A few years ago, I embarked on a literary experiment: write a new novel, but move away from my usual preferred genres (see earlier post A Tale of Two Genres (Part I)). In summary, my previous two works were noir detective novels set around 1940. The new one: a sci-fi planetary adventure called Scorpions and Sky Gods. In it, an Earth starcruiser lieutenant is marooned on an arid world of human-like tribes and a brutal warrior culture.
I had never delved into writing sci-fi before. I almost never even read it. My usual fiction fare is mystery, action/adventure, and detective novels. On a friend's recommendation, I read A Princess of Mars, by Edgar Rice Burroughs, to get a feel for something similar. I liked the book only mildly and hoped mine would deliver a bit more action and compelling characters.
I don't have the patience to make a story outline. Besides, I suspect it'd end up constraining plot development. So, I dove right in with a thread of an idea and wrote away, letting my characters whisk me where they wished in the new alien world I had created.
Life got in the way, as it often does. Much of 2024 and 2025 became lost years where writing wasn't really an option. But later in 2025 I was able to start up again, thanks to the encouragement of my weekly writer's critique group. As the chapters accumulated, I became accustomed to my new genre. It even began to feel natural. The story progressed nicely toward the climactic ending that had taken up residence in my head from the beginning.
I finished the first draft and an initial editing pass just this month. Total 131,000 words! (I'm hoping it isn't unusual for sci-fi to be so voluminous.) My previous record - about 110,000 - was a suspense novel more than 15 years ago. Ahead, I have the inevitable second pass at editing. I've also submitted it to the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association 2026 writing contest for unpublished works, for which I am a previous winner. If I win or place this year ... maybe an agent will actually notice.
In the meantime, what do I write next? A sequel to my last noir detective novel, or one that continues my newfound planetary adventure?
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