Development - Historical Study, a more Little Science in Science Fiction

9 June 2012, Development - Historical Study, a more Little Science in Science Fiction

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

I'm writing about sources of historical research and how to make historical research. These apply to any novel or any subject you might wish to study. Here is a list:

1. Primary source documents or artifacts
2. Secondary source documents or artifacts
3. Tertiary source documents or artifacts
4. Quatriary

If you do get the history right--that is the details as well as the basics--there is another piece of history that needs to fill out your works. This additional part is cultural awareness. Here is the list of how to develop your target period for writing a historical novel.

1. Primary sources (secondary second)
2. Clean slate
3. Add in only what you find from primary sources (secondary next)
4. Cultural awareness
5. Historical feel

I write historical fiction, and I like a little history with my historical fiction (actually I want a lot).  I write science fiction, and I like a little science with my science fiction (actually I want a lot).  If it doesn't include "real" history (and cultural awareness), it isn't historical fiction.  If it doesn't include science, it can't be science fiction.  Simple as that. 

Just like you must study history (and cultures) to be able to write historical fiction, you must study science to gain science knowledge sufficient to write science fiction.  If you haven't studied science, you don't have the ability to write science fiction--and I don't care how many science fiction novels or movies you've seen.  I'll tell you a truth--George Lucas wouldn't know science if it bit him on the rear end.  He made an incredible fool of himself with the Star Wars movies.  They are so close, but so far from reality it almost hurts.  George Lucas in some ways ruined science fiction by peddling science fantasy in its place.  The world is a little stupider because of Star Wars.

I'll write more about science in science fiction tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.