: Re: Fantasy novel with obvious - but never defined - sci-fi elements? I'm considering writing a fantasy novel. While I'm striving to make the world as original as I can, and not rely on many of

Keep in mind that "SF" does not necessarily have to mean starships or phasers. It can simply involve a world in which "magic" and "technology" exist side by side. One doesn't need to "win" over the other any more than the Cola Wars need to end. Can Gandalf use a PC (especially a slightly futuristic one that would constitute an SF element)? Sure, if they exist, he can. Does a PC make his magic obsolete? Does his magic supersede any possible benefit of using a PC? Surely not!

One example of a successful mixture of science fiction and fantasy is the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It has more or less "pure" SF stories (Guardians of the Galaxy) alongside primarily SF-based superheroes (Iron Man and Captain America) and more traditional fantasy stories with magic (Doctor Strange and Thor). Some of the characters have no magic whatsoever or even superpowers as they are traditionally understood, relying solely on advanced tech (Iron Man). Some have super powers which they augment with tech (Captain America, Black Panther, Spider Man). Some are magic users (Doctor Strange). Some are your stereotypical scurvy space pirates, arr.

Take a look at how they are intertwined. Each of the sub-stories exists to some extent as its own, but there are regular references to a broader, expansive world. At one point, Thor is exiled from his more or less swords-and-sorcery fantasy homeland and finds himself in spaaaaaace, battling an Evil Space Overlord and aquiring his cool starship.

When Thor goes to space, it doesn't become an "OMGWTF space?" moment. It's treated as entirely normal that there is SF stuff out there, and that Thor can find some way to function.

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: This is an interesting question and, personally, I think the answer can only be found within your novel (as I think you've already discerned). The problem I have with the Writerâ€™s Digest

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: Is there a term for 'The Secret Garden' and similar works? For some time now I've been curious about how to classify a small group of literary works. They include The Secret Garden, Polyanna,

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: What techniques do you use to maintain your writing focus and maximise your productivity? How do you keep writing no matter whatâ€™s going on around you? How do you avoid the distractions of

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: Overcoming "Possibility Paralysis"? I don't often experience writer's block these days. Instead I struggle with a different sort of impediment in my writing: I call it Possibility Paralysis. I

: Re: Fantasy novel with obvious - but never defined - sci-fi elements? I'm considering writing a fantasy novel. While I'm striving to make the world as original as I can, and not rely on many of

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: This is an interesting question and, personally, I think the answer can only be found within your novel (as I think you've already discerned). The problem I have with the Writerâ€™s Digest

: Is there a term for 'The Secret Garden' and similar works? For some time now I've been curious about how to classify a small group of literary works. They include The Secret Garden, Polyanna,

: What techniques do you use to maintain your writing focus and maximise your productivity? How do you keep writing no matter whatâ€™s going on around you? How do you avoid the distractions of

: Overcoming "Possibility Paralysis"? I don't often experience writer's block these days. Instead I struggle with a different sort of impediment in my writing: I call it Possibility Paralysis. I

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