Writing sci-fi has as much work as any other writing genre. Here are some tips below to help you plot it out. Even if you aren't writing sci-fi, this will still help; yes, that includes nonfiction novels too.
- Know you world: You are the author. It's your world and your story. Plot out the history of the world/universe. What nations/empires/republics/colonies are there? Who are the people? What's their history? Detailed outlines (though not too detailed [this leaves some room for creativity]) help you keep the history of your world/universe in check. Not only is this a benefit to you, the author, but it help to ensure that you never (almost never) contradict yourself. Some world building is nice, but don't spend the whole novel on it.
- Plot it out: Plot out the events of your story using what I call the skewed pyramid*. This helps to ensure that you stay on track and don't wander off to explain every little detail about your world/universe. You're not David Weber or John Ringo. If the scene works by adding in some detail of your world, such as an important battle, reference it, don't spell the whole thing out.
- Are weapons and technology necessary?: Of course they're necessary. It hints at the universe/world around your book. If it has contemporary technology, then the reader knows it's set around the current era of humanity. If it has unheard of technology, it's the future.
