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The very notion that humans would walk on the moon, communicate across continents or fly in machines around the world, was at one time no more than the basis for a science fiction novel. When H G Wells wrote The Time Machine, did he perhaps harbor thoughts that this far-fetched mode of travel would one day become possible?
The well known writer Ray Bradbury, when asked to define science fiction, indicated there was a strong relationship to the thoughts of the writer as to his view of the future, a kind of prophetic mentality that guided the pen of the author. Unlike fantasy, science fiction is usually based on things familiar but which are then stretched by the imagination into realms that are pure invention.

The typical science fiction novel is positioned somewhere between reality and fantasy, an example of literature that steps outside of reality but which preserves the impression the fictional account could become actuality in the future. Much of the science fiction produced in the past century is written from the standpoint of the author's own view that what is a fantastic story now, could be closer to reality for generations to come.

IMAGINATION.
Some of the more common characteristics of science fiction literature are of humans with superhuman powers, space exploration that goes far beyond the capabilities of man and beings from outer space visiting our earthly realm. Common subjects in science fiction, but subjects that are not too far removed from man's beliefs and hopes for the future.
How many rational people on earth believe "we are not alone" in the universe? It would be no surprise to find large numbers who believe there is life on other planets, some even believing we live in a parallel universe with people exactly like ourselves living light years from Earth.

Science fiction may not be reality, but it certainly has its basis in the real world in many instances. Space exploration is a fact of human life today, but science fiction takes that into dimensions that are impossible for humans to reach. There may be a similarity in landing a man on the moon and the exploits of the Starship Enterprise, but the gap between reality and imagination is very wide.

The characteristics of science fiction literature will differ from author to author, but there is understandably that constant connection to what we already know. Simply put, science fiction is science or knowledge fictionalized and stretched to a level that is outside of reality. In most cases, that link to the real world will be evident in the writings of most science fiction novelists.

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