As Megan saw it, science fiction was defined as creative works which prominently feature scientific or technological elements in the plot. This also includes theoretical possibilities such as aliens or time travel. Works within the the genre fell on a scale between 'soft' and 'hard'. Hard science fiction was focused on the science and technology while soft sci-fi illustrated the impact of science and technology on humans.
She enjoyed reading science fiction books and watching films, episodes, or video game play-throughs on occasion. (That is, when she isn't involved in fantasy or horror.) Last year, for example, she had read Frank Herbert's Dune. She watched The Animatrix, an obscure anime called Kaiba, Doctor Who, and episodes of Aeon Flux.
When Megan selected classes for senior year, she found Science Fiction to be interesting. This proved to be true. What she didn't expect was the intensity of the exploration.
She was confounded by the questions regarding studies, accomplishments, and personal questions about the study. In fact, it wasn't until she came home and talked the dilemma over with her mother when she remembered. She wanted to be a writer. Yes, what better way to improve her skills then to learn from the masters of a genre.
As she laid down on her bed, she thought of questions she could research. The first was general. What makes for a memorable story? Not that she didn't know already, but just out of curiosity.
The next related to science fiction itself. What were the most common themes and/or elements in science fiction? Could a story based upon psuedo-science count? How much research typically goes into a story? Is it necessary? Could a story be a great read, but a terrible sci-fi? Is there much difference between bad science fiction and other bad stories? Are there certain themes that don't work well?
Indeed, Megan could have gone on forever, but she knew that she only had one trimester, twelve weeks, of the class. She would have to be focused.
The next morning, she stalked the library for a novel, since one would be needed for the class. A bright red spine caught her eye, The Quantum Rose by Catherine Asaro. From the few pages that she read, it appeared satisfactory and interesting. The fact that it was also a romance novel amused her.
Now she just needed to find some materials for her studies as well as her creative writing. Perhaps she should figure out what she's going to write first.
She enjoyed reading science fiction books and watching films, episodes, or video game play-throughs on occasion. (That is, when she isn't involved in fantasy or horror.) Last year, for example, she had read Frank Herbert's Dune. She watched The Animatrix, an obscure anime called Kaiba, Doctor Who, and episodes of Aeon Flux.
When Megan selected classes for senior year, she found Science Fiction to be interesting. This proved to be true. What she didn't expect was the intensity of the exploration.
She was confounded by the questions regarding studies, accomplishments, and personal questions about the study. In fact, it wasn't until she came home and talked the dilemma over with her mother when she remembered. She wanted to be a writer. Yes, what better way to improve her skills then to learn from the masters of a genre.
As she laid down on her bed, she thought of questions she could research. The first was general. What makes for a memorable story? Not that she didn't know already, but just out of curiosity.
The next related to science fiction itself. What were the most common themes and/or elements in science fiction? Could a story based upon psuedo-science count? How much research typically goes into a story? Is it necessary? Could a story be a great read, but a terrible sci-fi? Is there much difference between bad science fiction and other bad stories? Are there certain themes that don't work well?
Indeed, Megan could have gone on forever, but she knew that she only had one trimester, twelve weeks, of the class. She would have to be focused.
The next morning, she stalked the library for a novel, since one would be needed for the class. A bright red spine caught her eye, The Quantum Rose by Catherine Asaro. From the few pages that she read, it appeared satisfactory and interesting. The fact that it was also a romance novel amused her.
Now she just needed to find some materials for her studies as well as her creative writing. Perhaps she should figure out what she's going to write first.