How I Write Adrian Tchaikovsky: How to Write Great Science Fiction | How I Write
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Dec 31, 2025 
Adrian Tchaikovsky, the celebrated author behind over 60 science fiction and fantasy works, shares insights into his imaginative writing process. He explains his method of meticulous worldbuilding and the importance of compelling characters. Tchaikovsky discusses the art of crafting fight scenes, emphasizing emotional truth and narrative significance. He also explores the balance between originality and research, suggesting that magic should come with a cost. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the significance of immersive settings and the surprising depth characters can reveal.
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Plan Chapters As Information Delivery
- Plan chapter-by-chapter so each scene delivers required information to make the back end of the book work.
- Break chapters into beats and specify where key facts must be revealed to avoid dead-ends later.
What-If Drops A Stone; Follow The Ripples
- Start with a single strong 'what-if' and follow the logical ripples it creates through the world.
- Each ripple yields consecutive 'therefore' consequences that build a coherent setting and plot.
Avoid Crowded Idea Spaces
- Avoid repeating well-worn genre ideas unless you can find a genuinely fresh spin.
- If you can't innovate on a crowded concept, choose a different premise to keep your work original.
