Firstly, I’ve returned to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group (IWSG), where writers get together to share and encourage others. It’s good to be back and I look forward to reacquainting myself with fellow writers and meeting new ones along the way. 😊
The answer to this month’s optional question was a bit of a no brainer for me. As much as I enjoy watching science fiction, this is one genre I would find difficult to write. Despite my interest in science in general, I can never get my head around all the terminology and complex workings (the subject was not my best at school). I have a brain that’s wired to what my husband likes to refer to as ‘arty-farty’ (I’ll leave the hard-core science stuff to him).
I grew up in a household where we watched a lot of sci-fi shows on television: – Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Lost in Space, Space 1999, Time Tunnel, Land of the Giants, The Twilight Zone. So, it’s not as if I am suffering from a lack of influence! The funny thing is, it was not until after we got married that my husband discovered I was a Trekie (bonus brownie points, I guess).
I admit I have never tried writing anything in the genre, because, if I’m being honest, my interest is not strong enough. By that, I mean I don’t feel passionate enough about it, and realistically, we should be writing in genres where we feel the most passionate. And that, for me, is in the horror genre (The Twilight Zone helped play its part here).
Yes, I remain interested in science, I mean, how cool is the sound of a black hole? Sounds like something out of a horror movie! But I’ll leave the writing of the genre to others. I’m happy to just keep watching it and be introduced to more great shows, like Firefly. 😉
What genre would be the worst one for you to tackle and why? Which genre do you feel the most passionate about? Do you enjoy watching sci-f
I’m with you on the passion–I’ll write what moves me, no matter what it is.
As a teen I was adventurous and wrote manuscripts that were fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, and contemporary. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized my passion (my favorite books) were either historical or written in a time that is now considered historical. My favorite genres are historical, Gothic, coming-of-age, and family saga. I love reading (and writing) books that overlap all of them.
I’m not a sci-fi fan in general, but there is some sci-fi I love. To me it’s about connection with the characters, not the genre. Firefly was an excellent show. I enjoyed the two books in the Ender’s series by Card that I read (the others are on the TBR pile.) Gattaca is a great movie. Those are what come to mind first.
Hi Carrie. It’s so good to hear from you! As I’ve always had an interest in history, I can relate when it comes to historical fiction. I prefer to read (and write) stories set in the past. Overlapping genres has always appealed to me too, which is one of the great things about Gothic fiction. 😉 You’re right about connecting with characters, sometimes the genre is just a backdrop. This was the case for me with Firefly. I wasn’t too sure about the ‘cowboys in space’ tag to start off with, but the characters certainly reeled me in! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I’m with you re SciFi. Adore watching it and reading it but can’t write it any more than I can write a good inspirational. Give me action/adventure, even a semi-sweet romance and I’m all in.
Hi Nancy. I love action/adventure and some romance, too. When it comes to sci-fi I prefer watching shows and films where I don’t have to think too hard. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, it’s good to meet you!
I absolutely love reading and watching sci-fi. I’ve written a couple of short stories in that genre.
~ Teresa
from T. Powell Coltrin Writes @https://journalingwoman.blogspot.com
That’s awesome, Teresa. It’s great when you write can something you’re passionate about and fully immerse yourself in. Thanks for stopping by, it’s good to meet you. 🙂
I couldn’t write war stories. I don’t know enough about military combat, and the tragedy of war is too sad and horrific for me to immerse myself in for long periods of time.
Thought-provoking question, Debbie. Everyone’s answers will be interesting.
Thanks Staci. I agree that writing war stories, although interesting, would be pretty tough to write and a very emotional experience. Yes, I’m looking forward to reading everyone’s answers. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Space 1999! I think it and Star Trek were my first exposure to science fiction, back in the mid-1970s. And some of the episodes were creepy enough that they may have also been my introduction to horror as well. Certainly a more gentle introduction than accidentally reading The Shining when I was 12.
Wow, reading The Shining at twelve, that would be an eye-opener! But yeah, I loved watching all those shows growing up in the 70s. Crossing genres with horror is a good fit for sci-fi (exploring new galaxies) and a great introduction. Aliens is a perfect example (a brilliant film, and one of my favourites). Thanks for stopping by John, it’s good to meet you! 🙂
Welcome back, Debbie!
I’ve just hit the subscribe button for your newsletter.
I have no interest in writing sci-fi and fantasy. However, I have read a bit of both genres over the years. I’m amazed at the intricate worlds that some of these writers build.
Hi Michelle! Thank you so much for the welcome and subscribing, it’s much appreciated. 🙂 I’ve also read some fantasy over the years too, and like sci-fi, I’m amazed at the world build. Although I enjoyed reading LOTR, I did struggle with it because of the depth of that world build. It was quite intense. It’s probably why I’ve only read it the once and have stuck with watching the films ever since! 😉
Hi, Debbie! Welcome back to the IWSG. I’ve never attempted writing a horror story, although I do read some horror novels, like Stephen King’s. Absolutely you have to write what you’re passionate about. I hope you have fun visiting around today!
Thank you, Louise. I read a lot of Stephen King’s books back in the 80s, and lately have been re-visiting his library. He truly is a master story teller and a great influence. I’ve tried writing a few different genres over the years, but always return to what I love. Thanks for stopping by and co-hosting this month. 🙂
I have a dear friend who writes historical fiction. To me that would require years of research, yet she makes it look so easy. Happy IWSG day, Debbie. Welcome back.
Thank you, Joy. I love historical fiction and usually set my stories in the past. I have thought of writing straight historical, but yes, that would require a lot of research. It can be fun and take you down a lot of rabbit holes! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Funnily enough, my answer to this month’s question would have been any genre except Sci-Fi. Sci-Fi is the only genre I’ve ever wanted to write. I enjoy reading lots of other genres, but I get bored trying to write them.
Learning the science stuff is hard, but there are times in my research when I discover some random, obscure science fact and think, “Oh, that’s a writing prompt!” That’s part of what makes it so much fun, at least for me.
Hi J.S. It’s so good to find your passion! I’ve also tried writing in some other genres, but my heart wasn’t in it, and have gone back to writing what I love. The research for sci-fi would be fun, but interesting too. One of the good things about science is they are always discovering something new, so you will never be short of ideas! Thanks for stopping by, it’s good to meet you. 🙂
As much as I enjoy writing science fiction, I’ll admit that I have to steer clear of the hard scifi for pretty much the same reason as you avoid the genre altogether. Good hard science fiction seems to require a phD!
Yeah, I tend to avoid the hard sci-fi. I admit my eyes tend to glaze over even when they get a bit technical even in Star Trek! Thanks for stopping by, it’s good to meet you. 🙂
I sure agree with both of you about writing what you love. And, welcome back to IWSG, Debbie. I used to read science fiction by the box (truly) when I was a teen-ager. But I fell in love with history, and the rest, as they say, is history. I write gritty historical fiction and just finished the 4th in a series of stories set in Scotland in 1840’s. Now I’m having fun with a new genre: contemporary art crime. But again, my love of history means the next story in this new series is set in Egypt! Looking forward to discovering your stories.
Hi Beth and thank you. I love historical! My stories are usually set in the past, my favourite being the Victorian era. Congratulations on your latest book! 1840’s Scotland sounds good to me! My father was Scottish, so anything Scottish is appealing. 😉 Setting your next series in Egypt sounds exciting. I’ve always been fascinated with ancient Egypt. Thanks for stopping by, Beth, it’s good to meet you (and it seems we have a few things in common)! 😉
I enjoy watching science fiction shows and reading a little science fiction, but I agree, it’d be difficult to write. With a science background, I’m afraid I’d make it too hard-science and then bore everyone to bits!
I’d imagine your instincts might kick in and start writing something similar to a Uni thesis. That is heavy reading! 😉
Welcome back!
Brownie points indeed.
Don’t worry, science fiction is my wheelhouse so I will write the stories and you don’t have to worry about it.
Ha! Thanks for saving me the hassle, Alex. 😉 Thanks for stopping by, it’s good to be back. 🙂
I wonder if Gene Rodenberry knew at the time, the red shirt legend he was creating. Not sure if I could write a horror novel unless it started as a romance novel.
Hi Douglas. Gotta love those red shirts! As for writing a horror novel, I guess starting out as a romance might not be so bad, considering Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Anything goes, I guess! Thanks for stopping by, it’s good to meet you. 🙂
I’m a big SF watcher as well! Firefly, BSG, and Star Trek are probably my 3 faves. I do have a fabulous SF idea crawling around in my head – but I need time to get it written. And there are SO many ideas in my head, it’s going to have to wait its turn!
Ooh, that sounds exciting, Jemi! I’d like to see that eventuate. It’s good that you’ve got plenty of ideas. It’s a great feeling, but it does have that downside. I always have trouble working out which one to go with next – something I’m going through right now! 😉
Yes, I perfectly understand your reluctance, and I wonder why that is… I am a fan of t.v. detective stories, but I don’t write in that genre. I do know why I never tackle that subject for those I watch have particularly detailed plots and I would get into a muddle by the second chapter!🤗 Lots of luck with your own writing.
Hi Carole. I love the crime genre! I read and watch a lot of those, not sure if I could write one though. Mysteries would probably be the closest. Yes, the plots would be very detailed, especially working in all those red herrings. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Although I read most genres, romance as a stand-alone is something I just can’t write. I love writing crime, mystery thrillers, and speculative fiction to name a few.
Hi Damyanti. I’ve written some romance, but they’re short stories. Anything longer and I struggle, unless it’s a sub-plot. I’d love to write my own mysteries one day! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
You’ve got to write what you’re passionate about. I write sci-fi, but I wouldn’t describe myself as a hardcore science nut – I enjoy the worldbuilding, but I enjoy the characters more. The concepts are fun but they’re the backdrop you hang the story on. I don’t enjoy sci-fi that’s too dense or technical for that reason.
Hi Nick. You’re right about characters; they’re the ones that help drive the story and make it memorable, regardless of genre. Thanks for stopping by – it’s good to meet you. 🙂