No matter your skill level in sci-fi writing, one thing is for sure: sci-fi writing requires a lot of research. Even though science fiction is, well, fiction, readers still expect a certain level of science fact mixed in with the fiction. And this is where things can get tricky. Where to start??
Being a sci-fi writer myself, I find myself using certain online tools that have been invaluable to me for researching my stories and works in progress. There is no shortage of great resources out there for us sci-fi scribes, which can be overwhelming to say the least!
I’ve compiled a few sites that are great places to start if you need a little nudge to get started, or if you’re looking for some great details for that alien invasion novel you’ve been planning for so long. Bookmark these online tools for sci-fi writers for later use so you can come back to them anytime!
Start here:
If you’re new to the sci-fi genre or you’re trying to figure out which subgenre your WIP falls into, check out this website for a comprehensive list of sci-fi, fantasy, and other speculative subgenres. When you click on a category (like steampunk, for instance), it brings up the definition, as well as a list of great novels to read in that subgenre. So, if you’re confused about what slipstream is, or how to include elements of soft sci-fi into your novel, this is the site to visit.
You can also look up novels according to awards won, like the Hugo or Nebula award, find expert sci-fi authors, as well as publishers, podcasts, sci-fi conventions, magazines, bookstores, and even groups and clubs to join.
This site is chock full of resources for sci-fi writers just like you, so be sure to bookmark this one!
Generators
If you’re a writer, you’ve no doubt used name generators to help you produce names for characters. Some name generators do more than just help you create perfect futuristic names: they help you create worlds, kingdoms, planets, you name it! But don’t let the name fool you. Sci-fi writers can also use the Fantasy Name Generator to name things like:
- AI, robots, mad scientists, even lizard folk
- Dystopian or apocalyptic cities and towns, spaceships, planets, and space colonies and fleets
- Artifacts, diseases, natural disasters, inventions, and even languages and music
You can even break through writer’s block with description generators that help you describe that new race of aliens you invented.
This site is always adding new categories, so check back often for more inspo! Also, check out Donjon’s science fiction section for even more great name and world-building generators.
A sister site of Fantasy Name Generator, this site was created for tabletop gaming like Dungeons and Dragons, and for writing in general. But don’t worry sci-fi scribblers, this site is for you too! This site helped me plan out and envision the space station in one of my WIPs and gave me a level of detail to write about I wouldn’t have had before. This goes beyond name generators to help you create:
- Geographical and constellation maps
- Planet interiors and entire solar systems
- Space bases
- Timelines
- Weapons
- Towns/cities
- Periodic tables
- Outfits
There’s so much more to check out, so be sure to drop by this site to see what they have in store for you.
This generator goes beyond name generators as well, with sections on writing, characters, world-building, items, and music. Each section pulls up different generators, so the sky’s the limit. They even boast a writing prompt generator to help writer’s block.
But my favorite aspect of this site is creating planets! This site’s gen will create detailed descriptions of planets “suitable for fiction settings”. You can choose which type of planet you wish to create, like a water, desert, rocky, Earth-like, frozen, humid, etc. Or you can choose the random gen to see what the site comes up with for you. The generator will create a detailed chart for you which includes:
- Name and planet type
- Sky color
- Moons and rings
- Size and radius
- Gravity
- Temperature ranges/surface temperature
- Water prevalence
- Life sustainability
- Day and year length
- Seasonal variations
This is a super fun site to play around on, so be sure to bookmark this one when you’re ready to create a new planet or solar system.
Science Sites
NASA’s website is a treasure trove for sci-fi authors. If you’re looking for hard science facts to bring some reality to your science fiction, you definitely want to bookmark this site. Points of interest include:
- The Space Tech section, which lets you learn about robotics, living in space, space travel, manufacturing, materials, and 3-D printing, science instruments, and high-tech computing
- The Flight section, with information on sustainable aviation, future aircraft, and supersonic flight, and unmanned aircraft
- The Solar System and Beyond section has a plethora of info about planets, moons, the search for exoplanets, dark energy and dark matter, and stars and galaxies
You can also download e-books and podcasts about everything science related, and be sure to view the Image Galleries for exciting deep space photos to get those creative juices flowing!
Are you writing a space opera novel involving lots of spaceships? Worried about how to write about flying in one? Check out Spaceflight Now for all your spaceflight needs.
This website has dozens of articles, launch schedules for planned orbital missions from space ports around the world, and mission reports from the space station and other orbiting crafts. There is also a link to the UK’s Astronomy Now, with Hubble photos, interactive sky charts, and almanacs.
You can also become a member to get exclusive bonus content for $50 a year if you wish.
As the name suggests, this site, created by an astronomer, teacher, and lecturer, wanted to dispel myths and misconceptions related to astronomy get the straight facts to the masses.
Here you can find misconceptions that are in movies, TV, and in the media, as well as sections called Mad Science, Fun Stuff, and Bitesize Astronomy. Check out the Bad Astronomy blog to answer all your questions on black holes, comets, progenitor systems, and the new James Webb Space Telescope, just for starters.
Timelines
On datesandevents.org, you can find timelines for everything dealing with human civilization. If you’re looking to have some historical accuracy in your sci-fi novel, this is a suitable place to start.
You can find timelines on technology (linked above), the atomic timeline, timelines on wars, people, places, and events. You can even create your own timeline with their timeline creator, linked here. Made for students, this is a simple timeline creator to help you keep track of events in your novel or WIP.
This site allows you to learn about all the inventions, tech, and ideas created by sci-fi writers over the last few hundred years. There are over 3,200 resources available on this site, including many different and interesting timelines, so this is a great one to reference.
The site boasts a science fiction and science fiction invention dictionary, and a science fiction timeline (beginning in the 1600s with Kepler). Learn about robot assembly, gravity beams, asteroid belts, even emergency space suits. There is no lack of info here! The cosmos is the limit with what you can search for on this site!
These online tools for sci-fi writers listed in this article are just the tip of the galactic iceberg. I hope these can get you started on your cosmic sci-fi journey, and if you’re looking for more resources, click here for even more fun stuff to check out!
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