I’ll be completely honest, I don’t know where the “Opera” from “Space Opera” originates from. One assumes it is from the musical form of theatre, with its grandiose plots and extravagant sets, but that’s a suspicion. They might both stem from a common meaning for the term? Or perhaps early science fiction, through radio dramas, was more inclined towards musicality? Unlikely, but not impossible.
I could probably Wikipedia this issue, but I don’t really care that much. Space Opera is Space Opera, regardless of why the origins of the term exist. I’ll probably look it up later when I’m not working, just because I ten towards infinite curiousity. But no reason to now.
I mention it only because as much as I love epic Space Opera, and for clarity I really really do, I don’t think I’ve ever written one. I’ve written a bunch of space adventures (Tintian, The Hunt for the Wind’s Howling Rage), I’ve definitely written a space western (Caitlyn Morcos), and some quasi-military sci-fi (Starconvoy EH-76), and one YA-adjacent space adventure (The Queen of the A.I.s)… but no real Space Opera. Not in the Brin or Pournelle style, at least. Definitely not in the Asimov style.
I think that’s okay. Space Opera like that tend to be bigger in scope than the stories I want to tell. I like telling stories that are zoomed in, with relatable and interesting characters, rather than sweeping galactic epics. I’m not really interested in the decisions of kings or empresses in so much as I like focusing on the movement of lieutenants or workers. Those are the stories that interest me.
Maybe it’s because I have never aspired to be an emperor. Sounds like a lot of work, and I doubt the payoff is worth it.
Hope everyone out there is staying safe and healthy!