I’ve written several posts about different types of fantasy but there are plenty of science fiction subgenres to introduce too. The more I read sci-fi short stories (you can find a post about it here!) the more I thought about studying these and finding more that I enjoy. One of these has quickly become sword and planet. It’s the perfect blend of science fiction and fantasy that I’ve always enjoyed. Today I want to talk about how to write it. Check out what this subgenre is and how to write it below!
What Sword and Planet Is
To start off, sword and planet is one of the many sci-fi subgenres. However, it also includes fantasy elements. The reason it got the name “sword and planet” comes from how characters typically used swords or other fantasy weapons whenever they needed to fight something on another planet. Other characteristics include:
1. The story takes place on an alien planet (usually a character traveling to another planet)
2. Medieval fantasy concepts, such as sword fighting, knights, or people, figures, and places based on different medieval myths
3. Some kind of adventure (mostly with the humans against the native alien race)
As you can see, the ideas are kind of broad, so there are many directions you can take with these stories. Lots of known sci-fi works like Frank Herbert’s Dune or Star Wars, for example, use these ideas in different ways, though they aren’t true Sword and Planet. So how do you write the genre if it’s so general?
How to Write It
Like I said, the characteristics sound broad. But there are ways to make your story this subgenre specifically! To start writing, be sure to do the following:
1. Focus on the story more than the planet. I know, it’s called Sword and PLANET. However, stories in this subgenre focus more on what happens to the characters than what the planet looks like. Stories like Edgar Rice Burrough’s A Princess of Mars, for example, only briefly mention what Mars looks like and how things work. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t worldbuild! Craft interesting details and make your planet unique, just make sure the plot keeps moving forward.
2. Include fantasy and myth. Sword and planet also includes tons of fantasy inspiration. Usually, that means a story includes something medieval-inspired, but that doesn’t have to be the case! Look at myths from all kinds of cultures that resonate with you, or create fantasy based on what you like about fantasy.
3. Include lots of aliens. Lastly, sword and planet needs aliens! Get creative with what they look like and how they live on the planet. Just be sure to connect this to fantasy. Alien technology could be advanced, but how things work should still focus on fantasy.
What to Avoid
Next, if you want to really get this subgenre down, make sure you avoid the following:
1. A story NOT set on another planet. If this takes place on Earth or the world is never established to be on another planet, then it doesn’t fit in the subgenre.
2. Avoid tropes. Additionally, sword and planet included tropes in the past. Usually, humans are the protagonists and the native aliens are the bad guys. This outdated idea has been so overused, and it’s not likely to sit well with your audience. Figure out how to make the aliens a huge, interesting part of your story!
Some Examples
The Sword of Rhiannon – Leigh Brackett. Leigh Brackett actually has a ton of sword and planet stories. This one follows a thief on an alien planet who attempts to sell an ancient sword.
A Princess of Mars – Edgar Rice Burroughs. Probably one of the best-known sword and planet stories, this follows John Carter as he’s transported to Mars and rescues a princess.
In the Courts of the Crimson Kings – S.M. Stirling. In this story, the United States and the Soviet Union discovered alien life on Mars and Venus.
So that’s it! Use this as a starting point so you can start writing sword and planet. Happy writing!
Want to know more about fantasy and science fiction? Check out my most popular post here!
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