The Literary Genre of Science Fiction

Literature comes in all forms and lengths. From the shortest poem to the longest dramatic epic, it covers an array of genres and sub-genres and sometimes pulls together diverse ones into new types. “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” anyone?

We’re not going that far afield here. We are concerned with taking a look at the genre of science fiction, which comes in two varieties that can be categorized as hard and soft.

Soft science fiction deals mainly with themes based on fields such as anthropology, sociology, and psychology. It looks at human behavior and centers the story on that pivot point.

Hard science fiction, which you will find in the novella “Cosmic Swan,” for instance, is based on the principles of disciplines such as geology, physics, chemistry, and astronomy. It is often written by scientists, so it speaks with the ring of truth, parallels real-life research, and sometimes even accurately predicts future scientific developments.

Bill Copeland, the author of “Cosmic Swan,” comes to writing with a solid grounding in science, due to his career at one of the most science-driven organizations in the world -- NASA. Thanks to years of being immersed in the importance of facts and figures, his work speaks with the ring of truth. But, and here’s where the art comes in, he crafts the story so it’s thoroughly entertaining and engaging, without any dryness that some hard science fiction is known for. It’s a ripping good yarn that appeals to all readers.

Hard-Hitting Science Fiction Novella by Bill Copeland

An old saying tells us that it’s not possible to please everyone at the same time. Perhaps that’s true, but author Bill Copeland comes pretty close with his science fiction novella “Cosmic Swan.” It’s a joy to describe this book because it is so rich in content and detail combined with the craft of finely wrought storytelling.

A closer look at the story shows how it brings to life a hard-hitting science fiction tale that weaves together many elements that are sure to keep even the most discerning reader happy, no matter what genre they like to explore.

When you read “Cosmic Swan,” you are transported around the world on a tale of adventure. But it’s much more than that. It incorporates hard science, mysterious realms, other life forms, and interstellar visitors.

It’s also a great introduction to science fiction for those who are looking for something that is grounded in hard science. Copeland draws upon his years working at NASA -- a place where they know a thing or two about science -- to create a story that has a basis in the true workings of scientific principles. Things in this story behave as they would if the events, incidents, and individuals were brought to life.

You don’t find yourself saying, “That’s unbelievable,” as you would with a lesser science fiction novella. You find yourself gripped by the story and saying, “What happens next?”