Sci/fi encompasses a very broad spectrum. It’s not just the really far out and bizarre. Science Fiction is anything other then what is real. For all you died in the wool anti sci/fi people, choke! Who has watched any of the Jane Austin movies and could see themselves in any of the parts? Is that real? Are you actually an actress or actor and have the part?

I doubt it. You are indulging in Sci/Fi.   All right. Now that we know most of us partake to some degree in sci/fi, have some fun by putting yourself into character. Allow yourself to be out in space, or here on Earth, but a different Earth then the one we face each day. Anotherwards, step out of reality. Isn't that why we read fictional books? One of the things I really enjoy about being a writer is the ability to write myself (under the guise of being one of my characters) into any situation I choose.

Louis L'Amour westerns do not stand out as truly great works of fiction but, as the covers state, L'Amour had over 80 million copies of his book in print worldwide.  The object of being a writer (other than some measure of personal satisfaction) is to move past the agent, past the publisher, and into the hands of the reading audience.  80 million copies say that quite nicely.

Elmore Leonard, the author of Glitz and other popular detective thrillers, commented on what technique he used to keep the action in his books moving so quickly.  He said, "I try to leave out the parts that readers tend to skip."

Things I write are intended to transport the reader to a life totally unlike their own.  The other day I glanced at  a story which sounded interesting.  it was extremely well written, but that didn't seem to make it any more enjoyable.  The author could have mentally placed me in the scene with only half the words simply by allowing me to use my own imagination.  Join me as we let our imaginations wander; mine to tell the story and yours to put yourself into it.