Employing the M.I.C.E Quotient To Tell Your Story
Select a major SF theme - Aliens, First Contact, Nuclear War, Time Travel, Etc.
Determine the single element which will dominate - Milieu, Idea, Character, or Event
Introduce a memorable character - Scientist, Explorer, Warrior, Innocent, Martyr, Politician, Orphan, Adventurer, Detective, etc.
Create that other time or place, using special knowledge of - Science, Culture, Behavior, etc.