Fully Booked EP173: The Power of Ambiguity in Science Fiction

On this week’s episode of Fully Booked, we explore the idea of writing with intentional ambiguity, a technique that involves leaving certain details unsaid to encourage deeper reader engagement. By strategically withholding information, authors allow readers to draw their own conclusions, imagine unwritten backstories, and interpret character motivations in different ways. Swedish author Karl Hörnell joins Craig and Roland to discuss how this approach can preserve narrative momentum and create a more immersive experience. While ambiguity has value across genres, it is especially powerful in science fiction, where over-explaining can quickly date a story or limit the reader's imagination.

Karl shares his experience writing a novel set in a world populated by AI characters. Each of these characters is inspired by well-known fictional robots, but they are never named outright, and recognizing their origins is not essential to understanding the plot. This leaves the door open for every reader to enjoy the story, while offering added depth for those who pick up on the subtle references. The conversation explores how ambiguity can keep readers engaged without overwhelming them with detail, offering practical insights into how authors can say just enough and let the rest unfold in the reader's mind.

 

Karl Hörnell https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYM4DPJ

 

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