Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 153 Extrapolating Military Technology, Laser Communications

31 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 153 Extrapolating Military Technology, Laser Communications

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

Communications can be jammed and intercepted--extrapolating military communication technology is all about means to prevent jamming and interception as well as methods to gain clear and unambiguous communications.  One method of communications that has been proven in the lab and may be in use in the field is directed laser communications.  A laser directed at a sensor can't be easily jammed or intercepted.  If intercepted, you know it was intercepted because it will be cut off.  Directed laser has some problems due to line of sight and direction.  Line of sight is a common problem for all communications in most frequencies.  For lasers, line of sight and direction can be solved easily with satellites and laser to radio translators.  Direction is a problem because the laser must point at the right location for the transmission to be received.  A converter in a satellite or on the battlefield would allow laser communications from the front line units to command and control (within line of sight) that could be retransmitted as required.  With a satellite, you almost always have line of sight (if you can see the satellite), this means constant communications. 

Laser based communications can be jammed with aerosols or laser chaff.  They also don't work well in poor visibility (clouds or fog).  This can be partially overcome by using lasers in different frequency ranges. 

Interception of laser communications is difficult because the lasers are not visible.  You can make a laser detector, but the laser has to shine on the detector.  If you do intercept the laser signal, the sender and receiver know immediately the message was intercepted.  Interception ain't easy, but it is possible.

There are many uses for laser and laser type communications--I'll get to those next.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 152 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Communications

30 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 152 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Communications

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

Interception of communications is one of the best ways to gather intel.  Your enemy will spill his guts on a radio the way they won't anywhere else.  That goes for phones, texts, emails, etc.  Anything but face to face.  For some reason, face to face, it is hard to use social conditioning or social manipulation, but through other communications, it is easy.  For that reason, encrypting communications is a must in the military and likely a must in the civil world.  There are just too many people (and governments) who want a piece of your action. 

To protect your intel via communications, you need some method of encryption.  In the old days, they used codes or obscure languages.  Both simple codes and obscure languages will work in a low tech environment, but not in a high tech world.  Assume at some point that computers can decipher almost any language or code.  The trick then is to have codes too difficult for a computer to decipher.  This is possible, but as computers get better codes also get better--and more difficult to unravel.  The future will see other methods for encoding and sending jam-proof messages.  I'll discuss some.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 151 Extrapolating Military Technology, and more Communications

29 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 151 Extrapolating Military Technology, and more Communications

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

Communication systems can be jammed, and they can be intercepted.  Military communications require protection from both.  As I mentioned about weapons, there will always be a defense against any weapon, likewise, there will always be a countermeasure to every system--therefore, there will always be a counter to every communications system.  In communications, the general counters are jamming (to prevent communication) and interception (to capture communications).  These methods may be necessary in the future for civil communication systems too--to prevent the government (or others) from jamming or intercepting.

It is very difficult and inefficient to jam on all frequencies--that is called barrage jamming.  Plus barrage jamming prevents your communications too.  The best means to jam communications is to troll for the frequencies in use (scanning) and when they are found, jam them.  One method of beating this kind of jamming is frequency hopping.  The radios are sequenced using a specific timing interval and they hop automatically from frequency to frequency.  This method can be used without an automatic system, but it has to be planned.  In other words, you instruct the receiver to change frequencies at a command or when jamming occurs.  This works, but it is only successful against unsophisticated systems.  There are other more complex tricks that can be used with radios.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 150 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Communications

28 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 150 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Communications

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

In all communications, but especially military communications, immediacy and simplicity are the goals.  Immediacy means it is always available.  Simplicity means it is easy to use and operate.  We have come a long ways in both of these areas.  Originally, radio communication systems required a fully trained operator.  Signal systems like flags, telegraph, signal lights, required a fully trained operator (and a special code).  Military communications systems are still somewhat complex compared to civil systems, but they are getting better. 

For example, a military radio system can automatically use any standard band transmission (UHF, VHF, or FM) based simply on the frequency input by the operator.  The same system has anti-jamming capability and is encrypted.  The operator just has to input the correct frequency and use the radio.  This is a long way from earlier systems that were either only anti-jam or encrypted.  The earlier radios required timing signals and extensive setup.  They tended to drop codes and have clarity issues.  Modern radios have significantly improved on the older systems.

The big deal here is that communication systems can be jammed, and they can be intercepted.  Military communications require protection from both.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 149 Extrapolating Military Technology, Communications

27 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 149 Extrapolating Military Technology, Communications

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs 

We looked a little at communications before.  Let's look at extrapolating military communications.  The purpose of civil communications is communication.  The purpose of military communications is command and control.  These are not exclusive, but they are different.  A simple communication set is acceptable in a military environment where it would not be in a civil environment.  For example, in directing a formation of aircraft, the warning of a turn while in formation in weather it is sufficient to indicate "ready to turn, left" then "turn, left."  The response from each follower would be "roger."  There is no need for any more communication--that is sufficient for command and control.  This is not sufficient for civil operations--unless they are engaged in military type operations.

Communications begin with signals and increase in complexity and distance.  The telegraph is a great example of simple with increasing distance.  The invention of the telephone increased the complexity (to speech) and the distance to the wire (same as telegraph).  With wireless (radio, audible, visual) communication, it started with visual range (flags, smoke, lights) and audible range (yell, megaphone, whistle, etc.) and moved to line of sight radio (UHF, VHF, FM) to world wide (HF, satcom).  For military communications, the most important part of the communication is clarity.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 148 Extrapolating Military Technology, Cost of Defense

26 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 148 Extrapolating Military Technology, Cost of Defense

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

We have seen that weapons can be used in offense and defense.  As a defense, they will be costly to operate.  Costly in terms of energy and money.  A part of offense and defense we can never forget is ammo and energy.  In the age of fusion, energy is free, but not necessarily easy.  The ultimate cost of stuff is never free.  For example, the cost of a 20mm shell during WWII was about $25.  The cost of a 20mm shell today is about $100.  The cost to fire a 1000 round burst (very easy to do today, simple in the future) is $100,000.  That's big money even for a major country.  War is costly for everyone.  In war, the value of anything must be converted directly.  So, it might be cost effective to destroy a $35M vehicle with a $100,000 burst.  It is not cost effective to use a $35M weapon to destroy a $1M vehicle.  Even it war, the cost of weapons, ammo, and fuel must be a primary consideration on the offense and the defense.

In most novels, the fighters seem to have unlimited weapons and unlimited ammo.  In real warfare this is never true.  The scarcity of every implement of war, repair items, equipment, ammo, weapons, vehicles, fuel, etc., etc., etc. is one of the basics of war.  In very few cases, does the attacker or the defender have everything they need.  A wise author will keep this in mind.  The turning point in battle is more likely to be the enemy running out of fuel or ammo than anything else.  If you don't believe me, you need to read some war studies from WWI, WWI, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, etc.  There is great value, as a writer in knowing your subject matter.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 147 Extrapolating Military Technology, Area Defense

25 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 147 Extrapolating Military Technology, Area Defense

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

Another means of providing defense is to knock out an incoming projectile or missile.  There may also be ways to interfere or intercept beam weapons.  The best modern example of an area weapon are the Gatling guns on modern ships used to stop anti-ship missiles.  These weapons, when activated, automatically detect attacking missiles and lay down fire in front of the missile to destroy it before it can hit the ship.  This is basically the idea behind anti-aircraft fire at any time--it intercepts and shoots down the attacking vehicle before it can use its weapons.  Shotguns are a type of area fire weapon. 

Area defense weapons are useful against any attack that can be stopped through the interception and deflection of an attacking firing weapons or vehicle.  Area defense would not necessarily be effective against single small projectiles especially if they are all targeting the same thing.  They might be useful against another area fire weapon that uses armed (exploding etc.) projectiles.  You can see that chaff and flares are a type of area defense.

In the realm of beam weapons, a chaff barrage or an area defense attack might intercept the beam enough to protect the vehicle target. 

We can see, that defense doesn't always mean armor or unmoving.  The Germans used anti-aircraft fire weapons very effectively against ground based weapons and vehicles.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 146 Extrapolating Military Technology, even more Armor Defense

24 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 146 Extrapolating Military Technology, even more Armor Defense

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

There are potentially many means to provide armor defense many potentially that don't use armor.  I discussed countermeasures already, but these are not necessarily countermeasures, they are materials used for armor protection.  For example, a local plasma field, layers of armor and plasma, layers of armor and magnetic fields, and etc.  In my novels, I routinely mention ceriplast and plasteel.  Ceriplast stands for ceramic plastic while plasteel stands for plastic steel.  I leave it partially to the reader's imagination to determine exactly what ceriplast and plasteel is.  This is how Jack Vance does much of his technological and cultural shaping--he gives names to things and that makes them real.  This technique is especially powerful when the names self describe their purpose or material.

There are potentially other means of producing defensive armor.  I wouldn't go for shields--they sure sound great, don't they?  But they have no basis in any known science.  I can see a plasma field or a magnetic field, but what exactly is a shield.  Just too Manga for me.  I'm not so certain about tractor beams either--you have to have a basis for the science and there is no basis for beams that can move other vehicles--that is, unless you have gravity control.  Gravity control could potentially explain shields, tractor beams, and certain types of propulsion systems, but the problem is that with gravity control, many other technologies need to come into play.  The assumption with gravity control is that I can force objects away from the target.  There is much more here than just shields, and this moves into the next type of defense--area defense. 

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 145 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Armor Defense

23 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 145 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Armor Defense

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

Although the extrapolation of military vehicles is moving toward the individual (mechs), that doesn't mean it will be quick or that it will totally encompass all warfare.  In my science fiction novels, I extrapolated current naval warfare to space.  I didn't get into the details of land based warfare, and I didn't get into the details of space based marine combat.  I did touch these subjects, but because my novels concern the leadership and not the lower ranks, my focus was not the lower scale operations.  I did get into some land based warfare in A Season of Honor, but that was still slightly peripheral.  I used current capabilities in land based warfare as the baseline.  This was technological and cultural shaping.

I suspect we will see more and more warfare move to individual machines in all areas.  I extrapolate that like fighters in the Air Force, we will see undersea fighters, surface fighters, aerial fighters, land based fighters.  I suspect we will see robot augmentation for some time, but I think battlefield commanders will want human beings in the fray.  I may be wrong, but I think robots will never reach the unpredictability of the human brain.  I don't think artificial intelligence will ever reach human or human-like levels.  For this reason, humans on the battlefield will decimate robots.  In fact, you can see in sports (except chess) that humans and human intelligence can always exceed the capabilities of robots.  We shall see what the future will bring, but I would bet on humans for a long time.  

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 144 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Personal Armor Defense

22 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 144 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Personal Armor Defense

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

One of the main reasons for moving from combat crewed vehicles to individual crewed vehicles is combat efficiency.  If I can put the firepower and defense of a tank in the hands of a single person, I have combat multipliers based on a single person and a single vehicle.  As I mentioned, aviation went this way a long time ago.  Fighter aircraft are single crewed vehicles that gain combat efficiency by mutual support.  Large aircraft do the same thing.  The big deal with fighters is the loss of the aircraft doesn't necessarily mean the loss of the crew or the fighting package. 

Concern about the loss of a human crew is the reason for UAVs (uninhabited aerial vehicles).  This tactic (robots) does not mean more combat efficiency or effectivity--it just means less chance to loose a human being.  True combat efficiency comes with the ability to fight and make decisions as an individual with the support of many.  This was the correct extrapolation of Starship Troopers.  This is a correct extrapolation for the future (right now).  What will this extrapolation of vehicles or fighting capability look like?  Who knows.  This is the reality a science fiction author gives life to.

In my novels, I made a different extrapolation.  I extrapolated modern ship fighting into space mixed with aviation warfare.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 143 Extrapolating Military Technology, Personal Armor Defense

21 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 143 Extrapolating Military Technology, Personal Armor Defense

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

We are seeing combat and combat armor moving from vehicles to individuals.  This has been going on for a while.  In science fiction, extrapolation has been moving from crewed vehicles to crewed robots.  Right now, we are approaching a point of synergy between robots and vehicles.  If you are not familiar, the Atlas, Big Dog, and the Cheetah are robots being designed and built for the military to carry combat troop's equipment.  These are robots.  They are relatively strong and will get stronger.  They are not armored--yet.  They will soon carry troops equipment.  We are not far from carrying troops.  From carrying troops, the next step is carrying troops and their combat firepower.  The next step is armor and firepower.  The near final step is mecha.  What, might you ask, is mecha.  A mecha or mech is a single (or multi) person attack vehicle that has very powerful armor and offensive weapons.  They are human shaped with arms and legs and have the capability of fast movement across all terrain.  They are also capable of limited flight.

The mech is not far from Heinlein's powered armor.  In fact, a powered armor suit is likely much less powerful than a mech.  I expect to see powered armor in the future, but I expect to see something like a mech first.  The mechs will be very close to robots and some may be UVs (uninhabited vehicles).  We have already seen some movement toward UAVs (uninhabited aerial vehicles), but notice there were first single seat habited aerial vehicles.  The extrapolation and movement in military operations is kind of obvious.  Expect something similar in ships and underwater operations.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 142 Extrapolating Military Technology, Armor Defense

20 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 142 Extrapolating Military Technology, Armor Defense

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

I'll give you some basics about armor and projectiles.  The thinner the armor, the easier it is to penetrate.  The more toward 90 degrees the projectile hits, the armor, the easier it is to penetrate.  The faster and heavier the projectile, the easier to penetrate.  1/2mv^2 means that velocity of the projectile is much more important than mass.  For mass, you also must compare the mass (or really inertial absorption) of the armor.  Bronze armor is better than tin or copper.  Iron is better than bronze.  Steel is better than iron.  Ceramic armor is better than steel.  Kevlar is somewhat better than ceramic.  Stacked ceramic is better than ceramic or Kevlar.  What will the future bring?  Composite is what Kevlar really is and there is a lot of possibility in composite and mixed metal composites.  There is now experimentation in self repairing composites. 

In my Ghost Ship novels (yet unpublished), I have composite armor space suits that are self repairing.  They are military surplus suits with armor.  Lots of reasons beyond warfare for having armor on spacesuits.  A fast enough projectile will penetrate anything.  You better have a self sealing spacesuit if you are going to fight in space.  With armor, the material of the armor is very important mostly for weight, but also for maneuverability--both of a person in the armor and of an armored vehicle.  Warfare is moving back to individual armor, and I don't think this is a simple result of guerrilla tactics.  I envision Starship Troopers.  Heinlein was a genius in this field.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 141 Extrapolating Military Technology, Defense

19 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 141 Extrapolating Military Technology, Defense

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

Defense in this sense is direct physical countermeasures.  What do I mean by that.  A wall is a direct physical countermeasure against a bullet.  Armor is a direct physical countermeasure against any projectile.  The trick is the speed and weight of the projectile.  Remember 1/2mv^2.  The mass and velocity squared are the power (kinetic energy) of a projectile.  This is what gives the piercing power to a projectile.  The defense against projectiles starts with some type of armor.  The armor is very important because armor protection is directly related to material, thickness, and angle.  For example, a properly angled sheet of armor can deflect almost any projectile.  The velocity of the projectile and the friction of the armor surface then comes into play. 

In writing about armored warfare or even about body armor for police work, you must understand the dynamics of armor and projectiles.  That's just for modern era writing.  If you want to get into science fiction warfare, you need to be able to extrapolate the technology as well as understand the concepts involved with armor penetration.  We are focusing on the defensive part of the equation, but we will also get into the projectile to armor interface.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 140 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Electronic Counter Countermeasures

18 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 140 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Electronic Counter Countermeasures

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

Electronic countermeasures (ECM) and counter countermeasures (ECCM) can be easily understood in terms of computers.  A virus is a countermeasure and a virus checker is a counter countermeasure.  In terms of a radar missile system.  The electronics that attempt to confuse the radar missile guidance or the radar are countermeasures.  The electronics on the radar missile or in the radar that prevent the countermeasures from misdirecting the missile are counter countermeasures. 

In my science fiction, I explore all degrees of countermeasures and counter countermeasures.  All you need to develop countermeasures is an attack system.  All you need to develop a counter countermeasure is a countermeasure.  You don't have to design the entire system or the details of the operations of the system or countermeasures (unless you really want to).  All you need to do is describe the general system.  Let's say a missile that is guided by radar.  The countermeasures interfere with the radar.  That's about all you need.  You can build it up in your novel to whatever degree you desire.  The trick is to integrate it into your battles and make it a critical part of the attacks and defense. If you want to see how to do this, read my novels: The End of Honor and The Fox's Honor.  They detail space battles of this type very nicely.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 139 Extrapolating Military Technology, Electronic Counter Countermeasures

17 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 139 Extrapolating Military Technology, Electronic Counter Countermeasures

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

For electronic countermeasures to work properly, there is also the detection of other electromagnetic systems.  There is also electronic counter countermeasures (ECCM).  For example, if I can detect a missile, I can use a countermeasure against it.  If I can't detect a missile, I can't use a countermeasure.  This is more important than you might imagine.  It is possible to use barrage jamming against electronic systems.  The problem is that it is impossible to jam all frequencies without ruining your own capability.  Further, the enemy can get around barrage jamming through various means--one of the most effective is to simply destroy the jammer.  A device sending off any powerful electromagnetic source is a target.  This is the main way we get rid of radar missile systems, you wait for the enemy to turn on the radar, and you use a radar seeking missile to blow it away.

These are great ideas for science fiction novels.  The best way to use electronics against any target is to not use the electronics until the last moment--this gives the enemy less time to use countermeasures and less time to target you.  In my novels, I have special operation spaceships that are stealthy to get close to enemy large ships and attack them.  Electronics use reveals your position and allows the enemy to counter and target you.  In large systems that aren't trying to hide, the overuse or the unrestricted use of electronics also make them a target.  Further, countermeasures and counter countermeasures can be used against any electronic system.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 138 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Electronic Countermeasures

16 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 138 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Electronic Countermeasures

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

You can expect all future systems to be directed by radar or some other electromagnetic system.  This means that countermeasures will be required against all weapon systems.  For example, GPS guidance will require some means of countermeasure.  I already mentioned Radar and to some degree IR guidance systems.  These have and will require future countermeasures.  Any direction system you can imagine will require some kind of countermeasures.  I wrote about physical countermeasures, but there is much more to say about electronic countermeasures.

For example, with IR systems, there already somewhat common electronic countermeasures.  The primary ones today are directed IR and Laser countermeasures.  Both of these use electromagnetic energy in the IR and Laser range to interfere with the IR guidance systems on IR missiles.  There will be other systems in the future.  All the potential guidance systems and countermeasure systems have not been invented or even conceived.  A smart science fiction writer should be able to devise a system.  In addition to guidance systems, there is also the detection of other electromagnetic systems.  There is also electronic counter countermeasures (ECCM).

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com