Essential Tips for Writing Space Opera

How To Write the Future podcast, episode 156

“Of course, you want to think of what they want, the goal, why they want it, the motivation; what's in their way, the conflict, but also their strengths and also their secrets.” - Beth Barany

In this episode of How To Write The Future, “Essential Tips for Writing Space Opera,” podcast host Beth Barany gets interviewed by her husband and fellow author Ezra Barany about what a space opera is and explain how you can create that type of story. Beth shares how she was inspired to write her Janey McCallister sci-fi mystery series, shares how to build complex interstellar societies.

About the How To Write the Future podcast

The How To Write The Future podcast is for science fiction and fantasy writers who want to write positive futures and successfully bring those stories out into the marketplace. Hosted by Beth Barany, science fiction novelist and creativity coach for writers. We cover tips for fiction writers.

This podcast is for readers too if you’re at all curious about the future of humanity.

This podcast is for you if you have questions like:

How do I create a believable world for my science fiction story?
How do I figure out what's not working if my story feels flat?
How do I make my story more interesting and alive?


FULL EPISODE PLAYLIST HERE:    • How To Write the Future Podcast - Tips for...  

READ THE TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2025/...

RESOURCES

Support our work for creatives! Buy me a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany

Episode 148 Fantasy Character Groups Made Simple with Ezra Barany: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/2025/...

GET HELP WITH YOUR WORLD BUILDING - START HERE
Free World Building Workbook for Fiction Writers: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/world...

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Get support for your fiction writing by a novelist and writing teacher and coach. Schedule an exploratory call here and see if Beth can support you today: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/disco...

ABOUT BETH BARANY

Beth Barany teaches science fiction and fantasy novelists how to write, edit, and publish their books as a coach, teacher, consultant, and developmental editor. She’s an award-winning fantasy and science fiction novelist and runs the podcast, “How To Write The Future.”

✅ Like the work we do? Tip us! https://ko-fi.com/bethbarany

Learn more about Beth Barany at these sites:

Author site: http://author.bethbarany.com/
Coaching site: http://bethbarany.com/
School of Fiction: http://baranyschooloffiction.com/
Writer's Fun Zone: http://www.writersfunzone.com/blog/

CONNECT

Contact Beth: https://writersfunzone.com/blog/podca...
Email: beth@bethbarany.com
LinkedIn:   / bethbarany  
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CREDITS

EDITED WITH DESCRIPT: https://www.descript.com?lmref=_w1WCA (Refer-a-Friend link)
MUSIC CREDITS : Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/fuzz-buzz License code: UMMKDRL02DFGKJ0L. “Fuzz buzz” by Soundroll. Commercial license: https://musicvine.com/track/soundroll....
DISTRIBUTED BY BUZZSPROUT: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_... (Refer-a-Friend link)

SHOW PRODUCTION BY Beth Barany
SHOW CO-PRODUCTION + NOTES by Kerry-Ann McDade
c. 2025 BETH BARANY