Writing on the Edge of Science and Fiction

Space Opera exists at the thrilling intersection of hard science and boundless imagination. It’s a genre where we can explore the stars, build civilizations on distant planets, and craft narratives that transcend human limitations. But for me, the real joy lies in walking the tightrope between scientific plausibility and unrestrained creativity—building worlds that feel real but are still vibrant with wonder.

The Tug-of-War Between Science and Imagination

One of the first challenges I faced as a Space Opera author was deciding how much science to include in my stories. Too much technical detail risks bogging down the narrative; too little, and the world might feel flimsy or unbelievable. Over the years, I’ve learned that the key isn’t just getting the science “right,” but grounding the story in enough realism to make the fantastical elements shine.

Take faster-than-light travel (FTL), for example. It’s the backbone of nearly every Space Opera universe, and yet, it’s scientifically impossible—at least as we understand physics today. For Merchant of Vision, I spent weeks reading articles on hypothetical FTL methods, from wormholes to Alcubierre drives. While none of these concepts are feasible right now, they provided a foundation for my fictional drive systems. By grounding my FTL mechanics in real scientific theories, I could build a universe that felt plausible, even if the technology itself was a leap of imagination.

Research: A Gateway to Creativity

Researching science has been one of the most rewarding parts of my writing process. It’s incredible how often real-world discoveries spark ideas that shape my stories. Did you know that scientists recently discovered exoplanets with atmospheres containing water vapor and even complex chemicals? Details like this inspire the worlds in my books—planets with unique weather systems, biomes, and ecosystems that feel alive because they’re rooted in real science.

But science also presents limitations. For instance, the harsh realities of space travel—radiation exposure, bone loss in low gravity, the sheer distances between stars—can sometimes feel like obstacles to storytelling. Yet, I’ve found that these constraints often lead to more interesting solutions. How does a long-haul space traveler deal with the psychological toll of isolation? What kind of economy develops around resource-rich asteroids in a system where transporting materials is costly? The answers to these questions have added depth to my universe.

Alien Biology: Where Science Meets Art

Creating alien species is another area where science and fiction collide. Biology tells us that life evolves based on environmental pressures, so I start by imagining the conditions on an alien world—gravity, atmosphere, temperature, available resources—and then design creatures that could realistically thrive there.

For example, one species in Merchant of Vision comes from a high-gravity world with dense vegetation. This led me to design a species with short, muscular builds and limb adaptations for climbing. But beyond the physical traits, I also consider culture and psychology. How would an intelligent species from a high-gravity world think, communicate, or view the universe? Science gives me the framework, but imagination fills in the blanks.

The Artistic License to Dream

Despite all this research, there are moments when I let go of realism and lean fully into the fantastical. Sometimes, a narrative simply demands it. If the story is richer or more exciting because of a gravity-defying spaceship maneuver or a species with inexplicable abilities, I embrace the fiction. After all, Space Opera is about capturing the awe and wonder of the universe, and sometimes that means breaking the rules.

Lessons Learned

Writing on the edge of science and fiction has taught me that it’s not about choosing one over the other but blending them in ways that enhance the story. Science provides the scaffolding—the rules and limitations that make a universe feel coherent. Fiction adds the color, the soul, and the sense of infinite possibility.

As I continue to explore the universe of Merchant of Vision and beyond, I find myself constantly inspired by this delicate balance. It’s a reminder that, while the stars may seem out of reach, the human imagination knows no bounds.

So here’s to the perfect fusion of science and fiction—where the impossible feels just within grasp, and every story is a new frontier waiting to be discovered.