Don't Launch Your Sci-Fi Adventure Without Reading This! Worst Sci-Fi Writing Mistakes

Most Common Science Fiction Writing Mistakes: A Concise Guide

Ok, science fiction writers. I'm going to tell you something, but before I do, I'm gonna need you to take a seat. 

What I am about to say might upset you, but I want you to know that though it might hurt, this message comes from a place of deep love and respect and is based on many years of reading and editing sci-fi. 

Are you prepared? Good. 

Science fiction manuscripts are often some of the worst I have ever read. You lot can be very good at coming up with cool ideas and exciting concepts…but dang, are you guys ever terrible at telling stories! 

Not all of you. But science fiction writers seem particularly prone to make some grave fiction writing mistakes. 

So, today's article is for those worried that you might fall into this category. 

But believe me, if you don't think you fall into this category, that makes me worry for you even more. 

Self-awareness and all that. 

As an experienced editor navigating the cosmos of sci-fi literature, I've encountered the exhilarating highs and the pitfalls that can leave even the most promising stories lost in the void. These novels often start strong, get me really excited to continue, and then crash and burn part way, never to recover again. 

You have a brilliant mind. I know that. 

And while the sci-fi genre offers boundless opportunities for you to show us how clever and well-educated you are, it also demands a delicate balance of research, knowledge, creativity, innovation, plausibility, and most importantly…reader engagement. 

As in: the story still needs to be good, have a plot, characters worth rooting for, and be written with human emotion in mind. 

Without further ado, let's just get into the Shaak meat of this article. (That one is for whoever gets it. If that's you, let me know in the comment section!)

Contents: 

• Inadequate World-Building

• Shallow Characterization

• Infeasible Scientific Concepts

• Overused Tropes/Lack of Originality

• Forced Plot Progression

• Info-Dumping Exposition

• Lack of Emotional Impact

• Dues Ex Machina

• Poor Research

• Excessive Jargon

• Stilted Dialogue with Little or No Subtext

• Slow Start Pacing

• Heavy-Handed Themes

• Rushed Endings

• Final Words

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Inadequate World-Building

As a science fiction writer, one of the most critical aspects of your work is creating a believable and immersive world for your readers. 

Inadequate world-building often leads to disappointed readers who struggle to connect with your story. 

Pay attention to the internal consistency of your world. 

Your universe should have its own set of logical rules, physical laws, and social norms. When these rules are not consistent, it can confuse readers and break their suspension of disbelief. 

For example, if you establish that a particular resource is rare in your world, it should not suddenly become abundant without a clear explanation or reason. 

Consistency is vital to maintaining credibility and keeping your readers engaged.

To enhance your world-building and avoid these pitfalls, consider the following strategies:

• Make a list of your world's essential rules, norms, and features. This will make it easier to maintain consistency throughout your story.

• Periodically review your work to ensure rules are followed consistently. This can help detect any unintentional discrepancies early on.

• Be mindful of how plot developments can impact the established rules of your world. Adapt your world-building accordingly to maintain coherence.

• Consider the ripple effects of technological advancements on societal norms, the repercussions of historical events on cultural evolution, and the impact of environmental factors on the development of civilizations.

A well-built world should feel like a living, breathing entity, shaping and being shaped by its characters and events.

Related Post >>> The Cosmic Blueprint: How to Craft Unforgettable and Unique Sci-Fi Universes!

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Shallow Characterization

One of the most common mistakes in science fiction writing is shallow characterization. 

Like waaaay too common.  

This occurs when characters are not adequately developed, lack depth, or appear one-dimensional. 

Characters in sci-fi stories should be more than mere conduits for the plot; they are the lens through which readers experience the wonders and challenges of the imagined worlds. 

Shallow characters, lacking depth and complexity, risk turning the most intriguing settings into barren landscapes devoid of emotional resonance.

One common misstep is relying on archetypal figures without infusing them with unique qualities or motivations. The hero burdened by a tragic past, the brilliant scientist driven by a thirst for knowledge—while these archetypes are timeless, they require nuance and individuality to truly captivate an audience.

Another pitfall is the neglect of character arcs. A well-crafted character should evolve throughout the narrative, facing trials that challenge their beliefs, morals, and capabilities. 

Readers crave characters whose growth mirrors the expansiveness of the worlds they inhabit. Stagnant characters can leave the narrative feeling one-dimensional and devoid of the rich nuances that make for a compelling story.

Consider these essential elements when working on your characters:

• Backstory: Flesh out your characters' pasts to better understand their motives and actions. Their history provides context for their behavior and attitudes, which, in turn, creates richer, more complex characters.

• Emotions and motivations: Understand what drives your characters to act and react as they do. What are their emotions, desires, and fears? Infusing your characters with human emotions and motives will make them feel authentic and help readers connect with them on a deeper level.

• Dialogue: Ensure your characters have a unique voice and way of speaking. This can be a reflection of their background, personality, or circumstances. 

• Goals and conflicts: Establish clear goals and conflicts for your characters. These can be internal struggles, challenges they face within the narrative, or obstacles presented by other characters. Goals and conflicts contribute to a character's growth and development throughout the story.

Look through the related posts below to learn how to write incredible and emotionally resonant characters.

Related Posts

• Write-Ready Characters: A Complete Guide on Character Development Before You Start Writing

• Writing Characters Down: Effectively Communicating Your Character to the Reader

• What is Considered a Well-Written Character?

• Writing Character Relationships Better than the Average Schmuck - 5 + 1 Writing Tips

• How to Write a Story Better Than 99% of Other Writers. Hint: Focus on Emotions Not Facts

• What Makes a Good Character Arc? The Easiest Way To Write a Character Arc With Just 5 Key Elements

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Infeasible Scientific Concepts

It's easy to get carried away or caught up in your imagination when writing sci-fi. 

The allure of the unknown often tempts writers to defy the laws of physics and stretch the boundaries of scientific plausibility. While the genre inherently embraces speculative elements, a common pitfall is incorporating infeasible scientific concepts that strain the reader's suspension of disbelief.

At the heart, a compelling sci-fi strikes a good balance between the fantastical and the believable. While readers are willing to let you take them for a ride into the wild future, the narrative has to still maintain a semblance of internal consistency and respect for known scientific principles. 

One of the most common mistakes in this area is the introduction of technologies or phenomena without adequate explanation or grounding. 

Hand-waving away the intricacies of futuristic advancements or relying on vague, magical solutions can undermine the narrative's credibility. 

To avoid this, writers must balance the speculative and the scientifically plausible, creating technologies and phenomena that, while extraordinary, adhere to a logical framework.

Another challenge is the misapplication of fundamental scientific concepts. 

While creative reinterpretation is a hallmark of the genre, it's essential to avoid blatant disregard for established principles.

Inaccurate portrayals of scientific phenomena can alienate readers with a background in the sciences and disrupt the immersive experience for others.

Remember I conceded that you are probably an intelligent individual? Well, don't forget that your readers are too. 

Related Post >>> Transform Your Science Fiction Tech: The Definitive Guide to Mastering Technology in Sci-Fi

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Overused Tropes/Lack of Originality

Overused tropes, those narrative devices or themes that have become overly familiar, can inadvertently strip a story of its uniqueness. 

Whether it's the chosen one embarking on a hero's journey or the dystopian society grappling with rebellion, relying on these well-trodden paths can leave readers with a sense of déjà vu, diminishing the impact of the narrative.

But I will also mention here that tropes are not inherently wrong. Actually, arguments can be made that they are a good thing and exist for a reason. 

P.S. We did argue that—in this series of posts here….

Related Posts

• In Defense of Writing Tropes: The Chosen One Trope (The Chosen Many)

• In Defense of Writing Tropes: Is the Damsel in Distress or in Meiosis?

Where were we? Oh yeah. 

Originality in science fiction is not about reinventing the wheel but pushing the boundaries of creativity. It involves injecting familiar tropes with a unique perspective, unexpected twists, or innovative settings.

It's about inviting readers to explore new galaxies of thought rather than retracing the footsteps of those who came before.

Writers must be vigilant against the lure of the familiar and actively seek to subvert expectations. This can be achieved by questioning conventional narrative structures, challenging archetypal character roles, or introducing elements that defy genre conventions.

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Forced Plot Progression

This mistake occurs when a storyline moves forward unnaturally or without a logical reason, often resulting from the author's eagerness to reach a specific plot point. 

To avoid this pitfall, remember to keep your narratives grounded in the characters' motivations and the logic of your fictional world.

For instance, a capable space pilot might suddenly make a series of catastrophic mistakes because the plot requires a dramatic rescue. Instead, try to build tension and surprise through believable actions and consequences that stem from the characters' personalities and the established world-building.

I am a hardcore true believer in outlining your novel. No pantsers here! However, science fiction writers (and many other kinds, too, to be honest) can get trapped in their outlines. This can often make situations and events in the story feel forced into place. 

Let the story evolve if it needs to. Outlining is not a linear process; rather, it is a back-and-forth one. 

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Info-Dumping Exposition

Ya'll are stupid for this! 

Number one genre for the indo-dump. Hands down, you lot take the cake. 

I get it. You have built a meticulously researched universe rooted in heavy scientific principles; the temptation to elucidate on every intricacy of it can be overpowering. 

So, it is not surprising that one of the most common pitfalls in sci-fi writing is the gravitational pull towards info-dumping exposition—a dense accumulation of information that risks overwhelming readers rather than inviting them into the narrative.

Info-dumping occurs when authors, eager to convey the depth of their world-building, present an avalanche of details in a concentrated burst. While a thorough understanding of the fictional universe is crucial, drowning readers in a deluge of information disrupts the story's natural flow, hindering engagement.

To avoid info-dumping, try the following techniques:

• Show, don't tell: Instead of telling readers everything about your world, show them through character interactions, dialogue, and action. This way, they can gradually learn about your universe without feeling overwhelmed.

• Reveal information gradually: Introduce new concepts and background details bit by bit rather than all at once. This prevents readers from feeling like they're being inundated with information and helps maintain their interest.

• Use dialogue to convey exposition: Instead of long paragraphs explaining the background, have characters discuss it in conversations. This can make the information more engaging and less tiresome for your readers.

• Focus on the story: While world-building is crucial in science fiction, don't lose sight of the actual plot. Keep the narrative moving forward and ensure the main character's journey remains the focus.

• Trust your readers: Readers are often more capable of understanding and making connections than authors give them credit for. Don't feel obligated to spell everything out for them.

Related Posts

• Crafting Engaging Fiction: Dumping Info-dumps

• Why Show, Don't Tell Advice Might Be Holding You Back: Series Overview

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Lack of Emotional Impact

Get this through your heads, people. If you take anything away from this post, let it be what I am about to say: 

Your connection with your reader hinges on more than just the grandeur of galaxies and the marvels of technology. It is solely based on the story's emotional impact. I don't care what genre you are writing. 

Yet, a recurring challenge many sci-fi writers face is the potential for a lack of emotional impact—a gravitational force that, if unaddressed, can render even the most awe-inspiring worlds emotionally barren.

Focusing solely on the external, such as intricate world-building or technological wonders, can lead to characters and their struggles feeling distant and detached.

To infuse emotional depth into a sci-fi narrative, writers must prioritize the human—or alien, or android—element. 

Characters should be vessels for emotional connection, and their journeys should resonate with universal themes of love, loss, identity, and aspiration.

While the setting is undoubtedly crucial, it should serve as a backdrop to the emotional core of the narrative rather than overshadowing it. Readers are more likely to invest in the fate of characters and the outcomes of their struggles when they empathize with their emotional experiences.

NEVER forget this! 

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Deus Ex Machina

This literary device, translating to "god from the machine," involves the introduction of a sudden, implausible solution to resolve an intricate plot point. The term originates from ancient Greek theater, where it referred to a mechanical device that suddenly introduced a divine character to resolve conflicts and end the play.

While it can be a tempting escape route for writers, its use will, 9 times out of 10, disrupt the narrative balance and diminish the stakes of the story. 

It's cheating; it's lazy. Do better. 

When writing your story, be mindful of the following points to avoid falling into this trap:

• Build believable solutions: Develop logical pathways that lead to the resolution of your story's conflicts. This helps create a sense of continuity and keeps your readers engaged.

• Foreshadow key events: Introduce elements of your story's eventual resolution ahead of time, allowing your readers to anticipate possible outcomes and become more invested in the story.

• Respect the limits of your world: Stay true to the rules, technologies, and power dynamics established within your fictional universe. Sudden miracles or extraordinary occurrences can break the suspension of disbelief, undermining the credibility of your narrative.

• Develop your characters: Make sure your characters grow and adapt to challenges. Deus ex machina often negates character development by presenting an external solution rather than allowing characters to overcome obstacles through growth and self-discovery.

• Earn your finale: Put in the work throughout to make the resolution feel like a surprising yet inevitable conclusion to all the events that came before it.

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Poor Research

Poor research is a common mistake in science fiction writing. 

When authors do not invest time in understanding the science and technology they incorporate into their stories, it can lead to inaccuracies and weak storytelling. 

As a writer, you should always strive to be well-informed about the topics you are exploring, especially regarding the social and cultural implications of technology and scientific advancements.

Inaccurate portrayals of scientific concepts can leave readers feeling unengaged or even frustrated. 

To avoid this, make sure to:

• Spend time researching the science behind your story and consult experts when necessary

• Use accurate terminology and explanations in your writing

• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the relevant fields

But remember that your story can't just be about future tech and exploring the cosmos or whatever. It is also about humanity and society. Focus your research on these aspects also in order to portray them authentically and believably. 

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Excessive Jargon

You might be tempted to include extensive technical jargon to make your story more convincing. We are all friends here; you can admit it to me. 

But the primary issue with excessive jargon is that it creates a barrier to entry for readers unfamiliar with the specific terms or concepts. 

Although you want to create a sense of realism in your science fiction world, it's essential to balance providing enough technical detail to give your story context without overwhelming the reader.

It will always feel like more to them than it does to you. 

To help you create this much-needed balance, consider the following tips:

1. Limit the use of jargon: Only use technical terms when they are necessary for the story. Replace complex terms with more straightforward language whenever possible.

2. Provide context: When introducing a new concept or term, ensure that you provide enough context for the reader to figure out its meaning and significance. This can be done through descriptive passages, dialogue, or character interactions.

3. Use relatable examples: Compare unfamiliar concepts to familiar ones using metaphors or analogies, helping the reader grasp the idea quickly.

4. Keep explanations concise: When explaining a piece of technology or concept, keep the explanation brief yet informative. Remember that your primary goal is to tell an engaging story, not to provide a detailed scientific manual.

This can be a surprisingly nuanced topic, and I am not on the side of totally dumbing down your work, either. 

The below related post might help you gain some context about using the "big words."

Related Post >>> Advanced Word Choice Mistakes: Don't Be a Dick, Get a Dictionary

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Stilted Dialogue with Little or No Subtext

Closely related to the "Lack of Emotional Impact" mistake above, this one is where the emotionless robots you call characters reveal themselves most readily to the reader. 

Dialogue brings characters to life and moves the narrative. 

Stilted dialogue feels unnatural and lacks depth, hindering reader immersion, and let's face up to the facts here: sci-fi writers can be some of the worst offenders.  

There is a crucial element of good dialogue called subtext—it adds layers of meaning to conversations, enhancing intrigue. Dialogue should reveal character dynamics and tensions while conveying information. 

Understand your characters and weave subtext subtly into their interactions to avoid stiffness. Let dialogue be a dynamic part of storytelling, enriching the speculative world and engaging readers deeply.

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Slow Start Pacing that Loses Readers Before Anything Happens

Your novel's opening chapters are the launchpad for a reader's journey into your story. 

However, too many sci-fi manuscripts I have read fail to achieve lift-off. They begin so slowly that the reader must drag themselves through with great effort. 

Slow starts, characterized by a lack of immediate action or intrigue, can create a sense of stagnation, leading readers to disengage before the story gains momentum.

What's more, a languid beginning can be particularly challenging in a genre where the promise of wonder and excitement is often a primary draw.

Here are the most common causes of slow starts: 

• Excessive Exposition: Bombarding readers with information about the speculative world before an emotional connection is established can lead to disinterest.

• Lack of Intriguing Characters or Conflicts: Introducing characters or conflicts that fail to generate immediate intrigue can deter readers from further exploration.

• Absence of Immediacy: Failing to begin with a moment of action, mystery, or conflict can contribute to slow pacing and disengagement.

• Lack of Clear Character Motivations: Characters without clear motivations or challenges can fail to anchor readers to the narrative.

• Failure to Spark Curiosity: A slow start devoid of curiosity-inducing elements can hinder readers from delving deeper into the story's universe.

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Heavy-Handed Themes

Goodness gracious. This is a hefty one. 

Science fiction allows you to explore some pretty complex and thought-provoking stuff. That is what most of us love about it. 

But sometimes, writers can go overboard with it. 

Here are some of the major traps you want to avoid when approaching your themes, and then we can get into how to ensure you do it better: 

• Overbearing Didacticism: Writers may become overly preachy, using their narratives as platforms for delivering moral lessons or political viewpoints, which can alienate readers.

• Lack of Subtlety: Heavy-handedness in theme exploration can lead to a lack of nuance and subtlety, making themes feel forced or contrived rather than organically integrated into the narrative.

• Ignoring Complexity: Themes in sci-fi often involve complex ideas and ethical dilemmas. Ignoring this complexity or oversimplifying issues can result in superficial exploration and missed opportunities for engaging readers on deeper levels.

• Losing Focus: Writers may lose sight of the primary story arc or character development while exploring themes, resulting in disjointed narratives or meandering plotlines.

• Forgetting Audience Engagement: Themes should resonate with readers and prompt reflection, but if they are too abstract or disconnected from readers' experiences, they may fail to engage or provoke thought effectively.

Ok. So what do we do about this? What is my advice to you for incorporating a great theme? 

Best advice: 

1. Approach themes from the perspective of exploration. You are not telling the reader what "is"; you are showing them the exploration to discover what may be right through the narrative. Present both sides of the argument from various perspectives and through many situations, then let them decide what it all means. 

2. Balance theme and story. Ensure themes enrich rather than overpower your narrative. Keep the focus on the characters and their journey through your world.

3. Subtly integrate themes. Seamlessly weave themes into your plot, allowing readers to discover them alongside characters. Encourage engagement and contemplation.

Bonus tip: 

Do your research and draw from diverse sources. Add depth to your themes by blending ideas from various genres and sources. Embrace connections to keep themes fresh and intriguing and don't rely on pre-established themes (i.e., Tropes). 

The below related post will help you understand this topic a little better, though not directly related to themes themselves.

Related Post >>> How to REALLY Write What You Know

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Rushed Endings

Maybe this one occurs because lots of sci-fi writers pack the word counts of their novels with so many exposition-heavy info-dumps and slow start pacing that by the time they get to the end, they panic. "Oh crap, I gotta wrap this up!" 

And they do…quickly and without warning. 

The resolution phase is pivotal, demanding precise closure and satisfaction. 

Yet, hastily tied conclusions can undermine the narrative's gravity, leaving readers dissatisfied. 

Rushed endings often arise when narratives speed toward resolutions without allowing emotional closure or fulfilling character arcs. 

You must resist the urge to hastily resolve conflicts with convenient solutions or abrupt twists. 

Instead, pacing should balance with resolution, allowing readers to savor the narrative's culmination. Endings must reflect emotional weight, ensuring resonance and lingering impact. 

Don't run out of steam when the station is just around the corner. Train analogy. Whatever.

Final Words

Science fiction has the potential to send you up into orbit around the earth, but you must be careful not to hit a writing mistake asteroid and come crashing down back to earth? 

I dunno, or some other spacey-sounding metaphor that actually works. Pretend I said something cool; we are all creative types here. Don't make me do all the work. 

Sheesh. 

I think I just need to call it quits before this article ends on a reeeeally stupid note. 

Anyway, just know there are many mistakes you need to avoid, but if you do, you'll be fine. 

You got this. Keep writing and all that crap. 

Until next time….bleh bleh bleh.

What are the subgenres of Science Fiction?

The subgenres of science fiction include Cyberpunk, Space Opera, Dystopian, Steampunk, Military Science Fiction, Biopunk, Time Travel, and First Contact, among many others.

It's vital that you understand your genre and where your target audience lives. To learn more about these subgenres and dive into what makes them unique, head to our guide on the top 10 sci-fi subgenres for writers!

Next: Sci-Fi Subgenre Guide