First off, I’m sorry for the late post today. I was down and out with a terrible sickness last week, which turned out to be strep. So I didn’t get much done. *we hatess nasssty strepses, yes, preciouss*

But, like Frodo, I’ve battled through, so I’ll be getting back into the swing of regular life this week.

The good news is, you’re actually reading this, which means I actually rushed out a post this morning. Something fun, simple, easy. Not requiring too much creative energy.

Have you ever noticed common themes in stories? They’re everywhere, and not just because we storytellers are lazy and keep returning to the same Handbook of Creativity (although a lot of writers…okay, not going there. Need to keep the blood pressure down LOL).

These archetypes, clichés—whatever you want to call them—turn up again and again because they’re like duct tape…they work.

It’s almost like there’s a list of must-haves for each genre. Awhile back, I was digging around in the Archive and came across a few such lists. This is the perfect time to share one of them.

With much fanfare and chocolate, I present to you the 10 Commandments of Science Fiction…featuring a total of twelve commandments. Because I’m a rebel like that and because saying “the 12 Commandments of Science Fiction” doesn’t have quite the same ring. 😉

10 Commandments of Science Fiction

1. Thou shalt, if desiring to leave an indelible mark on the history of science fiction, make sure the story takes place a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. *internally cue music*
2. Thou shalt include many types of advanced technology and super-cool gadgets.
3. Thou shalt use many explosions of epic proportions.
4. Thou shalt make up long, complicated, scientific-sounding words to describe things that don’t exist.
5. Thou shalt, as often as possible, travel to distant planets and galaxies.
6. Thou shalt include various types of artificial intelligence. At times, it’s appropriate for said AI to rebel and wreak havoc as it tries to control (or destroy) humanity.
7. Thou shalt ensure that any major life forms encountered across space and time inexplicably resemble humans.
8. Thou shalt use time-travel, warp-speed, and teleportation as viable means of travel.
9. Thou shalt have aliens. Furthermore, those aliens should in proper course attack the world, or live among us already and be planning a hostile takeover.
10. Thou shalt create and use awesome spaceships with mind-bending capabilities.
11. Thou shalt never let the villain ultimately win the battle. #DUH
12. Thou shalt, at times, include characters with unbelievable powers, fighting characters with similarly unbelievable powers. Yet the encounters must be believable enough—or riveting enough that believability ceases to matter—to hold the attention of the audience.

Come back on Friday for the fantasy version. It’s going to be fantastic. LOL

What would you add to the 10 commandments of science fiction? I’d love to hear your thoughts.