Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 25 more the Part not Described

25 August 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 25 more the Part not Described

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.

For a science fiction novel.  First comes the theme.  Second, you develop the setting and design the culture.  Then you flesh out the characters.  You start with physical description (actually, you might design the physical description later, but I like to do physical description first).  You name the character focused on the culture.  Then you develop the part of the character you reveal in your novel, but you don't describe--that is the non-physical part.

The part of the character you reveal instead of describe is the part that you can't observe with your senses.  You can quote me.  If you can see it, smell it, taste it, feel it, or hear it from your character, then you may describe it.  Otherwise, you must reveal those parts that are not physical. 

The past life of each character, starting with the protagonist should be outlined and described as a part of developing the character.  Further, the characters should be designed emotionally and mentally.  These are the parts you can't tell (describe)--you must show (reveal) them.  The way you reveal the past life of a character is through conversation or flashbacks.  I don't like flashbacks, but they are effective means of revealing, and I have used them.  Conversation is the best means of revealing the past life of a character.  The only means of revealing the emotional and mental state of a character is though physical description, their actions, and conversation.  

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 www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, www.thefoxshonor.com, www.aseasonofhonor.com.