If you’re an anime fan like me, then you’ve probably noticed how some of the Sci-Fi shows and films in that medium throw a few paranormal elements into the mix. Recently, hubby and I re-watched Space Adventure Cobra (1982 anime movie) and I was actually surprised by just how much magical/mystical content there was in it. Not to mention how much love featured in the main story. I'd totally forgotten.
And if you've read any of my stories, then you also know that I like to blur my genres. I like to sprinkle a little paranormal into everything I write. That includes my Sci-Fi tales. I often throw some magic into space, a little shapeshifting into the seemingly-human population, and love revealing dark, hidden secrets that mess with the characters’ lives. It’s fun.
That brings me to something else I like to add to my Sci-Fi tales: romance and erotic content. Just because something is set in a fictional space world, it doesn't mean that it has to be all high-tech and science talk—without emotion.
Personally, when I write an SFR story, I prefer to concentrate on the characters. Their lives and loves are what intrigue me. I like to explore how living on different planets, space stations, spaceports, or just being able to travel between all of these, affects them.
If the worlds we create and the fictional places don't captivate us with the characters, then we can't relate to what's going on and lose interest. It's the human angle that gets me every time. It captures my imagination, grabs my attention and keeps me reading, or watching. The danger, struggle, secrets, and unexpected loves—they’re the things that make our characters stronger, or weaker. Their past experiences shaped them into who they become and not only make us sympathize with them, but also help us understand why they react the way they do.
No matter where the story's set, if it lacks something able to captivate you personally, it's not going to work. And the interaction between characters is what keeps me glued to my seat. I love a good complicated relationship. And by showing the way characters react to each other when they're on the page, as well as their mutual connection and attraction, is the best way to achieve this.
In both cases, I could feel the spark between the characters.
That's why a touch of romance—whether it’s an epic love story that spans the galaxy or a downright erotic tale between characters that are sexually compatible—will always surface in my stories. Falling in love is a natural part of life, so why should it be absent from Sci-Fi?
Thanks for reading!
About the Author
Yolanda Sfetsos lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband, daughter, and cat. She loves to spend most of her days writing stories. When she’s not writing she loves spending time with her small family, watching movies, anime, TV shows and reading.
Website: http://www.yolandasfetsos.com/
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