What makes Sci-fi good is not the flashy gadgets or nigh obligatory dystopian theme a lot of Sci-fi has nowadays. What I believe makes a good Sci-fi story is how it showcases a possible future for humanity, or altered history. Sci-fi is an amazingly broad template in which you can imprint the most fantastical scenarios in it, Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind, Dune, Blame!, Mortal Engines, Neuromancer and more are perfect examples of this.

19

Just like with fantasy, character and plot are more important to the reader than worldbuilding (or flashy gadgets, like #1 said). Causality is also super important for a fic set in the future - it should make sense (within the rules of the story) how society reached its current state

9

Ts a really strong artform to explore a lot of social issues (esp when taking ideas to their most extreme end). The best sci-fis are the ones that make me question myself and my opinions while reading// think rlly hard abt life

6

So find what inherently makes Sci-fi such a captivating form of storytelling. The wonder, the majesty, and the possibilities our future (or past) may hold.

5

Actually learning science! It has helped me so much!!!

1

Realism, ironically. Take Dune where the spice trade is basically just the oil industry. Find the real world equivalent of whatever concept you’re inventing and research it to the greatest extent possible. Also remember that people are people and think and act and feel the same regardless of context

1

read lots of sci-fi and come to your own conclusions, i’d say. but in my opinion, i think some of the best or, i suppose, most lasting sci-fi is that which can somewhat accurately predict the future—or imagine some plausible ones. that means being intimately familiar with both the past and the present moment in time.

1

Take two things that have no relation and put them together in a big non exclusive setting. Ex. French Cowboy in a steam punk world

1