Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 75 Other Transportation

14 October 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 75 Other Transportation

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 obvious question when we get to this point is what about more advanced ideas in transportation--like what about transporters.  Right now from a known science concept a transporter is right out.  For a transporter to work, you'd have to remember the position of each molecule in it's proper position and sequence in 4 dimensions, record that data, take the thing to be transported apart without killing it, then put it back together with every molecule in the proper location.  What happens when you get molecules of bacteria and insects mixed up with the person--that's the fly.  The possibility of a transporter is somewhat impossible, but there are potentially other ways to move things through space.  The trick is to think of them.  If we are talking about hard science, there has to be a method for the science to work--it isn't good enough to have noises and lights.  Noises and lights (like Star Trek) might fool the untrained, but those who understand science won't buy it.

There are still other areas of extrapolation to exploit.

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 68 more Medical Extrapolation

7 October 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 68 more Medical 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.

The use of medical technology in The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox and in The Ghost Ship Chronicles is a direct example of technological and cultural shaping.  The expectation in medical technology is that implantable chips that interact with the brain and brain stem will be in the near future.  Near future is 100 years.  They will be available in at least 1000 years. 

In both my science fiction series novels, the universe is  governed by genetics and biotechnology.  In the first series, genetics and the purity of human genetic strains controlled human reproduction and human capability.  This obviously reduced medical technological experimentation away from cyber and physical enhancements.  Because of this, medical experimentation moved to psyonics.  In the period between the series, psyonics ruled biotechnology.  In the second series, the people are reinventing and reinvigorating the knowledge that was lost in that period. 

Both series rely on cultural shaping (it is illegal to conduct genetic experimentation and human augmentation) and technological shaping (because it was illegal, science went down a different pathway).  This is the way you build a universe that is different than what you might expect using game theory.  Game theory and pure logical extrapolation says we can expect certain types of technology and science in the future, cultural and technological shaping allows the author to build a science fiction universe that is much different than what might be expected.  Notice, the science fiction should still be true to logic and potential technology.   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 66 more Game Theory

5 October 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 66 more 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.

If you didn't get it all ready, game theory is a basis for extrapolation.  There are other bases, but game theory is one of the best.  I don't use game theory, I use logical extrapolation.  Logical extrapolation is the process I have been discussing.  In game theory, you set up all the parameters of current technology and the world and you game incrementally, the changes in technology or the world.  This is also a method to predict the future of the world. 

Is game theory a good method of extrapolation?  It is a more tedious method and may or may not be more complex than logical extrapolation.  Is game theory more accurate?  Who knows?  Game theory is so new that it has not been able to predict much at all.  Game theory is as variable as any other method of extrapolation.  It is definitely more detailed.  Whether right or not, that is hard to tell without more data. Logical extrapolation has not been that successful either. 

The science fiction author may find that logical extrapolation is more fit than game theory to describe and define the future worlds they want to portray.  In game theory, the world may not be what the writer desires at all.  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 63 more Computer Science and Technology

2 October 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 63 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.

Once computers got out of the hands of 10,000 professional researchers and into the hands of a million plus experimenters, the world began to change.  The result is similar to what happened when video or audio recording came into the hands of millions from thousands.  You get an exponential increase in technology and product.  Although the advent of real software for business use transformed business throughout the world, games also had an enormous effect.  Let's discuss the business end for a while.

Before the PC, secretaries and secretarial pools were necessary for the production of business documents.  With the PC an entire part of industry disappeared.  It was like the end of buggy whips.  Secretaries are still necessary, but not the hundreds and hundreds before the PC.  There were many other parts of industry that was affected by the advent of the PC.  We have not seen the end of this revolution, and likely there is no going back. 

Could you have imagined such an end 20 or 30 years before the end of the secretarial pool?  I suspect not.  Most science fiction writers couldn't.  The PC ushered an earthquake of change in the 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 62 Computer Science and Technology

1 October 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 62 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.

Let's discuss the extrapolation of computer technology.  Believe it or not, computer technology followed a very similar path to aviation.  However, because computers were not regulated, we saw a geometric increase in computer technology that we didn't see in aviation.

In the beginning, computers were 100% utilitarian and only available for science and science research.  In spite of this, there were those who developed more than science with computers--games for example.  The wealthy were not really interested in computers, but there were early expensive tools and computers the wealthy and experimenters used--the Altair 6 is one.  But something happened on the way to the future, three low cost computers became available to the general public: the TRS-80, the Apple II, and the Commodore Pet.  This immediately brought over a million programmers and experimenters into play. 

Computers are not computers without software.  Until the advent of the three experimental computers above, there was no purpose for computers in the business or home environment--there was little or no software the average person could use.  Almost immediately, an experimenter invented the spreadsheet.  This was an fundamental software invention that led directly to a business use for computers.  This was followed quickly by editors and database programs.  There had been database programs for the giant UNIVACs.  There were word processors.  There had not been anything for small office use before.  Business offices suddenly had computing power available to them.  The other side of this development was games.  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 61 even more Transportation Science and Technology

30 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 61 even more Transportation 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.

I'm writing about the patterns we see in technology and science.  I'm writing about transportation right now.  We know the ultimate for transportation moves from suborbital to orbital, then intra-solar system to inter-solar system.  You could extrapolate as far as inter-galactic.  We know writing that moves this far technologically.  The question is how.  In hard science fiction, the author posits a means.  In soft science fiction, it just exists.  The point is the technology and the capability.

The how of space transportation is a very interesting part of the extrapolation equation.  In The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox, I extrapolate space transportation as ships in warp type FTL (Faster than Light) flight.  I assume a situation similar to today with spaceliner travel for the majority and individual ships for the minority wealthy.  This is a reasonable assumption.  This assumption and extrapolation may be completely wrong.  If we evaluate the other possibilities, the extrapolation looks better and better. 

In the age of aviation, regulation makes individual ownership of aircraft very expensive.  We can expect his same model with space craft.  Governments will not want individuals to have this ability to travel.  I expect their resistance to be at least as bad as the current regulations with aircraft.  The model of ships may be even better with many able to own small intra-solar system ships and the minority unable to own inter-solar system ships.  We see similar problems with computer technology.  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 58 Energy Science and Technology

27 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 58 Energy 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.

I've mentioned a lot about books and writing and some about music in the extrapolation of science.  There are obvious extrapolations that everyone should understand.  Energy is one obvious extrapolation.  Energy production will go to fusion.  Solar panels will get more efficient--they will likely never get efficient enough to be used for cost effective energy production, but they will fit more and more niche areas.  Think of solar powered calculators.  Fusion energy will likely get smaller and smaller.  Will it move to the level of a battery--likely not, but who is to say.  This is where a great science fiction author can provide some hard science inventiveness to produce a future technology.

Batteries will become smaller and more powerful.  The decrease in size and increase in power will likely not be geometric, but linear and incremental.  Already, we are seeing devices that are almost all battery--think iPhones.  The devices and their batteries are disposable.  If you think of technology changes through the ages, things that were dear became disposable.  In general, many scientific inventions that didn't fly were of this variety--like paper clothing.  Clothing is disposable--by the way.  We just don't think of it that way.  The movement of things to become more and more disposable is related to the device, the power provider, the repair-ability, and the speed of change.  An piece of electronics is ultimately disposable.  A piece of clothing, not so much.  A piece of china is not as disposable as a paper plate.  A science fiction author in extrapolating the technology and shaping the culture will put these ideas in play.  Just what would a future society consider disposable?   

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 57 more Science and Technology

26 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 57 more 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.

Here is a great extrapolation of science into technology.  Let's look at computers and musical instruments.  Almost immediately with the analogue computer, the synthesizer was born.  The progression to synthesizer is obvious and easy.  It starts with rudimentary string instruments which led eventually to plucked and pounded string instruments.  That led to the clavichord, harpsichord, and finally the piano-forte.  Keyboard instruments led to the organ and the organ to the electronic organ.  The mixture with the computer, gave us the synthesizer, but that isn't the end.

The keyboard based synthesizer led to other synthesizers like for guitars, violins, flutes, woodwinds.  The wise extrapolator should imagine every type of instrument with its synthesizer, but there is more.  There are experiments in human based instruments and synthesizers.  The science is obvious, the results and ends not as obvious.  We are talking about wearable musical instruments.  Instruments that respond to the human body through movements, breath, fingering, etc. and not just fingering and/or blowing.  What can you extrapolate from wearable instruments.  We are well beyond a "one-man-band."  What does it mean to integrate musical instruments with dance or with any other human endeavour.

Jack Vance wrote about a society where people sang their language.  He was ahead of the curve in blending culture in a futuristic way.  The cusp of musical science is moving in a radical direction--will some science fiction author extrapolate these ideas into the future?  I remember an author who poorly extrapolated dance into space--the author missed the point entirely.  Science fiction isn't about taking what we know and putting it into the future--it is about taking what we can imagine and placing it in a future framework.  It isn't enough to put what we know today into an obvious future, but to take a less than obvious result that is a real potential future.  

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 56 Science and Technology

25 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 56 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.

In spite of the advance of technology brought about by computers, the ultimate and even the immediate is not fully imagined.  I hope some science fiction author can get parts right.  Today, there just aren't that many scientists or technicians writing science fiction.  If you remember, I noted that most of the hard and the great science fiction writers from the near past were either scientists or they were technicians (technical experts in one field or another).  The extrapolation of science is impossible if you don't understand science.  That is a basic and incontrovertible rule in writing science fiction.

Let's say you understand science, and you are able to extrapolate technology and science.  It is actually easier to extrapolate technology because technology is applied science.  You can usually look at the knowledge level of science right now and predict where technology will be in 10 to 20 years.  This is because the science of today takes at least that long to become technology--applied science.  Therefore, the science for optical drives was in use in the laboratory easily 10 to 20 years before it was applied to CDs and CD-ROMs.  Before that, the laser was invented and had absolutely no use in applied science.  It was an experimenter's tool for more than 30 years before anyone thought there might be a use for it.  The uses of lasers is incredible and in many ways unpredictable until the advent of computers.  Computers gave lasers a method and means of use.  There are many parts of science like this.  Perhaps we should take some and use them as examples.  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 55 yet even more Technology and Themes

24 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 55 yet even more Technology and Themes

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.

There are not many hard science fiction authors who do technological extrapolation well.  Part of the problem has to do with imagination and reality.  What you can imagine, you can design--that's the ultimate problem with trying to extrapolate technology.  Certain technologies are obvious: fusion, space travel, hypersonic travel, military weapons, medical advances, etc.  On the other hand, what you can't imagine, you can't write about.  Who could imagine the iPhone or the iPad.  Both have revolutionized communication and media.  I imagined and proposed the first electronic book in 1984.  It wasn't a reality until much later.  It is becoming the standard. 

In 1984, no one could imagine the possibility of a magazine sized device that displayed magazines, books, and newspapers.  The possibility didn't exist.  With this technology comes other technologies.  In my Ghost Ship Chronicles, I proposed screensheets.  Screensheets are paper thin devices that allow students to write, draw, and present their own artwork.  These play the role of paper and computers in a school today.  I think we will have screensheets in less than 10 years.  Who knows.  I also have another type of more permanent display that is similar.  I know, that in less than 20 years we will have "screensheets" that are calling cards.  You won't use paper, you will write on something similar electronically.  You will draw pictures on this type of device.  The world is changing--can you predict it.  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 54 yet more Technology and Themes

23 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 54 yet more Technology and Themes

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 opposite of cultural shaping is cultural assumptions.  For example, Clark, Heinlein, Asimov, among others assumed we would still be using sliderules during the era of space flight.  They were great science fiction authors, but their extrapolation of science and technology wasn't that great.  However, many times it is better to assume the technology you have--not!  It is always better as a science fiction author to see what is happening in science and try to extrapolate technology from it.  For example, if these great science fiction authors had the rudiments of knowledge about computer systems, they might have extrapolated correctly that these systems could eventually fit in your pocket.  This is how you put the future science and technology into science fiction. 

One author who has been able to significantly extrapolate science and technology is John Brunner.  Brunner predicted computer viruses.  He predicted government run lotteries.  He predicted many technologies and uses for technologies well beyond his time.  This is the key to great hard science fiction. I'll discuss 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 49 and more Cultural Shaping Reduces Extrapolation

18 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 49 and more Cultural Shaping Reduces 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.

I used all the examples I mentioned yesterday in The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox not just for the purpose of cultural shaping, but because the culture of the novels was required by the theme.  In the case of these science fiction novels, the culture required by the theme also helped reduce the required technology through cultural shaping.

Most science fiction authors use cultural shaping to one degree or another to either unintentionally or intentionally reduce the required technological extrapolation.  Examples of the use of cultural shaping can be found through most science fiction.  Many times the authors don't intentionally shape the cultures of their novels to fit the extrapolation of the technology.  In many cases, the authors don't change the culture at all from that of their modern world.  They assumed very wrongly that the culture (and to a degree, the technology) would be the same.

The classic science fiction writers of the late and middle twentieth century are authors who generally didn't change their culture and sometime technology to match.  These are the novels that have sliderules in space.  These novels still have telephones and video phones.  The computers fill rooms.  To be honest, these writers didn't see the effect of change in the modern world.  The world changed at both a much greater and lesser pace than they expected.

Two authors that stand out as very culturally and technologically aware are Jack Vance and John Brunner.  Jack Vance really understands culture.  John Brunner really understands technology.  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 48 even more Cultural Shaping Reduces Extrapolation

17 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 48 even more Cultural Shaping Reduces 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.

When you start with a culture that is more simple, less complex, or more ancient than our modern culture, your readers will expect the universe you create to have anachronisms that don't necessarily need extrapolation--they may need interpolation.  For example, if you have a tradition in your culture that requires the characters to carry a sword, you have developed an anachronism in the culture.  If you further have a code duello in that culture, you have a greater anachronism.  If you introduce plasma swords as a weapon that can be selected in the code duello, you have extrapolated a technology and limited within a culture. 

There are many means to limit your culture and the extrapolation you require.  Another example is communications.  We know that there will be some type of communication device more advanced than we have today. In 10,000 years, the most likely device will be an implant in the brain.  This might be too much for many readers to handle.  You might use that extrapolation, but in the proper culture, they would still have hand held devices.  In another more private culture, they might have no devices at all.  This is the power of cultural shaping.  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 47 more Cultural Shaping Reduces Extrapolation

16 September 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 47 more Cultural Shaping Reduces 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.

As I mentioned, even in the modern world, technology varies greatly from place to place.  Therefore, in The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox: The Fox's Honor we have Devon Rathenberg wearing leather clothing and a uniform from a plant in the sticks.  I don't tell you the modern fabrics, I make a comparison through the culture and technology displayed by Devon Rathenberg to contrast with the culture and technology of the time.  Likewise, the culture of the Human Galactic Empire is based in an Anglo-Saxon culture.  There is a degree of expectation in my readers that the culture and the times are different from today, but that they should expect something very different technologically and culturally.  With this setup, I have both expanded the universe of The Chronicles beyond the expectations of my readers and I have bounded that same universe within certain expectations. 

In the universe of The Chronicles you have faster than light space travel.  You have space ports and shuttles.  You have all the trappings of the future you would expect 10,000 years from now, but at the same time, because the culture is Anglo-Saxon based, you expect a universe that is somewhat backward.  This is a delicious tension I intentionally place in many of my science fiction novels.  The expectation is ancient, but the reality is extra-modern. 

When I wrote these novels back in the 1980s, there was even less expectation of the future technology.  Unfortunately, when the novels were published in the 2000's, the technology had caught up with the times and there was a little less wow factor.  This is how science fiction authors sometimes get it and sometimes don't.

All the technology was extrapolated from the basis of the modern era, but with some simple deviations.  I'll explain those 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