Quote:
Originally Posted by Catlady
As I read through this thread, I'm thinking that science fiction and fantasy seem to refer more to the setting than to specific plot elements, as the reader expects in a romance or mystery, for example.
|
Good point. Many science fiction authors write what are effectively detective stories (Asimov's Robot series), but in a futuristic, multiple star system future.
Over my long reading career, I've read science fiction that included almost every genre, inclding fantasy (Darkover, Pern), romance (Vorkosigan), historical fiction, humour and others.
I sometimes like to think of science fiction as including all other genres, but without the hobbles and restrictions. "Normal" romances, fantasies, mysteries etc. just seem like paler, less vibrant versions of the science fiction or fantasy ones.
Of course, this is my own personal perspective.