On Writing : About Sci-Fi Writing by Meriem Bouziani

Science isn't my best subject, but I do try to have actual scientific facts in my sci-fi, even just so it lives up to the genre being science fiction. I'm definitely on Team Imagination though lol

Hi Meriem Bouziani - I did that in the first edition of "The Jupiter Chronicles" which chapter interludes that shared a short snippet about astronomy, etc. It was useful when I was doing school events but that's as far as it went. The more the series developed, the less I relied on that and focused on story. I think it's great that there's an element there in yours but as I mentioned, story won out in the end.

yeah it is imagination after all but adding some real scientific facts to the story definitely makes it better. Banafsheh Esmailzadeh

Yeah, exactly! Sci-fi is all about futuristic perspectives, but it works best when it starts with real science—and then shows how things could evolve beyond what we know today. Leonardo Ramirez 2

Totally agree Meriem Bouziani - you may work that in differently than I did and it turn out better! I would say go with your gut and test the waters - see what happens!

Yeah thank you very much Leonardo Ramirez 2

Personally, I like to be able to trace a line back to something scientific somewhere, but boy I will stretch that suspension of disbelief until it's hanging by a single thread.

You are very welcome Meriem Bouziani. Have fun!

thank you I think this is good way to use the scientific knowledge in the story Elle Bolan

Hi, Meriem Bouziani. I like to explore the real scientific perspective behind my concepts, and I think the science in a story should be plausible and aligned with real scientific principles, but it depends on the stories. Sometimes I come up with concepts and things that break the rules of physics. It's more fun that way.

Yeah, I think the best sci-fi stories are scientifically plausible but also introduce new perspectives within their own science.

In my story, The De-Evolution Game, I developed a new physical law called “The Law of Temporal Resistance.”

It’s a phenomenon that could exist only if Earth’s time were ever reversed—

so it isn’t falsifiable through real experimentation,

but it still makes the story’s science internally plausible and coherent. mMaurice Vaughan

In my story The Disabled Puzzle, I explore how human memory functions and develop a Memory Helmet that can selectively inhibit certain memories, making the disability experiment more coherent.

I think this makes sci-fi much more exciting—because the author becomes the lead scientist and engineer of his own story world. Maurice Vaughan

Sounds interesting, Meriem Bouziani!

thank you Maurice Vaughan

Hello! Science fiction is predictive in nature; it describes how a discovery, invention, technology, or something new impacts people's lives, society, and civilization. This new, fantastical notion doesn't necessarily have to be plausible or scientifically sound. When it comes to cinema, films with simple, understandable, yet striking concepts tend to be popular.

You're welcome, Meriem Bouziani. Unique story titles!

Totally agree—we’re all trying to create stories that have real impact. Science fiction isn’t just about imagination; it can also warn us about possible future dangers.

In my project The Silent PFC War, for example, I explore the risk of exposing human internet and scientific data to the cosmos.

Arthur Charpentier

Science facts are established so use them without breaking them, bend other rules as much as possible, and then invent things if your characters have figured out work-arounds!

It's worth remembering that science fiction can present readers and viewers with alternative theories. For example, I spent several years working on the hypothesis of a solid multispace. As is well known, for photons to travel in waves at the speed of light, the medium must be 25,000 times harder than diamond. I developed a theory in which space is solid, and matter is supposedly hot, and to move, it melts a path through space, forcing the medium through itself. This concept explained some physical mysteries, but I have now abandoned it because I have seen another option and other concepts. This hypothesis calls into question, or rather, rejects all of Maxwell's laws of electrodynamics. But at this time, I have neither the desire nor the ability to create a new electrodynamics.

Thank you very much! That’s exactly what I’m trying to do. I start with real facts and try to predict what could happen next.

Since I studied biology and human physiology, I find it easier to develop concepts related to those fields.

When it comes to physics or astrophysics..., I do my best to learn the basics—and I often ask ChatGPT to help me develop the concepts further. Lindbergh E Hollingsworth

Good job, and thank you for sharing! Developing a new physical law can take years—sometimes even decades.

But in storytelling, things work differently: sometimes the story itself demands a new explanation for what’s happening or how something works.

That’s when you, as the author, have to put on the scientist’s coat—to research, experiment, and find a logical way to make it all fit.

Arthur Charpentier

I do pretty deep research to make sure there’s plausibility so the audience can connect the idea to reality, but don’t get too stuck on the deep details.

Great Laura Mae Beane. I think digging deep into the scientific plausibility of a story helps you reach a more elite audience—scientists, engineers, and doctors who truly appreciate that level of detail.

An avid Asimov fan, I totally agree it should be science based. Until I wrote a YA scifi book series which did not rely on scientific at all but was fun and ethereal.

I do cos am obsessed with science

Asimov was a scientist, as were many other SF authors of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. I believe it was Asimov who once said the best science fiction stories had one impossibility surrounded by implausibilities. When there is a strong feeling that, "this could happen," it makes the story more believable. However, you also need a strong plot and believable, likable characters. Even your villains must have some redeeming qualities.

If you are going to consider writing a science-fiction screenplay, consider this idea: What is a movie (or series) that you enjoyed? What did you like about it? With what you know now, and given how the world has changed since the movie came out, can you take the same or a similar premise and make it better? You define the terms and then write the screenplay for a movie you would want to see.

David Taylor Science in a story matters, but so do the emotions—without them, the story just feels like a fictional scientific report.

me too Peta Meredith Williams

I always research the plausibility of my story and ask professionals for feedback. ChatGPT also helps me a lot with those kinds of details.

The movie that inspired me the most is Interstellar. I really admire how Christopher Nolan worked with an actual scientist to build the story’s science, and I’m trying to follow the same path—keeping my stories as plausible and grounded in real science as I can. David Reynolds

I tend to just "create" the science behind what's going on to an extent, but since it's all made up anyway, I only cover so much exposition on some details. (I don't want to lead folks TOO far from the story...)

My sci fi, ‘Operation Sea Devils’ is medical science and biology feature that gives a wounded Navy SEAL a chance to exist underwater after becoming paralyzed by forming a medically created tail and gills which he comes to realize is a cool change but means facing his giving up his entire life on land. This movie will fascinate the many people who are enamored with mermaids and life in the sea.

Not all sci fi has to be outrageous science theories.

Happy writing!

Writing science fiction leads to a wide range of plot possibilities so you can write pretty much whatever you want. Having said that...Its best to do some research in reference to the world's you're creating because science fiction fans are usually well versed in science. I never thought all that stuff on Star Trek was real but Roddenberry certainly made it sound real

What a fascinating question! I think the best sci-fi strikes a balance—grounding your concepts in enough real science to feel plausible, while still leaving room for imagination and wonder. It all depends on what serves your story best and keeps readers engaged without overwhelming them with exposition.

you're right going de3per in the science of the story could dilute its beauty a.s.aron

thank you very much for sharing your thoughts its really good idea nancywilkinson

yes sci-fi is an amazing way to discover new possibilities Even try to solve questions real scientists still not know about AI SUPREME

Yeah, that’s exactly what I try to do all the time. I start with real science and then build imaginary theories around it to help convince my readers or viewers.

Phuc Quang Vu Dao

Hi, Meriem! Since my "Demiurg" belongs mostly to the realm of social sci-fi, the foundation of its world is built on real ideas from sociologists and futurists — particularly Alvin Toffler and his vision of post-industrial society.

At the same time, when it comes to the technological layer of the story, I relied on my 25-year background as an IT architect, which helped keep the systems and AI economy grounded in something believable.

Still, I didn’t want the narrative to read like a white paper — so I blended in elements of adventure, philosophy (bordering on mysticism), detective intrigue, and political tension, just enough to make sure that neither the reader nor the producer would fall asleep halfway through.

I totally agree — a good story has to feel believable, but also vivid and alive.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Chris Stefans

Meriem Bouziani The big question: what exactly do we mean by physics? Physics merely describes the world we can see and measure, but it certainly doesn't explain it. Therefore, you can safely weave any of your fantasies into your plot, as long as they present the reader/viewer with a familiar picture of the world they're accustomed to or willing to believe. Physics and scientific theories are one thing today, another tomorrow. In my work, I try to maintain a balance between modern, controversial, and original theories, occasionally using metaphors in my descriptions so that readers/viewers don't have to seek therapy after reading the novel.

Thank you very much. Alex Tur

This is an important point — as science keeps evolving, we as sci-fi authors must not get stuck in today’s theories. We have to wonder, question, and predict tomorrow.

Meriem Bouziani This is a Arabian Nights-long topic, but I'm glad you got the gist! You can build your world with the craziest rules, as long as it doesn't violate its structure and (human?) logic.

Yes, Generally, I try to learn and research the basic science behind each story.

But I also have one where I flip the science of fetal life upside down—for a reason.

It’s called The Prebirth Myth. Alex Tur

I sincerely wish that this myth becomes a reality in your work - a reality that the reader will want to touch! Meriem Bouziani

Alex Tur totally agree! Not just touch but fade in and live inside of it!

Transmedia storytelling is about fading reader in...

I think it depends on the story you're telling. With something like Star Wars, Lucas's quasi-scientific Midichlorians explanation ruined what was great about The Force, which should be spiritual and mystical (something Andor corrected). The Expanse, however, used grounded science to great dramatic effect. In my animated fantasy series - Dungeoneers - my magic system is rooted in real scientific and mathematical principles. But the REASON I do that is critical to the story I'm telling versus just grounding my magic system in something tangible for the sake of grounding it.

Sean Rodman This is a very subtle and complex issue! Sometimes, too much justification kills the myth and ruins the narrative's magic. Sometimes, too little justification can irritate the reader, especially the thoughtful one, by violating the fundamental laws. It turns out that it's better to adhere to the fundamental laws, but understate the mechanics a bit, allowing the reader to figure it out for themselves. This way, the myth is preserved, and the reader gets a chance to feel smarter than the author, which is always a nice feeling :)

I hope the logic of my story does its job and captures the attention of readers and viewers.

Alex Tur Chris Stefans

Exactly — the science in the story is just part of its mechanism, not the main driver of the events. Sean Rodman

I personally believe the most fun that you can have creating a sci/fi story is to break the rules of physics. Of course, there are certain aspects that will have to follow basic rules, but once you start getting creative and building YOUR world and universe, break the rules and unlock your imagination. Let it run wild. Once you do that, YOU can be the one to decide what the rules are. What aspects fit and work and which ones don't.

It's better to do too much and then dial it back later on rather than wishing you had thought of something earlier in the process.

For me, scientific plausibility isn’t a must-have unless the story is actually trying to teach or reflect real-life science. If it’s meant to convey real concepts, then yes, accuracy matters.

But outside of that? You don't really require it. Scientific realism is like hot sauce: not needed, but if you use it right, it can make the whole sci-fi concept way more tasty and appealing.

Personally, I like to make my stories scientifically plausible to attract the attention of scientists and philosophers — but I also let imagination grow freely and wildly.

Sam Clevesy Shaurya Mishra

For me I get involved with my character's story's that get go where no one has gone before and they take me along on wonderful trips.

Yes, that’s so fascinating.

I think the relationship between an author and their characters works both ways — you give them life, and they teach you something in return.

Sometimes I feel as if my characters are real, as if they come from another planet or even the future, and they chose me specifically to tell their story.

I know it might sound like daydreaming, but that’s what happens — we become truly attached to our characters. Edwin Norman Turner