Ten Reasons to Write Science Fiction

“Why do you write science fiction?”

It’s a fair question, only slightly complicated by the fact that, personally, I tend to write more fantasy than SF. However, if I go down that road, I run the risk of getting sidetracked into the endless debate about what the difference actually is between science fiction and fantasy, which is only marginally less tedious than all the other equally pointless discussions in the world including whether CG monsters are better than animatronic ones, whether boiled eggs should be cracked at the blunt end or the pointy one, how many roads a man must walk down, and whether Han really did shoot first.

All of which is just a preamble to the real reason I’d like you to read this list. You see, I don’t think ten reasons to write science fiction are nearly enough and I’d really like someone to add some more. Maybe that someone is you. The comments box is open!

I Write Science Fiction Because …

1. What else is there to do in this bleak, godforsaken world? (Post Apocalypse)
2. I am compelled to by the cybernetic implant in my skull (Cyberpunk)
3. Why not, when my mind is already lost out there among the far distant stars? (Space Opera)
4. I’m kinky about rubber corsets and engine oil (Steampunk)
5. How else will I get to blow up an entire planet? (Military)
6. I can use my manuscripts to hide coded messages that we can use to turn the alien bastards’ technology against them (Alien Invasion)
7. It gives my future self something to read. (Time Travel)
8. It beats fighting hideous six-legged monsters in a dusty arena, bare-chested and armed only with a broken sword, while uncountable hordes of green alien warriors cheer lustily for my blood (Pulp)
9. I am programmed to make you suffer (Evil Computer)
10. The other me can’t be bothered (Parallel Universe)