Science Fiction from A to Z
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What makes science fiction more than just stories about rockets and robots? Why do we keep coming back to tales of galactic empires, cryogenic sleepers, and faster-than-light travel? And what can the history of the genre teach us about where itβs headed next?
In Science Fiction from A to Z, author Joe Vasicek explores the building blocks of the genre that shaped his career as both a fan and an indie writer. From βA is for Audienceβ to βZ is for Zenith,β each chapter dives into a key concept, trope, or movement in science fictionβcovering everything from golden age classics to the modern indie publishing boom. Along the way, Vasicek reflects on his own experiences writing dozens of novels and short stories, as well as the broader cultural shifts that have shaped fandom over the past decade.
Whether youβre a lifelong reader, a new fan just discovering the genre, or a writer looking to sharpen your craft, this book will give you a deeper appreciation for the rich legacy and boundless future of science fiction.
Originally published online for the 2013 Blogging from A to Z Challenge and updated in 2022.
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Joe Vasicek fell in love with science fiction and fantasy when he read The Neverending Story as a child. He is the author of more than twenty books, including Genesis Earth, Gunslinger to the Stars, The Sword Keeper, and the Sons of the Starfarers series. As a young man, he studied Arabic at Brigham Young University and traveled across the Middle East and the Caucasus Mountains. He lives in Utah with his wife, daughter, and two apple trees.
