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Sunday, December 1, 2013

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 123 Extrapolating Military Technology, Electronic Weapons

1 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 123 Extrapolating Military Technology, Electronic 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) 

Electronics are the future of individual weapons.  Those electronics will come first for targeting.  Targeting systems are already very common on hand weapons--lasers are used to help point the weapon.  Where the laser "death dot" appears, the bullet will hit.  This isn't exactly true, but for close in firing, it is close enough.  What it misses are all those sticky corrections when you have to fire a long distance.

We are seeing on sniper rifle systems, targeting devices.  These are similar to those used in tanks and aircraft, but miniaturized for a rifle weapon.  Miniaturization of electronics is the key to all future technology.  Future individual targeting systems will track the target, find the target, illuminate the target, mark the target, give a firing solution, and provide BDA (battle damage assessment).  There are other capabilities for these individual weapons.

For example, a real problem in hitting a target is the motion of the weapon during firing.  Gyro stabilization will provide precise control and prevent the weapon from moving off the target.  This can work for close and far shots.  Further, the individualization of weapons for groups and individual shooters will continue.

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

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