch on Your Interests

As a fiction writer, you may have your own reason for becoming one, but it never fails to touch on your interests. For example, science fiction novels are always driven by a writer’s fascination with science or the future. So, when you are writing science fiction, you can find your way back to your fascination with science. If it helps, you can also read literary works on science fiction to bring back the feeling of wanting to write one. Alluding to sci-fi, make sure that you get Scott Harral’s book, Moon Luck. Harral’s glimpse into the near future as we inhabit the Moon is a story that can surely give you the motivation to write your own. You can also learn some useful techniques in fiction writing as you read it.

Accept and Go Through It

Accepting that you are in that situation is the first thing that can help you mitigate it. Think of it as a valuable experience. In fact, you can always benefit from experiences—whether good or bad. Instead of feeling upset that you are experiencing it, be challenged. You can’t shy away from it. Because at the end of the day, you can learn lessons by going through it. It even adds up to who you become in the future, making you more robust than ever. To help you feel better, everybody with creative minds experiences burnout, just like you do.

Don’t Rush the Process

One trick that can help you not feel overwhelmed by the work is not to oversee things. Because when you do, you will end up feeling exhausted as you count the workload you have. Creating a list of long-term and short-term goals is what you can do to motivate you even more. Give time to take one goal at a time and not rush everything. Otherwise, choose to have a healthy relationship with the creativity that you have.

A Breather Will Be a Great Idea

You can’t be too hard on yourself by giving yourself some strict deadlines. If the only thing that keeps you working is just to finish something, your sense of passion will be gone. You can’t lose your passion as it is the element that pushes you through. If you feel like you need a slight pause, go ahead and take it. Take things in by meditating or going on a nature adventure. Refreshing the inner you will get you back on track.

Science fiction has flourished for years now, and for a good reason. Readers love the fact that science fiction provides not only outstanding entertainment but also sparks tons of ideas. By definition, science fiction novels are tales about the science and technology of the future. Thus, it is often set in the future or a different world. Authors for this genre have paved their way to provide such surprising stories for their readers. The plots of science fiction stories are out of this world. Its futuristic concepts are very great at stimulating the minds of the readers.

If you haven’t read science fiction in your whole life, it’s about time you should. What better way to start your journey with this marvelous genre with a fantastic book that will blow your mind. Moon Luck by Wayne Scott Harral is a story of astronauts living on the moon. This impressive story is an excellent mix of sci-fi and mystery, adding more reasons why you should read it. With its unique and compelling plot, you can expect to be galvanized and astonished.

Reading, in general, will give you the ultimate elements to become better. The benefits of reading science fiction are so vast, and some of them will genuinely stun you. Because of its enthralling effects, you may not notice it. Riveting books like Harral’s Moon Luck are the ones that you want to have on your bookshelf. Here are the top reasons why you should go to the book store or scout through online book shops for some sci-fi books:

Sci-Fi Novels Improves Your Memory

Memory plays a vital role in everyone’s life. Our sense of self is retained because of it. From recollecting good memories to remembering where you left your car keys, memory is valuable in our daily lives. Hence, you need to make sure that you are doing everything you can to improve it as it slowly fades as you age. Reading can help you with that. Many studies online have shown reading can slow down cognitive decline as you grow older. Its mentally stimulating activities serve as an exercise for the brain.

Sci-Fi Novels Enhances Your Analytical Skills

The capacity to find solutions to problems that life may throw is a prized possession that everyone should have. It gives you a chance to approach life with well-thought-out decisions. Because of the complex storyline of sci-fi novels, you learn to think as you help protagonists solve their problems. You get so engaged with the story that you will willingly think of answers and resolutions.

Sci-Fi Novels Will Make You More Creative

If you read more, you will gain not just wider knowledge but also wisdom. You can find the most creative ideas in sci-fi novels, from space travel and exploration to aliens, extraterrestrial lifeforms, and mutants. Sublime concepts make readers creatives, making them think outside the box. Reading inspires new ideas. Thus, when you need to come up with one, it will be easier for you.

Sci-Fi Novels Makes You a Great Writer

If you are aspiring to become a better writer, reading should be your number one priority. Reading makes your vocabulary broader, especially when you choose to read sci-fi books, as you will engage in new theories and convictions. You can learn some of the most complex writing mechanisms that make a wide array of genres of writing work together. For instance, reading will expose you to study grammar in context. Study how authors use punctuation and other grammar conventions—you will surely notice some amazing improvements with your writing. With that in mind, you can now read books both for pleasure and with the mindset that you are learning many things for your writing craft.

Although reading seems to be a regular activity that you can do regularly, it’s not a big deal for everyone. Nevertheless, the things that you can get out of it are precious, without you being fully aware of it. Sci-fi is a great genre. Readers often overlook what they gain out of it because of the glee and satisfaction that it gives. Now that you are fully aware of the benefits, you can now read with purpose.

One of the most introspective and thoughtful activities you can do is fiction writing. If you just started your journey in writing, or you’ve done it in the past decided to review the basics, this blog is for you.

Before everything becomes successful, there is a need to go over the basics first. Even if you feel like you’ve mastered it already. This applies to writing fiction novels as well. Although writing will necessitate a lot of creativity, it will still require authors to know the basic components. Well, you can find no definite rules and regulations in writing fiction, but there are tons of techniques that you should know. Even famous authors use these techniques in writing their own. Here are some of the must-haves to write a better story and have a smooth sailing writing process:

Techniques and Strategies

If you want to learn some of the successful published authors’ techniques, all you have to do is read their books. It is the best way to learn writing strategies. If you haven’t decided on which genre you should focus on, read across genres. Don’t shy away from the possibility to get out of your comfort zone. One of the challenging genres you can write is the science fiction genre. There is a good reason why sci-fi is famous and loved genre of all time—it gives readers a full view of the future and brings new realities. If you want to write on this challenging genre, make sure to check out Wayne Scott Harral’s Sci-Fi and mystery book, Moon Luck. This book is for everyone looking for a unique storyline. Reading this will give you techniques, at the same time, it will also entertain you to a fault.

A Smooth-Sailing Writing Process

While you should learn the importance of editing, you still need to be in the moment of writing. When you have a smooth writng process, there will be a greater chance for you to formulate new ideas. Yes, there will be typos or grammar issues as you write, but you should cast your worries about it while you are at it. This way, you can put your focus on the flow of your ideas, and you will not get lost and forget things that you want to include. Freewriting is the key to successful writing.

Motivation and Passion

Just like any other aspect in life, you should also set short-term and long-term goals in writing. When you have short-term goals, you will be more inspired to reach long-term goals. All you need to do is to write everything down to keep track of it. When you see your progress, you will feel more inspired to fulfill each goal. Breaking down your goals will allow you to break down your tasks in a day as well. Hence, you will not feel burnt out from overworking because you are able to manage your tasks.

A Unique Writing Style

Every writer has their own style of writing. If you haven’t found yours yet, you should see to it before starting your writing process. A writing style determines how writers communicate with their readers. When you’ve finally found your style, it will set the tone of your story. The style can change depending on what write-ups they are writing. However, there is one thing about your writing style that you need to work on, and this is being original. Choose a style that radiates you and the people you are writing for. This way, you are focusing on what you desire and also targets the needs of your readers. Although the first point of this article says that you should read books across all genres to get ideas, it is still important to have your own unique style to capture the attention of your readers.

A Substantial and Powerful Theme

The theme is the underlying meaning of the story you are going to write. It should be something that you feel strongly about. However, you should also not forget that you are writing for your readers. Thus, you need to make sure that your theme or message should also be relatable. Often, you need to make the theme about life. Your theme is part of the reason why you are writing a story.