Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 215 Extrapolating Military Technology, Food Tactical Costs

6 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 215 Extrapolating Military Technology, Food 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.  Food is a critical commodity on the battlefield.  In the ancient world, armies would ravage the nations they invaded and take everything they could eat or drink.  In the Roman era, leaders realized that wasn't a great idea--it really irritated the people of the country you wished to conquer.  The Romans usually paid for food materials when they could--the idea of logistics was too hard and not efficient or effective enough at the time.  Until the modern era, this idea of living off the land (or people of the land) was used by most armies.  The problem (or perhaps the positive) was that it resulted in a limited ability to prosecute war.  The Germans learned the reality of the difficulty of prosecuting a protracted war without sufficient logistics support when they invaded the USSR during WWII.  Without a sufficient logistics tail and support, it is impossible to fight a modern war against any nation.  We have already looked at fuel, ammo, and replacements, but food is the most basic commodity for running an army.

An army without food may be more dangerous to the leaders and nation than to the enemy.  Not only that, but people won't have the energy or ability to fight without sufficient calories.  This is why most combat meals weigh in at 2000 calories.  Warfare is greater physical labor than almost any other activity.

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 205 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Ammo Tactical Costs

24 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 205 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Ammo 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.  You might imagine the safety process that the production of ammo must go through.  That in itself is worth contemplating.  The real point where the military and most units get involved is transportation and packaging.  The packaging must be exact or the weaponeers and logisticians will reject it.  An improperly packaged weapon is more than dangerous--it is deadly.  An improperly made round is likewise dangerous. 

The rounds are packaged and marked very specifically.  The rounds (and bombs) themselves are marked.  In the US military, if a round has a green stripe, it is a live operational round (or bomb).  A practice or non-live round has a blue stripe around it.  This is true of all operational rounds, bombs, missiles, and rockets.  The reason for a blue stripe is to tell fire fighters and rescuers whether to fight the fire or rescue the crew.  If there is a blue stripe, rescue forces know the round is safe and will rescue the crew and fight the fire.  If the round is green, they evacuate and wait for the rounds to cook off--or on ship board, they push the aircraft into the drink.

The markings and packaging of the rounds is critical to the way they are treated and the safety of the crew.    

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 204 Extrapolating Military Technology, Ammo Tactical Costs

23 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 204 Extrapolating Military Technology, Ammo 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.  One major type of support is ammo.  Ammo, like fuel has got to get to the front line troops.  The question is how will it get there.  I know in movies and many books, this is magic.  The ammo is magically there in the vehicle for the soldiers to use--or better, there is no discussion at all about ammo.  The soldiers just fire their photon torpedoes.  I don't think so.  If you know anything about the military and moving bombs, bullets, and other types of ammo around, you know all this is a big deal.

Let me explain it to you a little.  I have been in the military aircraft on target community for a long time--over 20 years.  Although, I've flown and fly aircraft that drop bombs and fire missiles and rockets, the AC-130 gunship is the most indicative of weapons safety and care.

When you are going to fire the weapons on a gunship, you go through a very complex ritual that starts with production, packaging, transportation, and storage.  

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 202 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Replacement Tactical Costs

21 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 202 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Replacement 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.  You can imagine the extrapolation of replacements and parts the future.  Every vehicle and weapon system will require so type of recovery capability and repair.  There will need to be a way to bring new vehicles, parts, repair capability, and new troops to the front. 

Imagine your battlefield.  You will need to get the replacements to the area and then tactically deploy them.  In the case of space or a planet, you will need a spaceship to take the replacements to a space port and then some way to get them from orbit to a planetary space port.  From the port, you will need to move them to the back lines and finally to the front.  Each of these require a transition, a method, and a movement.  I mention this because I like to use these transitions to forward ideas in the novel. 

Moving your troops to the front line doesn't have to be a single paragraph and shouldn't be a single sentence.  This is a writing technique, but a very worthwhile one.  The major events in the life of a soldier are usually not training, battles, and glory.  The major events in the life of a soldier is the travel to the battlefield, the movement in the battlefield, and the movement in response to the battle.  Yeah, the battle is pretty important, but if you read most autobiographies of soldiers, you will find they focus on the movement part and not just the battle.  The battles are usually a small part of the whole.  Getting there is half the journey and an important part of an author's tools.  

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 201 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Replacement Tactical Costs

20 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 201 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Replacement 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.  Most novels focus on the battlefield and offensive or defensive operations.  That is usually less than 50% of a fighting force.  Although all the troops are trained to fight, there is always a large logistics component whose job is to deliver food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  Many times they are the human replacements--most of the time, in the modern military, their jobs and training make them more important than the fighters. 

That's the way with many military jobs.  The recovery forces are always better trained than the fighters in an armored unit.  Recovery forces have specialty tanks that allow them to tow and move other tanks.  Usually, a recovery company or platoon has special tanks that can tow other tanks as well as tanks that can protect themselves and their replacement resources. 

A recovery group usually has spare parts and tools that allow them to work on tanks and other armored vehicles.  There commander is almost always trained in the tanks and vehicle repair and overhaul.  Recovery forces are a critical part of battlefield operations.  The reason for this is that most tank "kills" are mobility kills and the tank can be brought back into the field with minimal effort.  These groups might be a good topic for a novel.

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 200 Extrapolating Military Technology, Replacement Tactical Costs

19 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 200 Extrapolating Military Technology, Replacement 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.  Fuel is a critical need it battle and related directly to the type of power plants in the equipment.  Of similar criticality is the power plants themselves.  I noted this when I discussed the issue with the German jet fighters and bombers.  Equipment in the military and in wartime is of limited life.  You don't want to throw the stuff away, you want to be able to keep it at peak.  It really helps to have a strong engineering knowledge if you intend to delve into this level of extrapolation.  I think it has strong theme and plot ramifications. 

Examples today is the life of the US military's F-100 engine.  The same for any jet or other engine.  An improvement in the engine or the development of a new power plant with a 100% longer life at peak capability would significantly improve the capability to fight.  This is true of most critical technology.  What I mean by critical technology is the technology that makes a military capability possible.  For example, the stealth coatings or design of an aircraft, the engine, the fuel, the weapons, the electronics, the ammo.  These are critical.  Other parts of the system (vehicle or aircraft) might be necessary to operations (critical tactically), but less critical strategically.

Replacement parts and the ability to get them to the field and install/change them are part of the tactical costs. 

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 196 Extrapolating Military Technology, Tactical Costs

15 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 196 Extrapolating Military Technology, 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 

When we discuss warfare and cost (economics), most people think about strategic costs--what it takes a nation to build to support an army.  In reality, you might have the most technological superior weapons (the Germans in WWII did) and still lose.  Tactical economics have a greater role to play in the costs of warfare.  Generally, in warfare, a force requires fuel, ammunition, food, and replacements (human and equipment).  If any of these are missing, the battle will not go well. 

Most of these are pre-battle requirements.  For example, before I begin to fight, I will need sufficient fuel, ammo, food, and replacements.  Each of these will be provided by the logistics system prior to the battle in question.  If I am missing or in sufficient lack of any of these, a good commander might postpone the battle.  On the other hand, all of these might be in supply, but not able to get into the battlefield.  A logistics system's purpose is to get these critical supplies to the proper place.  The Germans in WWII had a fantastic logistic system.  There problem was insufficient supplies (especially at the end).  The Russians had very sufficient supplies (at the end of the war), but a poor logistics system.  Their troops existed on German supplies, fuel, weapons, and ammo.

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 195 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Costs

14 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 195 Extrapolating Military Technology, more 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 

There are strategic and tactical costs.  Strategic costs are related to a nation's choices for weapons and military systems.  Tactical costs are related to logistics on a battlefield.  What most people don't seem to realize or have not been taught is that wars are not necessarily won just by tactics or by material.  Wars and battles are won primarily by logistics.  If you have the best tactics in the world, but can't feed your soldiers, you will lose.  If you have the most powerful weapons, but can't fuel them, you will lose. 

The Germans learned that lesson in WWII.  They had, by far, the best logistics, tactics, and weapons systems, but their opponents took out their supplies and soon they were unable to feed their soldiers and their people and they were unable to fuel and arm their soldiers.  The Allies weapons were by far less sophisticated and less powerful, but they had a lot.  The Allies tactics were old and less than effective, but they had a lot of weapons.  The Allies had less than stellar logistics, but they had a lot.  The Germans lost because they didn't have sufficient logistics to meet their battle requirements. 

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