r/scifiwriting

This may seem like an obvious answer to most, but it's something I'm curious about. While topics like time travel, robots, and aliens automatically mark a story as science fiction, does the same apply to dinosaurs and prehistoric animals?

I recently submitted a story to a magazine that was promptly rejected (which a part of me knew it would be) yet as I open my notebook to begin drafting a new one, I began to wonder if dinosaurs in it of themselves makes something belong to the science fiction genre or if there has to be more present elements to put it in there. Especially if it isn't your standard time travel or genetic revival story.

Again, if this is a no brainer forgive me for my ignorance.

A concept I am playing around with for my military cassette futurism setting. Planetary operations are conducted from carriers that enter the atmosphere just enough to allow aircraft to launch from it. In this world, there is dedicated space craft and dedicated aircraft.

What kind of propulsion would a carrier need to maintain its orbit? Would it need constant thrust to keep it airborne? Should I use jet propulsion or big ass helicopter blades? Is there a point in the atmosphere that gravity isn’t that big of an issue?

Hi, I don't normally write in the sci-fi genre, but am working on a novel where ultimately AI takes over...so in a sense it is dystopian AI sci-fi, but is largely happening in the background of the main plot. However, that seems to be the state of the world right now anyway...my question is would this still be considered part of the sci-fi genre? I want to consult the community of experts? Are there similar books you'd recommend?