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This guide is intended to help authors write science fiction stories, especially space operas like Star Trek and Star Wars.

Introduction

• What is Science Fiction?
• Comparing Science Fiction to Medieval Fantasy
• Common Mistakes
• Science Fiction Hardness
• Breaking the Laws of Physics
• Standard Scifi Setting, Characters, Plot
• Shiny vs Gritty, Idealism vs Cynicism, Silly vs Serious

Setting

Space, the Final Frontier

• How big is Space?
• Star Systems
• Planets and Asteroids

. Realistic Aliens
  . Gods and Apes
  . Alien Design: Technological Aliens
  . Alien Design: Ecosystems
  . Alien Biochemistry
  . Alien Cultures
  . Alien Technology  . Alien Artifacts
  . Alien Languages

. Life in Space
  . Effects of Advanced Technology
  . Economies in Space
  . Politics in Space
  . Jobs in the Future?
  . Space Stations
  . Space Colonies

. Scifi Combat
  . Space Battles  . Ground Combat
  . Boarding a Space Ship

. Conquest
  . Orbital Bombardment
  . Planetary Invasion
  . Blockade

Technology

. Spaceships
  . Energy and Heat Disposal
  . Weapons and Defenses
  . Propulsion - FTL and STL
  . Life Support and Supplies

. Robots and AIs. Nanotechnology
. Biotechnology
. Terraforming
. Futuristic Energy Systems
. Futuristic Medicine

Characters

. Scifi Archetypes
. Ship Crew
. Planetary Expedition
. Mutants and Genetic Engineering
. Robots and AIs
. Realistic Psychic Powers

Plot

. Exploration
. First Contact
. Xeno-Archeology
. Colonization
. Trade and Piracy
. Diplomacy and Espionage
. War


Examples

. TV: Star Trek, Babylon 5, Stargate, Farscape, Firefly
. Movies: Star Wars, Alien,
. Books: Dune
. Video Games: Mass Effect