I’m writing a book on writing science fiction and it starts here. Each week, you’ll get a new “chapter” on a different aspect of sci-fi storytelling. A table of contents is forthcoming. Today’s topic: the three most important characteristics of […]
Author: Brandon Cornett
I write gritty sci-fi thrillers about rogue AI and killer robots, and you can participate. Subscribe to the Machine Wars newsletter so you can participate!
How Long Should a Science Fiction Novel Be, on Average?
How long should my science fiction novel be? What’s the shortest it can be—and the longest? What’s the average length for this genre? How long is too long for a sci-fi novel? And should I be counting by pages or […]
AI Could Dominate the Science Fiction Genre for Decades
Artificial intelligence has influenced many books and films over the years, ranging from the Wintermute AI in William Gibson’s Neuromancer to the Skynet defense network in the Terminator movies. And who can forget HAL 9000, the calculating AI that controlled the spaceship in 2001: […]
How to Write a Science Fiction Short Story: 8 Steps to Success
You read science fiction. You love science fiction. And now you want to try your hand at creating a sci-fi story of your own. Maybe you even have some story ideas marinating right now, but you need help getting them […]
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Science Fiction Stories
In previous articles, I’ve offered suggestions as to what science fiction writers should do when writing sci-fi stories and novels. Today, we’ll examine the flipside of the coin, with a list of common mistakes to avoid when writing science fiction. Common Pitfalls […]
21 Types of Zombies: Ideas and Inspiration for Fiction Writers
Fast. Slow. Fungal. Bioengineered. There are a lot of different types of zombies in fiction these days, and they continue to evolve. Just when you think the genre has no surprises left, and the undead are finally and truly dead, […]
How to Write a Science Fiction Story About Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This article explains how to write science fiction about artificial intelligence. It’s not about using AI for writing purposes. If you have a program like ChatGPT write a science fiction story for you, you’re not a true writer. You’re a […]
Differences Between Post-Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction (and Why They Matter)
Post-apocalyptic and dystopian books have certain things in common. They both take place in worlds that have experienced major upheaval. They both portray characters struggling against various threats or dangers. But they’re not the same thing. The main difference between […]
15 Fantasy Novel Series With Complex World-Building
Welcome, ye lords and ladies, to my list of fantasy novel series with complex world-building. If you enjoy epic, immersive fantasy stories that transport you to richly-detailed worlds, these books are worth a look. The 15 book series listed below […]
Is the Post-Apocalyptic Genre Considered Science Fiction?
As both a reader and writer of post-apocalyptic fiction, I’m fascinated by how it often merges with other genres. Take science fiction, for example. Some post-apocalyptic books feature a sci-fi component, while others do not. They play well together. “Doomsday” […]