: Re: How to distinguish if a novel is science fiction or fantasy? Through the process of writing my novel, I've found that I really don't know where it fits in the written realm. I believe I should

Each of the three genres discussed here (science fiction, fantasy, and horror) lends itself to different aspects of the human experience.

Horror is the easiest to categorize: Horror is about being powerless in the face of evil. Whether this evil is supernatural (the movie Poltergeist), ostensibly scientific (the Alien franchise) or social (as in the Killing Fields), when the protagonist's only manner of survival is avoidance/escape, the story can be characterized as horror.

Science fiction best lends itself to explorations of social issues, and fantasy best lends itself to exploration of moral issues. This is why Star Wars is best seen as a fantasy series, and why 1984, in spite of taking place in a setting that is scientifically regressing, is arguably a work in the science fiction genre.

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: Re: How to distinguish if a novel is science fiction or fantasy? Through the process of writing my novel, I've found that I really don't know where it fits in the written realm. I believe I should

More posts by @Tiffany377

: Is it more effective to lead with a physical conflict rather than an emotional one? I currently have the choice of two routes with my novel - to lead with a knives-and-poisons main conflict,

: Does anyone know an excerpt of writing which demonstrates the stress and emotions of an anticipated clash with a bully? The protagonist has difficulty with his emotions and social coping mechanisms,

: Alt History - how do I base an empire on Rome but demonstrate quickly the difference whilst keeping the familiarity? Are there specific tricks, mechanisms or devices to offer a shortcut to a

: How does my secondary protagonist turn into the antagonist? My two main characters are twin souls. One soul is Yang, the other is Yin (Positive/Negative personalities). Both are 15 year-old orphan

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