What genre would you consider my book to be???

Question

To set the stage: I'm writing my first novel... I have no formal training, but I do like to read. I think the plot is really great (it was actually seeded by a dream that I couldn't get out of my head!) and my wife has enjoyed reading the first few chapters, and is excited to see how the plot will unfold... (reading each chapter as it is written is a much longer way to read a story!) I don't expect to get published, of course... I'm mainly writing for the fun of it, and for the chance to escape for a while. If I ever get published, it will just be the icing on the cake.

(More details to follow)

The plot for this story deals with the struggles of an astronomer trying to fulfill a life-long dream of finding a parallel earth in the universe. It is certainly futuristic, but not sci-fi in the classic sense... much more like realistic sci-fi. There are great elements of suspense during the search for the planet and during space travel. The characters and setting will be very similar to life the way we see it today... with just a few new inventions along the way.

So, what would you call a story like that? Suspense? Sci-Fi? Drama? Etc?

Would you find a story like that interesting? Or is it too far from the mainstream type genres that we're most comfortable reading?

Answer 1

You may read a lot, but you've seen too many sci-fi movies and haven't read enough SF if you think "realistic sci-fi" is outside the genre!

Of course Vonnegut kept insisting his (not very realistic) SF stuff wasn't SF, in order to avoid the automatic ceiling on SF sales (and he didn't need the automatic floor). I suspect Michael Crichton of taking the same route.

Answer 2

It is extremely difficult to classify a book, period, but even more especially if you haven't read it. This is mostly because a book can be placed in many different categories at once. From your description of the plot, I'd first say it falls into the realistic fiction category. Next, I would say that it could possibly fit into sci-fi, not all sci-fi novels are completely out there. Lastly I'd say it does sound like a bit of a suspense.

Writing just for the sake of writing is not only a great way to relax and have fun, but that's also how some of the best books are made. A great philosopher once said "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." Keep writing, especially if you really like it. Do it for you, and no one else and you'll always be happy.

Answer 3

Sci-fi. Almost all stories have suspense in them. It doesn't matter that it's realistic, it's still scientific. Just because it's not classic sci-fi doesn't mean it's not sci-fi.

Answer 4

It is sci-fi because it is science + fiction.
I would find very interesting if it is cleverly done and has a powerful sense of comedy woven in its narrative and characters. I hope you have a good sense of humour ; )
It's a great hobby. I also try and write. Maybe you would wish to read an extraxt:http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-3TmkpeQ8eqLgSkELyFGuJ9Cd
Anyway, good luck, and keep your wife happy ; )

Answer 5

It sounds like Sci Fi or what is called Speculative Fiction to me. Pax - C

Answer 6

using fact followers of a undeniable series or e book or a trilogy, have a tendency to memorise each and every little thing approximately it. (I might desire to comprehend, i'm one) And, while in communities, it particularly is all they're going to communicate approximately, leaving a particularly undesirable impression to the greater 'generic' public. it particularly is generic... to desire to correctly known each and every little thing approximately your customary concern. subject is, while the matters varies from autos, activities, celebrities, splendor and is going directly to books, video games and action picture, a individual is pronounced as a 'geek' while basically each and each between the above pronounced followers additionally should be seen one. Now sci-fi and delusion and maximum action-based and rpg video games (FinalFantasy, Prince of Persia, Resident Evil, ...) are seen geeky using fact they have a great fanbase. maximum even have gatherings with those followers that are no longer frequently socially universal.

Answer 7

sci-fi. your srtory sounds very interesting... i would read it! you should try to get it published sure it could still b 4 fun but u never know... a publisher may LOVE it!

hope this helped :D

Answer 8

it is definitely a sci-fiction !!........thats the only category in my mind ......not suspense !!

Answer 9

realistic non-fiction

the best of luck! :)

Answer 10

I would call it a mystery...