Creating images in the mind is creative isnt it? How much detail is in the pictures in your mind when you read? My point of asking is that, if you are able to imagine a fictional scenario, thats kind of the groundwork for some kind of guided imagery meditation therapy. Since you like sci fi, there could be some role playing in it and it might be more fun. You could imagine yourself talking to people. When you can see yourself doing it before you do it, that sometimes makes it easier.