Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 122 Extrapolating Military Technology, Personalized Weapons

30 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 122 Extrapolating Military Technology, Personalized Weapons

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

So really, in the extrapolation of individual weapons, the use of slug throwers where the slugs are propelled by chemical reactions (gun cotton) will likely predominate any future military technology especially in gravity.  All that silly stuff about laser beams and plasma rays are likely just not going to happen.  The Star Trek phasers are likely a non-starter although the Taser has some potential.  That's another type of weapon we will explore, but for now let's continue with the most likely weapon.

If we aren't going to get away from chemical slug throwers (normal guns, rifles, pistols) what will really change in the weapons.  The electronics will change--you say, there are no electronics in my pistol--that's what will change.  The first big push is already happening, weapons are slowly acquiring the ability to know their user.  The first step is a system that only allows the owner of the weapon to fire it.  This is being pushed politically, but it is slowly making inroads because it is a great idea.  If you can prevent your enemies from taking and using your weapons (and ammo) you have half won the logistics in a conflict.

In WWII the Soviets were geniuses in using the German's weapons and ammo.  The Germans weren't as good at it, but they did reuse the Soviet tanks and large weapons.  The Soviets designed their weapons to use German ammunition, but made their own such that the Germans couldn't use it.  They made, for example, a 76mm anti-tank gun that would fire the German 75mm projectiles and shells.  The 76mm shells would not fit in a German weapon.  There are numerous examples of this through the war. 

In the case of weapons with electronics, you can design a grip to acknowledge only the owner or a group of users (like a computer)--this prevents the enemy, a child, a criminal, or anyone not authorized from using the weapons.  Pretty neat trick.

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 121 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Advanced Weapons

29 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 121 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Advanced Weapons

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

If your society is at a technological point where it can field small linear accelerators, small laser weapons, or small plasma weapons, it has arrived at power and/or battery nirvana.  Now, once you have fusion, you are kind of at power nirvana, but until your batteries catch up, you won't be doing much independently from your power source--kind of like Evangelion (the big mecha that could and couldn't).  There are other ways to make power, but you may or may not like them.  Some very bright science fiction authors have put these together in their novels.  Chemical interactions can make electricity or other power.  We typically think of gun cotton (powder) as the only means, but there are other ways to get the power you need.  The airborne laser used chemical energy to produce a high powered laser beam.  This is a great example of chemicals in producing an advanced and powerful weapon.  The problem was that the power and the laser were not really enough to directly destroy anything.  I won't go into how it works, but let's just say it wasn't as awe inspiring as you might imagine, but it works. 

One great extrapolation would be a laser that uses chemical cartridges like a modern firearm.  I haven't seen this before in a novel.  The good thing about a laser is that it is only slightly affected by gravity and the velocity of the beam is light.  Also, although visibility (clouds, dust, etc.) affect the beam, other stuff won't (like winds, coriolis etc.).  I should put this type of weapon in my next novel.  I usually use linear accelerators in space and regular gun cotton type weapons, for gravity.  There are other possibilities and I think I've put them in my novels.

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 120 Extrapolating Military Technology, Advanced Weapons

28 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 120 Extrapolating Military Technology, Advanced Weapons

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

If you want to send projectiles at a high velocity, you need a source of energy--and a powerful one at that.  Gun cotton (chemical energy) is the favored means today for firing slugs.  There are other possibilities.  You could use electricity--those are the linear accelerators I mentioned before.  You can use other forms of chemical energy.  You can use plasma.  In general, in science fiction , we imagine plasma rays, lasers, and other so-called advanced forms of weapons.  It is likely that those will remain as large weapons and not individual weapons.  To get to that level, you would either need a enormous battery or a mini-nuclear reactor.  Asimov did predict a mini-reactor in his future, but few others have.

Linear accelerators likely have the greatest chance of moving into the near future.  Their utility will be in space more than terrestrially.  However, there are problems in space with almost all projectile weapons.  Even laser beams put a force on their users.  If you remember F=ma, you will realize that any slug projected by any force will cause the firer and the target a problem.  The firer will go head over heels from the recoil (the force opposite) while the target will get the brunt of the projectile.  The velocity of both will potentially be the same (based on F=ma and inertia).  Like I wrote, the guy with the laser beam will have a similar problem because, although a laser beam has very little weight, it has a very high velocity.  1/2mv^2 will make the laser guys attack a serious problem for him.  In solving the problem of force in zero-G, you have my best wishes.  I posited a couple of solutions in my books, but most of the time, writers don't get it or ignore it.  You really shouldn't ignore science in science fiction.

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 119 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Weapons

27 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 119 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Weapons

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

The best, least expensive, and most efficient means to project a slug at high velocity is gun powder (or actually gun cotton).  Gun powder hasn't been used for a long time because gun powder compared to gun cotton is unstable, corrosive, and susceptible to water.  Gun cotton is stable, noncorrosive, and works when wet.  It is likely that gun cotton or more advanced forms will be the means of most terrestrial weapons.  The problem becomes what do you do when you get to space where there is zero gravity.

There are other methods to project a slug or a particle at high velocity.  Unfortunately, most of them can't be carried by an individual yet.  For example, linear accelerator systems can project particles at very high velocities and accelerations.  I've seen linear accelerators project 20mm plastic projectiles over 20 miles.  If we remember 1/2mv^2, we realize that the weight of a projectile at high velocities is immaterial--what matters is the velocity.  A plastic slug at Mach 20 will pierce anything.  You can't protect anything from a projectile at that velocity; however, there is no way yet to produce enough electrical or chemical power to power a linear accelerator that an individual can carry.  We are getting to the point where a large aircraft or vehicle could carry a linear accelerator, but the real problem is targeting.  The number of variables required to hit a target with a projectile at that velocity is very high.  It is similar to what is required to hit a satellite in orbit--and that's a relatively easy solution comparatively.  You have to take into consideration, aerodynamics, astrodynamics, coriolis effects, chemical effects, etc. etc.  Part of the problem is electrical (or chemical) power and part of the problem is computing power.  There are other means to project slugs.

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 118 Extrapolating Military Technology, Weapons

26 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 118 Extrapolating Military Technology, Weapons

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

Let's start with individual weapons.  The current personal weapons today are slug throwers.  We have basically moved out of the era of swords and knives to the era of gunpowder.  We have been in the gunpowder era for an awful long time--the question is what is next? 

Right now, until the next breakthrough in firing a projectile or energy, we will see improvements and advancements in slug throwers.  The main enhancement in slug throwers is computing sights and correction systems.  These are being added to very long rang weapons such as sniper rifles.  We see stabilization systems, computer sights, computing systems, ammo tracking systems, ballistic systems etc.  All of these will find their way to smaller weapons.  Ultimately, you can imagine future slug throwers from very simple to very complex.  In games like Traveler, people simulate these weapons.  They add to the accuracy and fire power of the basic weapon. 

Slug throwers of one type or another will be around for a long time.  They are economical and deadly.  They can come in very simple to very complex versions.  The next real movement in individual weapons will be to undetectable and zero recoil.

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 117 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Cyberwar

25 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 117 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Cyberwar

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

We came back full circle--the extrapolation of software in warfare becomes so complex and difficult, we are forced to culturally shape the science and the science fiction writing to make it palatable and understandable.  If you delve deeply enough into most science extrapolation, you will find that cultural or technological shaping is necessary.  You have help in this because, as we have discussed, all levels of technology can exist close to each other.

So, in developing the concept of cyberwar in your writing, you should extrapolate to a degree that supports your theme, plot, and universe and move from this point.  The other war technologies all depend on software, so you must provide some degree of understanding of this software and the use of software in the future world.

Software might be ubiquitous in the future.  It might be so used that it is not even considered, the problem with this idea is that somehow someone must figure a perfect way to protect, design, use, and install the software into the devices.  I don't think we will ever be cut loose from software or from the problems of software, but you might be able to imagine that in your science fiction world.

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 116 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Cyberwar

24 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 116 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Cyberwar

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

In a full extrapolation of the science in warfare, software and software exploitation will be the centerpiece of every battle.  What will that look like?  I'm not certain, but I tried to put it into my novels, The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox.  In those novels, especially, The End of Honor and The Fox's Honor, I show you space warfare in that universe and software and electromagnetic exploitation is a key part of battle.

I'm not sure exactly what cyber based warfare will look like in the future.  I'm not certain what it will look like in 100 years.  Notice that although we and some nations have the ability to fight at a very high technological level, most nations cannot.  This is exactly what I was talking about in cultural shaping.  Even though nations have nuclear weapons and plasma weapons, they might fight against an asymmetric enemy and use low tech weapons.  After all, you can't use cyber means against an enemy that doesn't use software.  On the other hand, if your LAGs (Light Assault Guns) run on modern computers, your low tech enemy might try to exploit them using cyber means.

This gets very complicated and complex.  This is also why cultural shaping is so important.  It is unlikely that anyone can extrapolate technology well enough to give a very accurate picture of anything in the future (100 years or greater).  It is unlikely that anyone can predict the next 10 years very well--could you have predicted the iPad or iPhone?  When technology looks us right in the eyes, we can barely see what is happening.  I once told a friend that in 10 years CDs would replace records and they didn't believe me.  I was wrong, it just took 5 years for CDs to completely take over from records.  

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 115 Extrapolating Military Technology, Cyberwar

23 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 115 Extrapolating Military Technology, Cyberwar

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

If you look at the above list, everything there is affected by and includes software.  How can you defend and defend against software?  We know that we protect our computers with antivirus software, but that only goes so far--there are more types of attacks than viruses.  In fact, the primary means of cyberattacks are social engineering.  Humans trying to get passwords and cryptokeys from other humans.  Once you can get into the software, you can control or attack the software.  So, what if you isolate the software--that's a great idea.  If you can find my article on cyberwarfare on line, you can see that is one of the primary recommendations, unfortunately, isolation means you can't use all those really nice features of software: remote control, updating, system access, electronic controls, electronic operations, etc.

The problem is the minute you put the system on the grid, you guarantee its attack.  Unless you protect yourself in the way I describe in the article, you will never know when you are attacked and when you are infiltrated.  Think about it, unless the infiltrator leaves tracks, you will never even know you were compromised--unless something bad happens.  Then it is too late. 

In the future, every system will be protected by anthropometric and either passwords or tokens or tokens and anthropometric systems.  Anthropometric means body parts.  Whether it is finger prints, eye prints, face recognition, other body part recognition, that will be a part of the protection.  The second part will be a token or password.  We are already seeing these types of systems.  I like a token and an anthropometric because that allows you to catch and track infiltrators.  It is also very simple for the user.

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 114 Extrapolating Military Technology, Software

22 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 114 Extrapolating Military Technology, Software

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
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

Let's look at each of these starting with software.  Software will drive most of the other technologies, but the most important thing about software is its use in attack and defense.  You already contend with it every day--it is viruses and counterviruses.  This is cyberwarfare.  I wrote a 50 page paper that has been published and republished as shorter pieces on cyberwarfare.  We are seeing and have seen cyberwarfare, and it is going on right now.

The problem with cyberwarfare is that few take it very seriously.  Until there is a significant event--a nuclear reactor takeover, the destruction of a financial system, the takeover of a modern fighter.  The problem is that it is almost impossible to tell that cyberwarfare has happened.  If a nation does it right, the opposing country will have no idea what happened.  They will think there was an accident or a mistake.  They won't realize they were attacked. 

The use of software to do battle will be the primary means of future warfare.  Unfortunately, it will be going on all the time and only come out during actual hostilities.  That's the only time a nation will alert another nation that it knows what is going on--or maybe not.  In your extrapolation of military technology, you need to realize this as a possibility and either determine a strong defense or a reasonable use.

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 113 more Extrapolating Military Technology

21 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 113 more Extrapolating Military Technology

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 future of warfare is electronics--let's be very clear about that.  The major areas are software, weapons, countermeasures, defense, communications, robots, vehicles, and environments.  All of these will be driven by electronics and electronics will be the power of future warfare.  Now, don't get sloppy.  People will not become less irritating, antagonistic, or warlike--weapons will just become more and more dangerous and make warfare a greater tax on people and economies.  We will see a reduction in warfare just as we did with the invention of the atomic bomb.  When warfare becomes too dangerous, people decide to reduce their antagonistic tendencies. 

Still warfare will continue to exist especially at a low level.  This is what we see today--many small wars and not big ones.  Electronics will tend to make warfare less destructive to the individual and more destructive to society.  For example, cyberwarfare will make attacks on a nation both undetectable and possibly indefensible.  If you don't know you are being attacked and by whom, you can't respond and you may not realize you are being attacked.

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 112 Extrapolating Military Technology

20 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 112 Extrapolating Military Technology

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.

In writing about military technology, Star Trek and Star Wars just don't get it.  We are already seeing the way weapons work in an advanced era.  The answer is Electronic Counter Measures and Electronic Counter Counter Measures.  "Shields" may be possible in the future, but the question about shields is how do they work.  Shields are about as scientific and logical as transporters. 

Something that really works well today and will be even more powerful tomorrow is electronic warfare. Electronic warfare is very powerful and can be easily explained.  If you read my novels The End of Honor and The Fox's Honor, you will see how electronic warfare works in the future and today.  The extrapolation is very simple and basic.  Anyone who is familiar with computers knows that computers can be attacked electronically.  Further, electronic signals can be attacked in many ways.  In the future, the power of electronics will be used to infiltrate the computers of the enemy and to block and attack their electronic signals.

Think of attacking the electronics of an enemy like attacking a garage door.  You can bash the garage door open, but how much easier is it to block the signal of your neighbor (so they can't open it), infiltrating the software (so you can open it), or damaging the software (so the enemy can't use the door).  You can imagine how an attacking and defending enemy with an even more complex system, like a laser or slug throwing weapon can be affected by electronic signals.

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 111 yet more Where No One Can Go

19 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 111 yet more Where No One Can Go

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.

Star Trek-Into the Darkness is just more Star Trek dreck.  Also, in Star Trek and Star Wars, why is everyone an officer.  Are there no noncommissioned officers (NCO) or enlisted people.  That either shows a gross disregard for a whole group of very important people in the military or a gross misunderstanding of how things get done.  The mission could never get done in the military without the direct support of the enlisted and NCOs.  In the Navy, the tip of the spear happens to be the Marines.  Why no space marines.  If you really want to see how space marines might work, read Star Ship Troopers.  Don't see the movie, read the book.  Star Ship Troopers is one of the best books that extrapolates military systems and military ideas into the future. 

If you want to see how space wars might be waged, read my novels The End of Honor and The Fox's Honor.  These novels try to capture the extrapolation of combat into space.  There isn't as much discussion about the ranks or rank structure, that is a cultural shaping I used in the novels.  In other words, I assumed a military structure similar to that in the current militaries of the world.  There was just so much that was wrong in the latest Star Trek it is hard to put all the problems on paper.  Someone should run a contest to identify all the bad science in each of the Star Trek and Star Wars movies. 

In your writing, make certain, your science is correct.  Better yet, don't write about anything you don't understand--that will solve a host of problems.  I'll look at extrapolating military technology 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 110 more Where No One Can Go

18 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 110 more Where No One Can Go

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.

Star Trek-Into the Darkness is just more Star Trek dreck.  The absurd ideas and lack of real science in the movie is disgusting.  Who in their right mind would give a star ship to a nere-do-well almost academy graduate?  No one ever imagined in the original Star Trek that Kirk started his career as a Captain.  Who ever started their career as a Captain--that is patently absurd.  We know that anyone who is given the responsibility of a star ship in a military (or anywhere else) would be vetted and trained for at least 20 to 25 years before given the responsibility of a star ship.

Kind of makes it easier to believe the bad guy is a psychopathic war monger if they all become space Captains at 21 years.  Hey, how can Captain Kirk legally drink if he is--well I guess he is over 21 (we hope).  Plus where do all the cannon fodder guys and gals come from.  There are all kinds of Lieutenants and Ensigns and Commanders and Lieutenant Commanders all over the place.  Where are the Marines.  I guess it would help if Hollywood had at least one person who was in the military.  They could write a better script if they talked to a dope head veteran homeless guy--the homeless guy would know more about the military and how it works. 

Just the idea of how space works seems to elude these "so-called" science fiction writers.    

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 109 Where No One Can Go

17 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 109 Where No One Can Go

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.

I saw the worst science fiction movie ever last night.  It was the new Star Trek-Into the Darkness.  I'm not certain why it was called into the darkness, but the reuse of plots and the lack of real science made it pure science fantasy.  The plot was a remake of the original Star Trek with the Genesis machine.  I don't remember the name of that horrible movie, but in it Spock dies of radiation poisoning saving the Enterprise (he adjusts the Dilithium Crystals) and Captain Kirk gives him a big send off to the Genesis planet where Spock is reborn as a grown man--the planet is terraformed while you watch.  Hey, one of the main guys can't die in the undying series.  Wish they would.  Spoiler--but if you have an IQ of 80, you can guess what will happen in the new movie.  Kirk dies of radiation poisoning while adjusting the reactor core (with his feet--he kicks it) and is brought back to life by the miraculous blood of Khan.  Yes, it is that Khan from the earlier movie.  I feel like Star Trek is moving backward and forward in time and space without any control or reason.

Look just the idea of adjusting the core of a reactor by kicking it is kind of out there, but I guess an audience without scientific knowledge will accept anything.  The bringing back to life stuff is really difficult to accept too.  The anthropomorphic aliens are hard to swallow too.  Star Trek is a B-type movie, but it has started to look like the bar scene from Star Wars with brighter lights. 

They really need to get a space scientist to help them with the next one.  The number of science gaffs in the movie is legion.  I can't begin to explain them all.  I wish the writers and the producers would stop feeding the children this kind of fake science crap.  As a matter of a fact, a great indicator of the education of a people is how many can pick out the science fantasy in modern science fiction movies. 

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 108 Government Extrapolation

16 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 108 Government Extrapolation

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.

We can see two definite extrapolations with an infinite variety in between.  With the use of technology, the government has the capability of spying on your every word, moment, and eventually thought.  On one side is the uncontrolled use of this power.  The result will be a government in complete control of the people of a nation.  They will be able to know everything about anyone, and they will be about to indirectly and in the future directly control everything about any person.  The power will be completely in the hands of the government.  The government will be able to prevent crime, solve every crime, punish every crime, prevent every act of disobedience, allow only what it determines is correct and ethical.

The other side is a society that completely limits the power of government to spy, observe, listen, and control.  In this type of society, the government will not have the ability to observe and control.  The power will be in the hands of the individual and not the government.  The government may or may not be able to solve every crime.  There might still be acts of disobedience. 

Of course there are infinite degrees between each of these extremes.  The problem is that there is no such thing as a benevolent government.  When you write your extrapolation, you will be touching on ideas very few science fiction writers have explored.  How will people protect themselves from on all knowing and all seeing government?  Are they willing to put the "Noman" in place and blind the eye of government so it can't spy on its people?  Are they willing to accept freedom instead of safety?

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 107 more Counterculture

15 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 107 more Counterculture

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.

Perhaps we have crossed the point already.  In the past, when you went into the USSR or into modern China, you would get your tags.  They usually gave each foreigner two--more if you were valuable.  China does it all the time.  In the USA, what if everyone has their NSA tag.  The problem in the USA is we are finding that it isn't the foreigners, it is everyone.  Writers have been contemplating this possibility in future countries--no one could imagine the possibility in a nation that isn't supposed to be a tyranny. 

The US Supreme Court ruled that the government can't look through your walls or covered windows, but they can look through your open windows.  Did someone forget to tell them, they can't listen to your phones, read your mail or email, or record your finances without a warrant.  Note, that because of taxation, they have every right (so they claim) to check and record your finances.  Because of potential terror activity, they justify strip searches of citizens without any probable cause.  They seem to imagine there is probable cause because you are alive and not dead. 

In reality, we are facing the same kinds of tyranny authors imagined in the past, but we are really experiencing it.  It is a benevolent dictator who watches and records your every move--for what purpose.  There is a load of information for your next book, but it may be a help-me guide to how to protect yourself and your privacy from the technologically superior government.

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