1. Introduction
2. What is Hard Sci-fi?
   1. Examples of Hard Sci-Fi Books
3. What is Soft Sci-fi?
   1. Examples of Soft Sci-Fi Books:
4. Differences Between Hard and Soft Sci-fi
5. Today’s Exercise
6. Conclusion
7. Definitions of Literary Terms

Introduction

Science Fiction and Fantasy genres are an integral part of the reading community. Often this is because it makes it easier to address the social and world issues. But in order to reach that point where you’re sharing the messages and stories you’re wanting to share, you need to understand the genres. Today’s post will focus on the hard and soft Sci-Fi genres.

Understanding the distinction between hard and soft story elements is key to shape your readers’ suspension of belief. Keep this in mind while writing or revising. Knowing whether your story is hard or soft Sci-Fi will also make your story tighter as a whole. It can also to tell you how to share the critical information in the right way.

What is Hard Sci-fi?

Hard science fiction is a type of fiction that prioritizes scientific accuracy and logic. It covers anything from accurate chemical reactions to the realistic aerodynamics of aircraft and space battles. Even including small bits of hard scientific fact can greatly improve your story. But if you say it’s hard Sci-Fi, be prepared for your readers to expect it.

Research backs hard Science Fiction. What most hard Sci-Fi writers spend their time doing is research. They want to ensure that the information they put in their book is accurate, or at least accurate for the time. The plots of these stories are based on research about real-world issues, presenting challenges relevant to the stories’ situations. Your character’s fighter jet may be too old to do the aggressive maneuvers a modern jet could. Even my referring to the planes as jets may be wrong. How you refer to an aircraft could depend on the model and intent of the plane. One example comes to mind from a workshop I was in. One author referred to a handgun as artillery. Where it may be one form of slang to refer to a handgun. My personal experiences led to me trying to imagine an artillery cannon shoved inside a school locker. This isn’t to talk down about the author at all. I want you to be cognizent and prepared for all meanings of a word.

As one of my leaders always said, “Words have meaning.” And when it comes to the terms, you use in your Hard Sci-Fi stories, you’ll want to make sure yours have the right meaning. All of this boils down to research, do it. Or, find a SME (Subject Matter Expert) if you can and let them cut through your beautiful ideas until you understand the reality of what can be done. Or, find books that are already considered Hard Sci-Fi and find what details they paid attention to.

Examples of Hard Sci-Fi Books

Micheal Crichton is one of the most well known Hard Sci-Fi authors. The Andromeda Strain (1969) tackles the subject of pandemic viruses.

Nueromancer by William Gibson (1984) is a dystopian novel that is known as the beginning of the Cyberpunk genre and an amazing book as well.

The Martian by Andy Weir (2012) where the character’s survival techniques and those techniques used by his earthbound friends are based on real-world scientific facts and discoveries.

What is Soft Sci-fi?

Soft Science-Fiction, has two commonly accepted definitions. 1. Soft Sci-Fi is the genre where the story focuses a little less on the science and more on the fiction. 2. Soft Sci-Fi focuses on what many consider softer sciences, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and other related subjects.

As I saw on one Agent’s blurb, they liked Sci-Fi with a little less Sci and a lot more Fi. Though there are many purists who believe this aspect of the genre isn’t true Sci-Fi, many of the most popular Sci-Fi books actually fall into this category. Planet of the Apes, Dune, Star Trek, and even Star Wars. While there are plenty of scientific elements to these stories, and the creation of them, these all share the fact that they are great stories. Fans are more connected to the characters and what they achieve through these advanced science worlds. The reason the above examples fall into the Soft Sci-Fi genre is the fact that you could transplant these stories’ base plots from one level of technology to another. Imagine Star Wars in a Steam-Punk world. It still uses science. You could probably get similar themes and story elements, but it won’t prevent a similar story from being told.

None of the above is to discount the effort, research, or applications of the science in the above stories. The purpose is to point out that the Soft Sci-Fi genre focuses more on story than depending on the science of the world to control the plot. With that, let’s explore the next definition of Soft Sci-Fi.

Soft Sci-Fi is often said to emphasize the focus on societal, psychological, or speculative aspects rather than scientific accuracy. Why are these considered soft sciences? Because the areas they study are not as easily measured by a set criteria. They work within a less rigid scientific method to find answers, norms, and human behavior trends. This does not make these areas any less a science, but with the inability to quantify it becomes more up to interpretation. Both levels of science require hypothesis and testing in their own ways, so don’t discount a Soft Sci-Fi focused on societal, psychological, or speculative aspects as a non-starter.

Soft science fiction is a genre that appeals to a wide range of readers. Unlike hard science fiction, it focuses more on character development and plot rather than complex scientific concepts. This makes it more accessible and appealing to readers who may not be familiar with scientific terminology. Soft science fiction still incorporates scientific elements, but in a way that does not overwhelm readers. It also allows authors to explore the social, ethical, and philosophical consequences of scientific advancements. By catering to a broader audience, soft science fiction offers a more inclusive and diverse reading experience.

Examples of Soft Sci-Fi Books:

Dune by Frank Herbert. Dune is a Soft Sci-Fi because little time in the book is focused on the science of the futuristic technologies and it devotes the majority of the story addressing the socioeconomic/sociopolitical impacts of the actions of the characters.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margeret Atwood. The Handmaid’s Tale may not seem like what many would think of as a Science Fiction story, but this falls into the speculative fiction aspect of Sci-Fi. The focus on a theocratic society where women are forced into reproductive servitude focuses on the anthropological and ethical torsion of that world.

1984 by George Orwell. As with The Handmaid’s Tale, 1984 is a Soft Science Fiction because it primarily focuses on how societal and interpersonal relationships are changed by a political force that uses technology as a control mechanism.

Differences Between Hard and Soft Sci-fi

Hard and soft science fiction differ in their approach to scientific accuracy, technology, world-building, and storytelling. Hard science fiction emphasizes scientific rigor, adhering to scientific principles and theories. It explores complex scientific concepts and presents them in a realistic manner. Soft science fiction takes a more speculative and imaginative approach. It may prioritize social and psychological implications and allow for more creative world-building. Both sub-genres vary in their level of detail and realism in world-building. Hard science fiction leans towards problem-solving narratives, while soft science fiction explores philosophical and character-driven narratives. Overall, both sub-genres offer unique and captivating reading experiences within the realm of science fiction.

Today’s Exercise

Look at your bookshelf and try to find a Hard Sci-Fi book and a Soft Sci-Fi book. Once you’ve identified them, write out what makes the differences between these books and consider how you can use that to build your story even better than it already is. If you don’t have one in each category, then you can see where you have more books you prefer to read. That will be another great indicator of what level you’ll enjoy writing the most. And write a few lines on why you prefer the reading selection you’ve chosen.

Conclusion

Hard and soft science fiction both have merit within the genre, appealing to different reader preferences. Hard science fiction creates realism through research-backed scientific accuracy, while soft science fiction allows more creative freedom to explore imaginative scenarios. Choosing which sub-genre to write in depends on the writer’s interests and story goals. The distinction between hard and soft elements helps writers craft logical worlds and shape suspension of disbelief. Understanding these categories leads to tighter stories with effective world-building that match the intended focus, whether that be on compelling characters, tackling social issues, exploring hypothetical societies, or pushing scientific boundaries. In the end, science fiction’s diversity is its strength.

Previous Post: A Year of Science Fiction and Fantasy

Next post: Understanding the Difference between Hard and Soft Fantasy

Definitions of Literary Terms

• Genre – The major categories or styles of literature (i.e. science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, etc.). Understanding genre conventions helps writers stay true to reader expectations.
• Subgenre – A more specialized genre that falls under a broader genre category. Hard and soft science fiction are subgenres within the science fiction genre.
• Suspension of disbelief – When readers set aside their skepticism about implausible story elements in order to enjoy the fictional work. Good worldbuilding helps maintain suspension of disbelief.
• World-building – The process of constructing an imaginary world with its own history, geography, cultures, etc. This provides a believable setting for the story.
• Speculative fiction – A genre that speculates about worlds different than our own through new technologies, environments, social structures, etc. Soft science fiction often falls into this category.
• Characterization – The methods a writer uses to develop characters and their personalities, backgrounds, motivations, etc. Soft science fiction tends to emphasize compelling characterization.
• Plot vs theme – The events that make up the story (plot) versus the underlying meaning or message (theme). Soft science fiction focuses more on philosophical themes while hard science fiction sticks closer to problem-solving plots.
• Accuracy – How closely the story elements conform to factual real-world information. Hard science fiction prioritizes scientific accuracy.
• Research – Investigating a topic in depth to incorporate factual details. This lends credibility in hard science fiction.