Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 241 Themes and Plots

1 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 241 Themes and Plots

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  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'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

I'll review the main point about themes and plots.  The reason you are writing a science fiction novel is because no other setting will work properly for your theme.  Your theme statement must be a science fiction theme statement--that is, it must have a setting placement that places it in the future.  Here is where the point of all that extrapolation stuff comes in.  The extrapolation of technology allows you to use future technology such that you can write a science fiction theme statement.

As I mentioned before, the theme statement for my Chronicles of the Dragon and Fox novels included the concept of advanced genetic manipulation to allow the development of a leader class of human beings.  This was the basis of the theme statements and the basis for the novels.  Of course, advanced genetic manipulation doesn't exist today and has not existed in human science or technology.  This places the setting for these novels within science fiction. 

The idea here is that the science precedes the theme or the plot.  I think I made this evident before, but that was the main point of explaining the extrapolation of technology.  If you are able to extrapolate technology, you can write a science fiction theme statement, which means you can develop a science fiction plot.

More tomorrow.

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 230 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Extrapolated Morale

21 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 230 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Extrapolated Morale

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  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
10.  Morale (discipline) 

The ultimate question of extrapolated morale is what is a person willing to die for.  What will a soldier risk his life for.  It is much too flip to state God and country.  It entirely depends on the God and the country.  This has been a problem for cultures and societies for a long time.  The Soviet Union had problems getting their forces to fight anywhere outside their borders.  I am convinced that this simple truth prevented them from overrunning Europe during the cold war.  They knew their forces would not fight. They had realized in World War II that taking God out of their schools and people had invited almost complete moral and ethical dysfunction.  The people of the USSR would fight for their own lands (not any other's lands) and they would fight for their God, but the Soviet was not their god or their country.

Any culture that self-reliant without being inner-reliant has much to fear from its lack of ability to fight.  The nationalistic exceptionalism of the USA only works if the military believes in it's nation as an exceptional power.  That exceptionalism in the USA comes directly from the concepts of divine providence, work superiority, moral superiority, fairness, equality of purpose, equality of position, equality under the law, equality of opportunity.  The elimination of these factors in a society will ruin the ability of the society to fight and defend itself.  Either the society must find a replacement for these concepts, or it must recognize it is destined to fall.  In your science fiction writing, a society without the concept of national exceptionalism will not be the one that is winning.  For example, the Star Ship Enterprise could never muster the moral energy or morale to defeat anyone.  It breaks all the basic rules of national exceptionalism.

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 213 Extrapolating Military Technology, Space Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

4 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 213 Extrapolating Military Technology, Space Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  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 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  So, let's extrapolate ammo handling into the future.  Since I don't expect land or sea based operations to change much at all, let's look at space operations.  In space, ordinance handling will be more difficult.  The difficulty with handling ordinance in space is the problem of containment, fusing, operations, and weightlessness. 

When a bomb goes off in space, their is no air friction, ground, or gravity to contain the blast or the blast particles.  So, even though you can't hear the explosion, the particles (fragmentation), will continue to travel at the speed they started until they hit something.  Now, space is big, but massive warfare in orbit could cause significant problems for ships in that area for a long time--until the fragments leave the solar system.  This is a significant problem for operations in space.  An uncontained explosion will be horrific in space.  Therefore, you can expect all space operations to use directed explosion weapons with as little fragmentation as possible.  You really can't have uncontained fragments of any size hanging around.  The weapons will need to actually strike their targets.  In modern warfare, you don't need or really want the weapons to hit their targets--you only need to get close enough to blast fragmentation into a target.  In space, you want to hit the target and then pour energy into it.  This means tracking and attack systems must be able to handle high velocities and closure rates.

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 210 Extrapolating Military Technology, Emergency Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

1 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 210 Extrapolating Military Technology, Emergency Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  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 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  What do you do when you have a weapons malfunction?  First, you have a checklist.  In all complex systems, you have checklists for every known malfunction, and you have training and generic operations for malfunctions that are not known.  Personally, I have seen few malfunctions that were not covered by a checklist of some kind.  Even in flight test, I've known what to do when I had a problem. 

A simple reading of weapons emergency checklists will show you that they cover most every problem.  So, there is little scope for emergencies that are not known or predicted.  Most problems are not unknown, but rather set in situations that are difficult if not impossible to solve. 

In one of my unpublished novels, I have a situation of an engine failure under dire circumstances that killed crew members of a ship.  The engine failure wasn't the unpredicted problem--it was the environment (a box canyon etc.) that was the problem. 

In weapons malfunctions, the problem is usually the circumstances and not the malfunction itself.  For example, a problem with fusing isn't a problem unless the weapon hangs or the weapon is dropped too low etc.

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 207 Extrapolating Military Technology, Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

26 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 207 Extrapolating Military Technology, Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  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 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  Tactical operations with live ammo on board are as controlled as the ground operations.  Any time you are carrying live stuff, you are a potential danger to yourself and others.  Just imagine carrying a loaded weapon.  In the military, the troops who are responsible for these operations are cautious to prevent friendly and collateral damage. 

The danger of carrying live weapons is greater than unarmed operations.  The danger in indiscriminate use if even higher.  In the military, there is always either a FCO (Fire Control Officer) or a FAC (Forward Air Controller) who gives the final permission to fire (drop) weapons.  The ultimate authority with troops in contact is the ground commander.  The ultimate authority when troops are not in contact is the AOO (Air Operations Officer).  Aircraft can't just drop weapons or engage targets without the proper authority. 

Aircraft and ground forces always work to an ROE (Rules of Engagement).  These are applicable to peace time and to war time.  the purpose is to protect crews and people on the ground.  Operations are handled with great care, and we haven't touched on emergency procedures and weapons problems.

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 197 Extrapolating Military Technology, Fuel Tactical Costs

16 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 197 Extrapolating Military Technology, Fuel Tactical Costs

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  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 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, food, and replacements.  These are critical to operating in the field.  An army must be able to get these from a depot to the troops, store them, and use them.  This is more difficult than you might imagine.  Fuel is subject to evaporation.  This was the greatest problem for Rommel and Montgomery in North Africa.  Rommel, the sly devil, discovered that British fuel cans were very superior to German fuel cans simply due to lack of spillage and evaporation.  He saved as much as 40% fuel by recycling the British cans.  That was good because the Brits left thousands in the desert. 

There is a lesson in tactics and logistics--don't leave materiel that your enemy can profit with.  Unluckily, this example was one of the few times the Germans could take advantage of the enemies logistics.  In general, the way Western powers approach logistics is nearly the same.  Develop fuel, etc. based on technology and not on your enemy.  The Russians had a better idea.  They couldn't take total advantage of it, but they had a great idea.  Use diesel.  Kerosene based fuels will not run a high octane vehicle (gasoline).  On the other hand, gasoline will run in a kerosene vehicle.  The best means to take advantage of this is with turbine engines.  The Germans finally got the right idea with their jet aircraft.  No one really took advantage of kerosene for ground based vehicles.  In your writing, you might have your troops use this method of logistics to thwart their enemies and supply their allies.

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 131 Extrapolating Military Technology, Heavy Weapons

9 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 131 Extrapolating Military Technology, Heavy 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
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment) 

To a degree, heavy weapons are both an extrapolation of individual weapons with the addition of technology that might not be possible with smaller systems.  So, the analog of the sling is the trebuchet.  The analog of the crossbow is the siege crossbow.  The analog of the rifle is the cannon.  With new technologies, we get systems without current or possibly future analogs (at least not for a long time).  The accelerator rifle's analog is the accelerator cannon.  It is quite likely we will soon see accelerator cannon because the power supply is so large.  Likewise, a laser weapon requires either chemical or a very large power plant.  The airborne laser was a chemical laser.  It is unlikely, but not impossible for a chemical laser to be individual.  Likewise, microwave weapons and other crowd dispersal systems require a large power supply.  They are more suited to heavy weapons that individual weapons. 

We saw this transition in machine guns (automatic weapons).  They started as Gatling Guns a type of cannon used by the artillery and slowly moved to become large machine guns and later individual machine guns.  Today, individual machine guns (automatic weapons) are the mainstay of the ground military.  The opposite transition occurred with shaped charge weapons.  Tank buster shape charge weapons started as infantry weapons (pazerfausts and bazookas) and later were used in main guns and aviation systems.

In general, military weapons see their greatest improvements and technological increase during wartime.  They usually are developed to counter an enemy.  This the EIDs of terrorists used to counter defensive armor on military systems.  Most of these are shaped charges of one kind or another.  By the way, they all had their advent in anti-personnel weapons.  

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 96 Entertainment to Technology

4 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 96 Entertainment to 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.

Historically, entertainment is one of the major means of technological development.  For example, the development of the camera and film led to the movie camera, video recording, and computer recording.  The purpose of motion pictures was almost completely entertainment, but recording for historical purposes and scientific purposes is a critical technology.  The purpose of photography was at first entirely for art and entertainment.  Photography has taken on a role in science and history that supersedes but compliments its role in arts and entertainment.  Any great technology has roots in entertainment.  For example, television, almost purely conceived in terms of entertainment led to surveillance systems, but also to gaming systems and computer displays.  Television (or actually cathode ray tubes (CRTs)) led to almost every modern display technology.  The future of all technology is driven by entertainment, and almost every modern piece of technology found its genesis in entertainment.  Even aviation started as entertainment. 

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 65 Game Theory

4 October 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 65 Game Theory

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.

Gaming with and without computers is an extrapolation concept.  With it, you can simulate any possibility in life.  You can recreate any incident in history.  Theoretically, if you properly control for the macro possibilities, you can achieve similar results.  You can also achieve different results.  In general, simulations are based in logic theory and in probability theory.  If you can also apply chaos theory, you would perfectly simulate any situation in the past or the potential future.  Game theory allows you to extrapolate any possible future or past.  This is much more than simply literature that provides a basis for alternative reality.  Game theory potentially allows an interactive interpolation of the past or an extrapolation of the future.

In engineering science, we use logical theory (mathematics), probability theory, and chaos theory, to reproduce the physical world (in all its complexity).  With game theory, you would be able to do the same for history--either past of future.  This is essentially what a science fiction writer does.  Instead of computer models, however, a science fiction writer uses logic to delve directly into potential futures.  There is great power in game theory--and the world is just beginning to see those advantages. 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 64 even more Computer Science and Technology

3 October 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 64 even more Computer Science and 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.

Part of the earthquake of change was from games.  Computers made games available to people that were outside of human imagination not even 5 years before their advent.  Before the rise of computers, role playing and military games were in ascendancy.  Computers gave life to role-playing and military type games like nothing else could.  Games ushered in violence that had never been imagined before in human entertainment, but it was controlled.  There is also a pornographic and sexual side to computer gaming. 

The world changed because simulators went from events to life.  Games simply are life simulators.  The life or lives they simulate are as varied as science fiction.  There has been a blurring of simulation and the real world.  How much this blurring will continue is entirely in the realm of science fiction.  Remember Tron and the redo.  Not the greatest movies, but if Disney is doing it, it can't be that unique or great.  Gaming is having an effect on the world that is little understood even by those involved in the transition.  This is a great area of potential extrapolation.  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 42 Cultural Shaping

11 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 42 Cultural Shaping

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.

Just what is cultural shaping?  You likely recognize that not everyone in the world has an iPhone.  Everyone wants one, but not everyone has one or can have one.  An iPhone requires extensive technological underpinnings.  For example, you need a wireless phone system, a means of producing and distributing electricity, a means of training, a language update for the iPhone, etc. etc.  Even if you gave an iPhone to a person from a culture without these capabilities, they likely would not be able to use the iPhone until their culture (and society) caught up with the technology.  This is true in science fiction as well.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  I'll explain tomorrow with examples from The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox.

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 36 Books Interpolation to Extrapolate

5 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 36 Books Interpolation to Extrapolate

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.

When people began putting sheets of writing together, they stitched them end to end and rolled them up.  This produced scrolls.  We don't have much archaeological evidence for the way books were put together before scrolls, but they were likely keep in cubbies or boxes.  Much more is known about the invention of the book.

Books were invented just after the first century.  The reason was to permit the Gospels and Paul's letters to be carried more conveniently.  Scrolls are hard to use, hard to carry, and hard to find stuff in.  Books are much lighter and easier to carry, use, and turn to the right page.  The invention of the book was a direct result of Christianity.  This was about 2,000 years ago.  We are counting down millenia. 

In the year 1000 approximately, punctuation, word spaces, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and numbered verses.  These inventions were to make the Bible more readable.  They also helped with other literature.

In the 1400s, the printing press was invented and printed books began to bring down the cost of publishing.  The need to print the Bible was the reason for the invention of the printing press.  Low cost printing would have to wait until the cost of paper got to a point that the average person could afford a book.  I'll write about that 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 35 Interpolation to Extrapolate

4 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 35 Interpolation to Extrapolate

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'm writing about real scientific creativity.  I'll start with an example of technology so you see how extrapolation works.  Let's look at writing as a technology.  Writing began with the need to record numbers of item for religious reasons--mainly for recording sacrifices.  This writing was called proto-writing.  Proto-writing quickly was acquired by traders and merchants to record information and began the slow transition to true writing.  True writing is where there are symbols that represent words or sounds.  This transition took a while, but eventually, you had recording of more than sacrifices and goods.

In the West, true writing was developed by the Mesopotamians and by the Egyptians.  The Mesopotamians used cuneiform on slabs of mud while the Egyptians, most likely, started with dried bricks or pottery and moved to stone then papyrus.  The original writing was on papyrus or vellum sheets (and mud slabs). 

We can measure this in approximate terms of millennia.  So let's say proto-writing was roughly invented about 10,000 years ago and true writing about 7,000 years ago.  Movement to sheets was perhaps close to the time of true writing.  The next step is putting the sheets together.  

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 33 Science Creativity

2 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 33 Science Creativity

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've written a little about this subject--that is creativity in science.  First, what is your area of expertise in science.  If you don't have one, you are going to have a really difficult time creating new and advanced science.  Michael Crichton's expertise was medical science.  He usually got most of that stuff right although he tended to mess up some science in other fields.  Asimov was a biochemist.  He didn't get the physics of space travel right much, but he was great meshing his field with mechanics--as in his robots and to a lesser degree his Foundation series.  Clarke was a radar technician with some knowledge of space mechanics.  His works are great where they extrapolate electromagnetic systems and communications.  Heinlein was a navel officer in communications and early carrier operations.  His understanding and work with military operations and military technology was excellent.  All of these men were trained in science and used their science knowledge to extrapolate future science and technology.  John Brunner was also a military officer.  His writing contains likely the best predictions of future technology of any science fiction.

If you want to write great science fiction, you must have some expertise in science and be able to extrapolate from that basis of knowledge.  My expertise is in military, cyberwar, and aerodynamics.  These are the areas I try to capitalize on in my science fiction writing.  If you want to write science fiction, again, the first step is to begin with your science expertise and work from there. 

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 2 Science

2 August 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 2 Science

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 do science, and you can't take the science out of science fiction. If you do, you no longer have science fiction. You might ask, can't I write about the future without worrying about science?  The simple answer is no. Recently, I wrote that you have to immerse your readers into the world of your writing. The world of the future is a world defined by technology. If you can predict technology, you can predict the future. You can tell what the world will look like. The biggest problem is that most science fiction writers never got the future very right. A few, like John Brunner, predicted what the world might look like, but most weren't even close. Asimov, Clark, and Heinlein still had their galaxy roaming characters using slide rules when computers were a reality. Talk about missing the point of computers, but when computers fill a room, I guess it is hard to see what they might become. I mentioned yesterday, you have to extrapolate to write science fiction. You have to be able to predict what future technology will look like and build a world based on that future technology. You can't write science fiction without the science, and you can't begin to think about the future without thinking about technology. So, to be a good science fiction writer, you need to know a lot about science. Did you hear me. It does no good to be ignorant about advanced science and try to write science fiction. You will fail every time. No one expects a science fiction writer to get the nuances of future science perfectly right, but don't you see, knowledge of science is the basis for science fiction--you can't extrapolate from a position of ignorance. This means that if you want to write science fiction, you better start studying. That's the rub, by the way. I meet all kinds of people who think they want to write historical fiction, but they haven't and they will not spend the years of study required to know the world they want to write about. On the other hand, many who want to write science fiction, think they can simply pick up a pen and write any old piece about the future and magically, that is science fiction. No pain. No work. Just a story about the future and it is magically science fiction. I would like to let you know, there is more work involved in studying to develop the world of a science fiction novel than any piece of historical fiction. You have to build enough knowledge to extrapolate the future. To do that requires you to know a lot about science in the the past. Your extrapolation is only as good as the data that makes up your basis. The line you build your extrapolation from must be well grounded. The grounding is in the past--the science of the past. If you can understand how the technology got to the point it is today, then and only then can you begin to extrapolate a future world. Tomorrow, the how in building a basis for extrapolation.

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/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

My Writing - A Review, The Fox's Honor

23 June 2013, My Writing - A Review, The Fox's Honor

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

My favorite: Fox...

The Fox's Honor is my favorite of my published science fiction novels. I recently reread it after getting a very positive private feedback from a fellow author. There were, of course, things I'd like to change in it, but overall, I was happy with the story and the novel. I hope the Ghost Chronicles eventually are published. The continuing story of this universe gets even better. The question Fox asks is the most interesting: what would a man do if his life was returned to him?

The fragile peace of the Human Galactic Empire hangs in the balance. Book Two, The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox Don't miss Book One, The End of Honor, or Book Three, A Season of Honor By L.D. Alford, the author of the suspense-thriller, Aegypt, Centurion, and The Second Mission It was a time of treachery and vengeance…of nobility and redemption…all because of love. Prince Devon Rathenberg, the Emperor’s Fox and chief of intelligence, has fallen in love with the Lady Tamar Falkeep—the third daughter of the least Duke in the Human Galactic Empire. But custom dictates they can never marry. Then the unthinkable happens. In the insurrection that threatens to tear apart the Human Galactic Empire, Devon designs a plan to reveal the Empire’s internal enemies. It’s a plan of desperation that, by design, will result in the ultimate sacrifice: his own death. But before he dies, Devon is determined to win the heart of Lady Tamar and declare his love.

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