Author Alexis Miller On How To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories

An Interview With Ian Benke

They have a backstory. They have a personality. They have strengths and weaknesses, just like actual people. They have conflicting motivations. They change as the story goes along. Pivotal moments show who they truly are (think fight or flight, hero or villain, etc.)

Science Fiction and Fantasy are hugely popular genres. What does it take for a writer today, to write compelling and successful Science Fiction and Fantasy stories? Authority Magazine started a new series called “How To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories”. In this series we are talking to anyone who is a Science Fiction or Fantasy author, or an authority or expert on how to write compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy.

As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Alexis.

Alexis is the founder of the Purple Shelf Club; a community where self-publishing fiction authors and bibliophiles can combine their love of literature and travel. She has also written two books, Become A Writer and Just Write an Outline. Alexis considers herself a writer and bibliophile with a fondness for historical fiction and fantasy novels. When she’s not blogging, you can find her working on her career in neuroscience, finding new places to explore, and playing videogames or painting.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share a story about what first drew you to writing over other forms of storytelling?

Of course! I’ve always had a fondness for literature. When I was younger, I dedicated all my free time to reading. In grade school, there was a teacher who encouraged learning, reading, and thoughtfulness. In part, he’s the reason I love to read, write, and have such a dedication to education.

I’ve always been creative too. I love to draw and have recently been dipping my toes into painting and exploring color. To me, writing is just another form of creativity. I’m sure every writer would agree with me on that. I daydream all the time, have a vivid imagination, and I love research. If I put those together, writing a story is a fun outlet where I can give other people the enjoyment I’ve always felt when I read. That’s also why I help other authors create incredible stories. With as many books as I’ve read and edited, I know I can help them put what’s in their imagination onto paper.

You are a successful author. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Confidence is most definitely one. Confidence comes from pushing yourself and believing in yourself enough to do the things you love. I may not be the most amazing writer out there, but that doesn’t mean I can’t write good stories of my own or help other writers improve their writing. Whenever I start to feel anxious or experience self-doubt, I try to remember to ask myself three questions:

What’s the WORST that could happen?

What’s the BEST that could happen?

Is doing this thing aligned with my goals or the life I want to create?

Most of the time, the worst that could happen isn’t that bad. Most of the time, the best that could happen is incredible. And if the answer is yes to the last question, well then, it’s a no-brainer decision.

I’m also curious by nature. I ask lots of questions and love to learn. I also love hypotheticals, so my favorite question is “What if…?”. This trait is the reason I want to be a research scientist. It’s the reason I started the Purple Shelf Club. And it’s the reason I’ve written two non-fiction e-books and am currently working on my first fantasy novel.

Lastly, I exhibit many Type A personality character traits. My whole life I have been highly ambitious, organized, strict about time management, and held high standards for myself and those around me. While these character traits have both good and bad sides to them, I think they have helped me make sense of the world and achieve my goals. For example, every single week on Monday I plan out what my week will look like in all aspects of my life, and I reflect on my previous week. Then I set 3 goals for myself that will lead me to my quarterly and yearly goals. Goal setting is useless unless you create actionable tasks. By creating those tasks weekly, I find that my ambitions are more achievable than what I once thought was possible when I was younger.

Can you tell us a bit about the interesting or exciting projects you are working on or wish to create? What are your goals for these projects?

Right now, I have 3 specific goals in terms of writing. Firstly, I want to create genre specific research packets for authors that show them how to conduct research in their genre and provide resources for them so they can start writing their books faster. For example, in the fantasy genre, I would include things like bestiaries, magic systems, and information on weapons and governments. For science fiction I’d include things like lists of real and fictionalized technologies with information on each, information on space and various genre conventions like time travel, teleportation, and extraterrestrial lifeforms. I will create these research packets one genre at a time with one completed in the next year.

Secondly, I want to write an e-book on character development for main characters and side/supporting characters. I haven’t decided if I want to write about these two types of characters separately or together yet. This will be my next project after the genre research packets. The goal of these two projects is simple, make writing fictional novels easier. I don’t want writers to feel limited, confused, or like they don’t have time to invest in the preparation and writing process of getting a book out into the world. I’m hoping that with these projects, I can simplify the process so have fun instead of being stressed.

Lastly, I am actively working on writing a fantasy novel with the working title of “Fading Embers”. I’m in no rush with this project so the publish date is yet to be determined. Perhaps in the next year or two. The goal is to have fun. I want to say I wrote a story and share it with the world. Plus, I can share this journey with other writers so we can gain insight from eachother.

Wonderful. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. How do you define sci-fi or fantasy? How is it different from speculative fiction?

Fantasy is a genre that contains conventions that do not (as far we know) exist in our world. Science fiction on the other hand contains conventions that do or could exist in our world.

Speculative fiction is a broad term. You could arguably call it “Imaginative fiction” since the basis of the term depends on the author’s imagination to conjure up possibilities of what’s real, what could happen, and so on. For me, I see it as a blanket term. Many genres can contain elements of speculative fiction rather than it being its own standalone term. For example, in science fiction, time travel and how it works would be a speculative element. Urban and historical fantasy are also examples of speculative fiction.

It seems that despite countless changes in media and communication technologies, novels and written fiction always survive, and as the rate of change increases with technology, written sci-fi becomes more popular. Why do you think that is?

In short, I think it is because of how much we interact with technology. The more you are surrounded by something, the more interesting it becomes. Because of this, I think people are increasingly interested in what could be. Therefore, more science fiction emerges with more people taking an interest in those stories.

Among new technology, communication, and let’s face it, the appearance of lower attention spans, I think written fiction survives because people love stories. With books we can temporarily forget about our personal woes by disappearing into a story. We can stretch our imagination, and even learn more about ourselves and the world. Written fiction also helps those who feel alone, showing them, they aren’t weird or bad for thinking and behaving a certain way. It gives hope too. If character X can find love, get out of bad situation Y, and so on, then maybe we can too. This personal connection that written fiction provides is unmatched by current technologies, even if we hold the world at our fingertips and can communicate with anyone at any time.

In your opinion, what are the benefits to reading sci-fi, and how do they compare to watching sci-fi on film and television?

Sci-fi stretches our imagination and our curiosity. It pushes us to have an open mind about the benefits and dangers of what could be as technology and the field of science progresses. I’d argue it also leads to real life scientific advancement since many inventions have been inspired by science fiction. Some examples include submarines, cellphones, and holograms.

As far as comparing reading science fiction to watching it, I’d say there is no difference.

The real difference lies in comparing reading and watching film and television. When you read, there are several benefits like improved memory, empathy, and vocabulary. Watching films and television is a more passive way of enjoying a story and therefore provides less benefits.

However, I would argue that one major benefit of film and television is that it can make a larger audience of people find novels. A lot of the time, people will watch a movie or TV show first, and then find out that it was inspired by a book or book series. It’s equally as exciting when you’ve been dedicated to a story, and then find out that a movie or show is being made. I just love that books and technology can come together to connect so many people simply because they share an interest in the story.

What authors and artists, dead or alive, inspired you to write?

I’ll be honest and say that no one directly inspired me to write. In fact, it was the simple enjoyment of reading and wanting to connect further with authors that inspired me to write. So instead, I’ll take this space to mention the authors that made me fall in love with reading and want to continue reading. Top of mind, some of my favorite authors include Lemony Snicket, Andrzej Sapkowski, Diana Gabaldon, Lynn Cullen, Karen Wyle, and Dean Koontz to name a few.

If you could ask your favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy author a question, what would it be?

I’d probably want to ask a bunch of questions but here is what I would find the most interesting:

Where do you get your ideas for the science fiction/fantastical elements of your novels?

How has your process of writing changed over the years?

We’d like to learn more about your writing. How would you describe yourself as an author? Can you please share a specific passage that you think exemplifies your style?

At this time, I don’t have a passage of my own, although I do have a WIP. I’d describe myself as an author who pulls from real life experiences and then fictionalizes them.

Based on your own experience and success, what are the “Five Things You Need To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories?” If you can, please share a story or example for each.

Character and world-development is more important than your plot. These two are essential to writing compelling science fiction and fantasy stories.

There are many aspects to character development. One is making your characters likable. I know this is difficult because it feels rather abstract. But one way you can figure out how to make your characters likable is by pulling from real life. Make a table and list out the names of your significant other, friends, family members, and pets. Then write out everything you liked about them. It can be quirks and oddities, expressions, the way they dressed, how they handled situations. Anything really. Now that you’ve written it down, you can use the list to piece together your character.

A couple of other ways to build out your characters is to take the time to create a character profile, and to conduct a character interview. To complete your profile and interview, think of these elements that are essential to character development:

They have a backstory. They have a personality. They have strengths and weaknesses, just like actual people. They have conflicting motivations. They change as the story goes along. Pivotal moments show who they truly are (think fight or flight, hero or villain, etc.)

Once you’re finished, know that you don’t have to use everything in your book. These exercises simply help you to get to know your character and make them feel real. The more real they feel, the better you’ll be able to depict them in your story.

When it comes to world-building, it’s important to know that science fiction and fantasy novels take place in many different types of worlds. Your first task is to choose what type of world your story will take place in:

1. In the past or present of our world
2. Alternative reality/parallel universe
3. The future
4. Fictional world
5. Space

Then you need to do your homework based on that world. What is the:

1. Culture
2. History
3. Weather
4. Geography
5. Hierarchy
6. Government
7. Locations

Rules and laws

1. Societal norms
2. Threats
3. Flora and fauna,
4. Conventions that readers are used to from your genre and the world type you chose

Knowing these things helps you to decide how your characters interact with the people and the world you’ve created. It also helps you and your readers understand why they are the way they are.

Because there is often so much happening, you need to stay focused. While I said that character and world-development is more important than you’re plot, I didn’t mean plot wasn’t important. As a writer, you need to have a grasp on what’s happening at all times. Otherwise, you risk your reader getting confused and losing interest in your story.

I love keeping a working plot next to me while I write. I can change it as I go but it forces me to look at what else needs changed and what I need to keep in mind. By outlining your novel, you can have a really good idea of what your main plot is, and how the subplots fit into it. This in turn helps you keep your head on straight about what your characters are doing and why.

Another point to make on staying focused, is being brutally honest with yourself when you have too much. For example, having too many different points of view could get confusing for your reader. You could ask yourself what parts of the story needs to be told from a certain character’s point of view. Try writing from multiple points of view to see what works and what doesn’t. You may be surprised that your story doesn’t lose its compelling nature by using one point of view as opposed to say three.

Yet another example would be in you introducing the history of your world or your characters. You can easily overwhelm or bore your reader by shoving in too much information in the beginning. Honestly, it comes off as amateurish. Instead, use an outline to see when more background information is needed. You may find that you can sprinkle the background information throughout instead of primarily in the setup of your novel.

Most of the time, you need to show, not tell. I think writers hate hearing this. But it’s probably because people say this, and then provide no tangible way of putting it into practice. The problem with telling in stories is that there is no more room left for the imagination. If you tell your readers what to see, hear, smell, taste, or feel, then what’s the point of them reading your book? Instead of telling your reader what your characters are experiencing, show them.

One way to act on this advice is to ask your senses. Ask why. Then answer the question by saying something like:

My character recognizes what they see/hear/smell/taste/feel because…

This is better illustrated through examples:

Tell-The room was packed.

Question-Why is the room packed?

Answer-My character thinks the room is packed because they see more people in the room than anything else.

Show: Who knew so many people could fit into one room?

Tell: I couldn’t separate the noise in the room from the thoughts in my head.

Question: Why can’t my character sperate the noise in the room from the thoughts in their head?

Answer: My character can’t think because there are people vocally experiencing many different emotions all at once and officials adding to the noise by trying to calm everyone down. Instead, it’s just a chaotic mess.

Show: People all around me were screaming in anger or panic. Though to ask me who was angry and who was panicking would be a useless question. The screaming on top of the children crying, mother’s soothing, and important looking people trying to get everyone’s attention was all too much to bear. My thoughts hardly could have put a word in edgewise.

Of course, these examples could be improved even more, but I think they do a good job of the show, don’t tell principle.

Another way to show instead of telling is to ask yourself another question:

If I were to draw a picture of what’s happening, what would it look like and how would I describe that picture?

Use what I call “the power of what if”. You’re a writer and I believe because of this; you are creative and imaginative. But sometimes this can be difficult to call upon on demand. To help, I love using the question “What if…”. By constantly asking and answering this question as you write, you will discover new avenues of storytelling. An example of this that I use in my book, Just Write an Outline is for plotting out the hook of your novel. In it, I tell writers to answer the following and then pick their favorite:

What if your opening scene was…?

• An action scene
• A conversation
• A memory/flashback/flashforward/anecdote
• An emotional scene
• Something funny
• A statement that incites curiosity or puzzles the reader in some way
• Dropping a hint or “Easter egg”
• A description of the environment
• A thematic/philosophical statement
• A description of a person
• A description of an object

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Entertainment, Business, VC funding, and Sports read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

I would say Elon Musk. I don’t know much about him personally, but he has a company called Neuralink that I find fascinating. I’m going to school to be a Research Scientist in neuroscience and have a particular interest in neurodegeneration and biotechnology. His company connects the brain with technology so that they can better understand the brain, communicate with technology using our brain, and improve treatment of neurological disorders. While this sort of technology could be good and bad, my scientifically curious mind is for it. So, a conversation with him about the possibilities would be fun.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

They can go to my blog and subscribe to my newsletter (which I like to call a periodical). On my blog I do book reviews, author interviews, reading tips, provide writing advice for writers who are currently working on their books or want to start writing a book, and even delve into some literary travel.

On my periodical I give loads of writing tips to writers, discuss my love of books to bibliophiles, and travel advice to my travel bugs. I especially love my periodical because it gives me a chance to connect with the writers and readers of the world. Our common interests in literature and travel allow me to really get to know my subscribers and tailor my blog to their needs. I also intend to share my writing journey with my subscribers so they can see the ups and downs that is the writing journey.

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Thank you for these excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent. We wish you continued success.