Is there such a thing as Urban Sci-fi?

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SingtoMe

New member
I know what Urban Fantasy is, but what about Urban Sci-fi? Is that a term used today?

I'm writing a sci-fi novel that's set on modern day earth. I don't mention other planet and its not set in the future. The technology is what's available today. Would this be considered Urban Sci-fi, or is there another term for it?
Bleh, I don't know why I didn't think of that. But, most people think of science fiction in terms of Star Trek and Star Wars. It then begs the question of Why is Urban Fantasy not called (simply) Fantasy? It's because the place does matter, from what I understand.
Also, I'll admit that the aliens do have advanced technology, but technology isn't a big part of my novel. My novel centers more on advanced science.
@the notorious - it's sci-fi because it involves aliens, so fiction agents would never rep it unless they repped sci-fi specifically. It's alien abduction, but it's set 100% on Earth during modern times, but after 9/11.
 
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ThenotoriousSinjari

New member
Set in modern Earth?
Modern technology?

If everything in your story is modern, I wouldn't consider this science fiction at all. If there's no fictional science, than it's not sci-fi. It's just fi.

edit~I'd have to disagree with Lynx.
A character saving the world against all odds without the help of fictional machinery or science, on our planet with normal human beings belongs in the realm of the thriller genre (most likely scientific thrillers).

John W. Campbell once said,
"To be science fiction, not fantasy, an honest effort at prophetic extrapolation from the known must be made."

edit~ Oh, there are aliens? Well, in that case, forget everything I said haha.
 
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brigini

New member
I think the term urban would be used if the setting is such, like in a big city or in homes or on streets that are specifically in urban areas and thats what you wish to convey to the reader. Other than that, like if its aliens and stuff and theyre depicted throughout the world/country then i guess theres no need to use the word urban, i dunno, its your book, so its ur call. Just seems like unless thats REALLY important to the story...maybe you could say Modern Sci-fi or something
 
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lynx

Member
It's not so much the setting at times, but rather the way the story progresses. For example, if the story is about a regular person doing normal things, it would simply be fiction. If this person were to somehow save the world, I think it would be safe to call sci-fi since saving the world is ridiculously exaggerated and involves unusual instances.
 
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