SFFChat
@sffchat.bsky.social
Home of the hashtag game #SFFChat! Join us every Thursday for a new set of questions, comment on other authors' posts, and make some friends!
Absolutely NO AI allowed.
Absolutely NO AI allowed.
Pinned
SFFChat
@sffchat.bsky.social
· Apr 12
Welcome to the new #SFFChat! Every Thursday, alternating mornings and evenings EST, I'll post a new set of questions that anyone can answer! It's chiefly for writers, but if you're a fan of SFF literature, please feel welcome to hop into the space and discuss your favourite writers as well!
Summon a brownie any time, anywhere.
#SFFChat Intro: Introduce yourself and share what magic power you would have if you could choose one!
December 19, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q1:
I don't, really. I suppose in a bloodless way, soft science is playing in the theoretical space and hard is the things we can experimentally create, but to me its all sort of the same spectrum of science.
I don't, really. I suppose in a bloodless way, soft science is playing in the theoretical space and hard is the things we can experimentally create, but to me its all sort of the same spectrum of science.
#SFFChat Q1: What do you consider the differences between hard and soft science or magic?
December 19, 2025 at 1:25 AM
#SFFChat Q1:
I don't, really. I suppose in a bloodless way, soft science is playing in the theoretical space and hard is the things we can experimentally create, but to me its all sort of the same spectrum of science.
I don't, really. I suppose in a bloodless way, soft science is playing in the theoretical space and hard is the things we can experimentally create, but to me its all sort of the same spectrum of science.
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat
Hi, I'm Fox. I'd love to be able to tell just what someone is feeling and needing/wanting from me at any given time, even if they don't fully know, themselves. I'd go from being a good listener to a perfect listener.
Either that, or being able to mind-control bad people into being good.
Hi, I'm Fox. I'd love to be able to tell just what someone is feeling and needing/wanting from me at any given time, even if they don't fully know, themselves. I'd go from being a good listener to a perfect listener.
Either that, or being able to mind-control bad people into being good.
#SFFChat Intro: Introduce yourself and share what magic power you would have if you could choose one!
December 19, 2025 at 1:26 AM
#SFFChat
Hi, I'm Fox. I'd love to be able to tell just what someone is feeling and needing/wanting from me at any given time, even if they don't fully know, themselves. I'd go from being a good listener to a perfect listener.
Either that, or being able to mind-control bad people into being good.
Hi, I'm Fox. I'd love to be able to tell just what someone is feeling and needing/wanting from me at any given time, even if they don't fully know, themselves. I'd go from being a good listener to a perfect listener.
Either that, or being able to mind-control bad people into being good.
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q2:
It depends on whether it is science or magic.
For me, I like the story's internal science to be as consistent as possible. Not necessarily accurate to our understandings, but at least explicable within the story. For magic its the opposite: I want magic to be mysterious and wild
It depends on whether it is science or magic.
For me, I like the story's internal science to be as consistent as possible. Not necessarily accurate to our understandings, but at least explicable within the story. For magic its the opposite: I want magic to be mysterious and wild
#SFFChat Q2: Does your magic or science tend to be more or less rules-based?
What do you prefer to write? If you write both, feel free to share something about that!
What do you prefer to write? If you write both, feel free to share something about that!
December 19, 2025 at 1:27 AM
#SFFChat Q2:
It depends on whether it is science or magic.
For me, I like the story's internal science to be as consistent as possible. Not necessarily accurate to our understandings, but at least explicable within the story. For magic its the opposite: I want magic to be mysterious and wild
It depends on whether it is science or magic.
For me, I like the story's internal science to be as consistent as possible. Not necessarily accurate to our understandings, but at least explicable within the story. For magic its the opposite: I want magic to be mysterious and wild
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat
As I understand it, hard magic has specific ways that its works, which are explained to the reader, and soft magic keeps the mystery without really explaining it.
Hard science can demonstrate its principles precisely (water molecules are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen every time),
🧵
As I understand it, hard magic has specific ways that its works, which are explained to the reader, and soft magic keeps the mystery without really explaining it.
Hard science can demonstrate its principles precisely (water molecules are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen every time),
🧵
#SFFChat Q1: What do you consider the differences between hard and soft science or magic?
December 19, 2025 at 1:35 AM
#SFFChat
As I understand it, hard magic has specific ways that its works, which are explained to the reader, and soft magic keeps the mystery without really explaining it.
Hard science can demonstrate its principles precisely (water molecules are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen every time),
🧵
As I understand it, hard magic has specific ways that its works, which are explained to the reader, and soft magic keeps the mystery without really explaining it.
Hard science can demonstrate its principles precisely (water molecules are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen every time),
🧵
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q3:
I think bending as many rules as possible in Scifi can really add to the tension and horror elements in the genre. The terror of things not working the way you *thought* they would is quite palpable to me.
I think bending as many rules as possible in Scifi can really add to the tension and horror elements in the genre. The terror of things not working the way you *thought* they would is quite palpable to me.
#SFFChat Q3: What are the advantages of the approach you DIDN'T choose for Q2? OR, if you said both, describe your process in terms of how you decide.
December 19, 2025 at 1:36 AM
#SFFChat Q3:
I think bending as many rules as possible in Scifi can really add to the tension and horror elements in the genre. The terror of things not working the way you *thought* they would is quite palpable to me.
I think bending as many rules as possible in Scifi can really add to the tension and horror elements in the genre. The terror of things not working the way you *thought* they would is quite palpable to me.
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Intro: It's me Percivale and I'd 10000% want to be able to shape-shift into different animals, and be able to communicate with those animals, while maintaining my own intelligence. Can you imagine what worms got to say??
(idk why I wrote this like I was negotiating with a genie)
(idk why I wrote this like I was negotiating with a genie)
#SFFChat Intro: Introduce yourself and share what magic power you would have if you could choose one!
December 19, 2025 at 1:42 AM
#SFFChat Intro: It's me Percivale and I'd 10000% want to be able to shape-shift into different animals, and be able to communicate with those animals, while maintaining my own intelligence. Can you imagine what worms got to say??
(idk why I wrote this like I was negotiating with a genie)
(idk why I wrote this like I was negotiating with a genie)
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat
I keep my magic systems nebulous. I've written down some ideas for specific types/sources of magic, but I don't want to specify just how someone casts a spell. I like the mystery and the feeling that most people really don't understand these things. It keeps magic magical.
I keep my magic systems nebulous. I've written down some ideas for specific types/sources of magic, but I don't want to specify just how someone casts a spell. I like the mystery and the feeling that most people really don't understand these things. It keeps magic magical.
#SFFChat Q2: Does your magic or science tend to be more or less rules-based?
What do you prefer to write? If you write both, feel free to share something about that!
What do you prefer to write? If you write both, feel free to share something about that!
December 19, 2025 at 1:42 AM
#SFFChat
I keep my magic systems nebulous. I've written down some ideas for specific types/sources of magic, but I don't want to specify just how someone casts a spell. I like the mystery and the feeling that most people really don't understand these things. It keeps magic magical.
I keep my magic systems nebulous. I've written down some ideas for specific types/sources of magic, but I don't want to specify just how someone casts a spell. I like the mystery and the feeling that most people really don't understand these things. It keeps magic magical.
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q1: For me the difference is hard s/m the rules are the point its the plot itself whereas soft the magic is the plot its like the difference between full metal alchemist and avatar the last air bender
#SFFChat Q1: What do you consider the differences between hard and soft science or magic?
December 19, 2025 at 1:45 AM
#SFFChat Q1: For me the difference is hard s/m the rules are the point its the plot itself whereas soft the magic is the plot its like the difference between full metal alchemist and avatar the last air bender
Reposted by SFFChat
December 19, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Reposted by SFFChat
It would make my year if more people read my debut novel, a cybernoir about a butch trans lesbian who just can't keep her nose clean.
trishusband.itch.io/keeping-the-...
trishusband.itch.io/keeping-the-...
Keeping The Peace by Tris Husband
Transfemme Crime Noir
trishusband.itch.io
December 19, 2025 at 1:49 AM
It would make my year if more people read my debut novel, a cybernoir about a butch trans lesbian who just can't keep her nose clean.
trishusband.itch.io/keeping-the-...
trishusband.itch.io/keeping-the-...
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q2: math is my special interest, I'm not in any way GOOD at math, but I do love making very precise systems and exploring how those rules would act in a story so I love hard systems, both my my scifi book Judgment and my secondary fantasy project there is a lot of hard rules
#SFFChat Q2: Does your magic or science tend to be more or less rules-based?
What do you prefer to write? If you write both, feel free to share something about that!
What do you prefer to write? If you write both, feel free to share something about that!
December 19, 2025 at 1:49 AM
#SFFChat Q2: math is my special interest, I'm not in any way GOOD at math, but I do love making very precise systems and exploring how those rules would act in a story so I love hard systems, both my my scifi book Judgment and my secondary fantasy project there is a lot of hard rules
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat
I think a hard version of magic or science fiction can give the story more plausibility in the mind of the reader, and lets the reader pretend for a little while that they could someday do the same things the characters do. We all want to think we could be wizards and cyborg ninjas, too.
I think a hard version of magic or science fiction can give the story more plausibility in the mind of the reader, and lets the reader pretend for a little while that they could someday do the same things the characters do. We all want to think we could be wizards and cyborg ninjas, too.
#SFFChat Q3: What are the advantages of the approach you DIDN'T choose for Q2? OR, if you said both, describe your process in terms of how you decide.
December 19, 2025 at 1:51 AM
#SFFChat
I think a hard version of magic or science fiction can give the story more plausibility in the mind of the reader, and lets the reader pretend for a little while that they could someday do the same things the characters do. We all want to think we could be wizards and cyborg ninjas, too.
I think a hard version of magic or science fiction can give the story more plausibility in the mind of the reader, and lets the reader pretend for a little while that they could someday do the same things the characters do. We all want to think we could be wizards and cyborg ninjas, too.
Reposted by SFFChat
Thanks for hosting! Great prompts! #SFFChat
I'd appreciate anyone checking out my latest release "Life Before Blood" is available right now:
bsky.app/profile/zpro...
I'd appreciate anyone checking out my latest release "Life Before Blood" is available right now:
bsky.app/profile/zpro...
“Life Before Blood” available now!
The story of Renfield's tragic life and seduction by Count Dracula. (18k+ words)
Get it for $0.99! here: books2read.com/u/3R262R or FREE on Itch.IO: zekecaliban.itch.io/life-before-...
#BookSky #Romancelandia #DarkRomance #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #MMRomance
The story of Renfield's tragic life and seduction by Count Dracula. (18k+ words)
Get it for $0.99! here: books2read.com/u/3R262R or FREE on Itch.IO: zekecaliban.itch.io/life-before-...
#BookSky #Romancelandia #DarkRomance #WriteSky #WritingCommunity #MMRomance
December 19, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Thanks for hosting! Great prompts! #SFFChat
I'd appreciate anyone checking out my latest release "Life Before Blood" is available right now:
bsky.app/profile/zpro...
I'd appreciate anyone checking out my latest release "Life Before Blood" is available right now:
bsky.app/profile/zpro...
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat
I've posted this before, but it's probably my best example of the kind of eerie, unexplainable shit that goes on in Seff's world. Also, I just like the story.
I've posted this before, but it's probably my best example of the kind of eerie, unexplainable shit that goes on in Seff's world. Also, I just like the story.
December 19, 2025 at 1:55 AM
#SFFChat
I've posted this before, but it's probably my best example of the kind of eerie, unexplainable shit that goes on in Seff's world. Also, I just like the story.
I've posted this before, but it's probably my best example of the kind of eerie, unexplainable shit that goes on in Seff's world. Also, I just like the story.
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Intro. Hey, I'm Nicole/Ashrah, and I just remembered that today is SFFChat day :')
I'd choose spiritual magic. Yeah, it's totally because of Ashrah, and she's so badass with it!
I'd choose spiritual magic. Yeah, it's totally because of Ashrah, and she's so badass with it!
#SFFChat Intro: Introduce yourself and share what magic power you would have if you could choose one!
December 19, 2025 at 2:01 AM
#SFFChat Intro. Hey, I'm Nicole/Ashrah, and I just remembered that today is SFFChat day :')
I'd choose spiritual magic. Yeah, it's totally because of Ashrah, and she's so badass with it!
I'd choose spiritual magic. Yeah, it's totally because of Ashrah, and she's so badass with it!
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q1. For me, hard magic is where the rules are well defined, and because of that, we can have a good idea of what the system allows or doesn't allow. On the other hand, soft magic is more... well, magical in the sense that its nature can't be (fully) comprehended, and might even feel (1/2)
#SFFChat Q1: What do you consider the differences between hard and soft science or magic?
December 19, 2025 at 2:02 AM
#SFFChat Q1. For me, hard magic is where the rules are well defined, and because of that, we can have a good idea of what the system allows or doesn't allow. On the other hand, soft magic is more... well, magical in the sense that its nature can't be (fully) comprehended, and might even feel (1/2)
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Intro: Hi! I'm an autistic aroace agender amateur sci-fi and fantasy writer, and I'd totally pick shapeshifting.
#SFFChat Intro: Introduce yourself and share what magic power you would have if you could choose one!
December 19, 2025 at 2:04 AM
#SFFChat Intro: Hi! I'm an autistic aroace agender amateur sci-fi and fantasy writer, and I'd totally pick shapeshifting.
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q3: I do think that there is a certain 'awe' that good soft science/magic systems can provide, like there is just a certain mystique like Lord of the Rings or even Dragon Age, it's like personifying the unknown
#SFFChat Q3: What are the advantages of the approach you DIDN'T choose for Q2? OR, if you said both, describe your process in terms of how you decide.
December 19, 2025 at 2:04 AM
#SFFChat Q3: I do think that there is a certain 'awe' that good soft science/magic systems can provide, like there is just a certain mystique like Lord of the Rings or even Dragon Age, it's like personifying the unknown
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q2: My magic tends towards hard systems. There are rules, limitations, and you can understand how it works and apply to the events as you read. Parts of it are softer, though, spiritual magic in CotR being an example, as the spiritual realm itself cannot be as easily understood.
#SFFChat Q2: Does your magic or science tend to be more or less rules-based?
What do you prefer to write? If you write both, feel free to share something about that!
What do you prefer to write? If you write both, feel free to share something about that!
December 19, 2025 at 2:04 AM
#SFFChat Q2: My magic tends towards hard systems. There are rules, limitations, and you can understand how it works and apply to the events as you read. Parts of it are softer, though, spiritual magic in CotR being an example, as the spiritual realm itself cannot be as easily understood.
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q3. As I said before, I like how soft magic systems can feel more "magical" while hard systems may feel more like science, which can be tiresome, too. Both are definitely good, though again, I do gravitate more towards hard(er) systems because I like to world-build this kind of stuff, too!
#SFFChat Q3: What are the advantages of the approach you DIDN'T choose for Q2? OR, if you said both, describe your process in terms of how you decide.
December 19, 2025 at 2:06 AM
#SFFChat Q3. As I said before, I like how soft magic systems can feel more "magical" while hard systems may feel more like science, which can be tiresome, too. Both are definitely good, though again, I do gravitate more towards hard(er) systems because I like to world-build this kind of stuff, too!
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Q4. This is Ashrah's first step into becoming the incredibly powerful user of spiritual magic she will turn into. And as I said, spiritual magic is complex and mysterious, so much so that not even the demon born in the Astral Plane truly understands it!
#ChroniclesOfTheRealms #SayaAshrah
#ChroniclesOfTheRealms #SayaAshrah
December 19, 2025 at 2:10 AM
#SFFChat Q4. This is Ashrah's first step into becoming the incredibly powerful user of spiritual magic she will turn into. And as I said, spiritual magic is complex and mysterious, so much so that not even the demon born in the Astral Plane truly understands it!
#ChroniclesOfTheRealms #SayaAshrah
#ChroniclesOfTheRealms #SayaAshrah
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat Outro. Thanks for hosting, Steve, and sorry for being late today!
The two books in my series, This Is How Immortals Die and Garden of Rotten Roses, are in the Smashwords end-of-year sale, both at a 50% discount!
www.smashwords.com/profile/view...
The two books in my series, This Is How Immortals Die and Garden of Rotten Roses, are in the Smashwords end-of-year sale, both at a 50% discount!
www.smashwords.com/profile/view...
December 19, 2025 at 2:13 AM
#SFFChat Outro. Thanks for hosting, Steve, and sorry for being late today!
The two books in my series, This Is How Immortals Die and Garden of Rotten Roses, are in the Smashwords end-of-year sale, both at a 50% discount!
www.smashwords.com/profile/view...
The two books in my series, This Is How Immortals Die and Garden of Rotten Roses, are in the Smashwords end-of-year sale, both at a 50% discount!
www.smashwords.com/profile/view...
Reposted by SFFChat
Also, I just received a new Ashrah commission 🥰
December 19, 2025 at 2:13 AM
Also, I just received a new Ashrah commission 🥰
Reposted by SFFChat
#SFFChat 1: Hard magic systems follow stricter rules. But that doesn't mean they have to feel like game mechanics. I prefer more naturalistic hard magic systems.
Hard science isn't quite the same deal; it's when real science is followed more closely.
Hard science isn't quite the same deal; it's when real science is followed more closely.
#SFFChat Q1: What do you consider the differences between hard and soft science or magic?
December 19, 2025 at 2:13 AM
#SFFChat 1: Hard magic systems follow stricter rules. But that doesn't mean they have to feel like game mechanics. I prefer more naturalistic hard magic systems.
Hard science isn't quite the same deal; it's when real science is followed more closely.
Hard science isn't quite the same deal; it's when real science is followed more closely.