Building Epic Sagas in Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels with Thomas Salerno
A special recording for LegendHaven 2023
Visit: thomasjsalerno.substack.com | Register: legendhaven.com
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author newsletter, to sign up for free and receive monthly updates on his writing journey. By subscribing, you'll have a chance to win a free copy of the 'Christ Bearer' Anthology by Voyage Comics, featuring Thomas's essay on the Mandalorian and Christian saints.Join Thomas Salerno, a children's author, freelance writer, and podcaster, as he delves into the fascinating world of science fantasy in literature. In this conversation for Worlds Without End's Legend Haven 2023, Thomas discusses his love for the genre and the importance of bending genre expectations to create captivating stories. Drawing inspiration from popular examples like Star Wars, Thomas encourages more writers to explore the realm of science fantasy. He also highlights the significance of epic sagas in sci-fi literature, where characters grow and change over time, adding depth and complexity to the storytelling experience.
Key Points/Highlights:
1. The Distinction Between Science Fiction and Science Fantasy: Thomas explores the difference between hard sci-fi and science fantasy, emphasizing the incorporation of fantastical elements in the latter.
2. Influences and Examples: Thomas discusses the works that have influenced science fantasy, such as Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, Dune, and C.S. Lewis's Space Trilogy.
3. The Power of Star Wars: Thomas explains why Star Wars has become a dominant force in the science fantasy genre, tapping into primal storytelling instincts and offering a communal experience for fans.
4. Rediscovering Wonder: Thomas reflects on the loss of wonder in contemporary fantasy and the need to infuse stories with a sense of the numinous and the mysterious.
5. The Mandalorian: Thomas praises the Mandalorian series for its exploration of religious and ethical themes, highlighting the show's connection to Judeo-Christian perspectives and its portrayal of character growth.
6. The Importance of Saga: Thomas emphasizes the value of building epic sagas in sci-fi literature, allowing characters to evolve and providing readers with a deeper and more immersive experience.
Notable Quotes:
- "Science fiction is uniquely able to step alongside us and help us see how far away we are from understanding an integrated, holistic, and enchanted reality."
- "Science fantasy can grapple with big questions of theological and philosophical import, allowing the imagination to run wild while exploring profound themes."
- "The Mandalorian is a remarkable show for how biblical it is, addressing issues of religious identity, atonement, and the transformative power of love."
- "Characters in epic sagas should grow and change over time, reflecting the complexities of life and offering a more dynamic storytelling experience."
Suggested Further Reading/Viewing:
- "Star Wars: The Magic of Myth" by Mary Henderson
- "The Space Trilogy" by C.S. Lewis
- "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury
- "Dune" by Frank Herbert
- "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell