Space Opera: The Spacening; This time, it's spacious.
I want you to write a space opera. What’s that, says you? Well, says me, go watch Star Wars (IV through VI! I-III don’t count) this very damned instant.
Wikipedia lists a space opera as “a subgenre of speculative fiction or science fiction that emphasizes romantic, often melodramatic adventure, set mainly or entirely in space, generally involving conflict between opponents possessing powerful (and sometimes quite fanciful) technologies and abilities. Perhaps the most significant trait of space opera is that settings, characters, battles, powers, and themes tend to be very large-scale.”
And that’s the bulk of what you need to know for this challenge. But it’s important you don’t get too caught up in the setting. This is all about the basics. It’s about the emotions, and the struggle, and fighting for what you believe is right. The sci-fi should come naturally.
If it can’t be prequeled or sequeled, you’re probably not thinking big enough.
Listening to Rush while you write might help.