Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 250 Conclusion

10 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 250 Conclusion

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.

All right, let's finish this series up and move on.  The point of science fiction is the science.  If you don't have a clue about science, you shouldn't be writing science fiction.  The trick in getting from fiction to science fiction is the extrapolation of the science to technology and the development of a science fiction theme.

The theme statement for a science fiction novel should have a science fiction protagonist (character), antagonist (character), setting, and action.  From the theme statement, the author gets these major parts of the novel and fleshes them out into a plot.  The plot can be developed from an initial scene based on the theme statement (scene outline and the way I write).  There are other methods, but the ultimate end is the writing of a novel.  All novels have five specific discrete parts: initial scene (the beginning), the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the dénouement.  All the parts except the rising action are usually single scenes.  The characteristic of any science fiction novel is to have extrapolated science and technology as part of each scene and as the basis for each scene and part of the novel--that's what makes it science fiction.

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 249 Continuing Scenes

9 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 249 Continuing Scenes

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

Holding to a single point of view (POV) while writing a scene is critical.  If you don't think it is, your editor will continuously remind you.  So you need to hold to a single POV throughout the scene and usually through out the novel.  Your POV should be the protagonist.  By this, I don't mean you should use first person.  In fact, don't use the first person in novel writing unless there is s specific reason to do it.  If you are confused, go back through my blogs--I give many reasons for not using the first person and when you should use the first person.  Use the third person and stick to the protagonist POV. 

Now, in the newest novel I am writing, I have some scenes where the protagonist is not present.  That means the protagonist POV is impossible.  What is possible is to use the third person, and therefore, not declare a POV or to judiciously use a POV of one of the characters in the scene.  Generally, I try to not declare a POV.  Sometimes you need to get into a POV, but remember this: it is better to not have a POV if you can get away with it.  I've written about POV a lot in the past--just review some of those entries.  As you build your scenes, you will find that you can write many novels in a sequence of scenes with input and output sequentially through the entire novel.  Not every novel can be written this way, but most should be.  This is the scene method of writing.

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 248 yet more Next Scene

8 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 248 yet more Next Scene

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

The trick in writing in scenes is that each scene follows the next in time.  Additionally, each scene provides the input for the next scene which provides the output for the next scene etc.  In this way, you can write a novel that is orderly, doesn't confuse your readers, and that makes sense to your readers.  Novels are complex enough without mixing up the time and sequence of events. 

In some cases, I add scenes that are not within the sequence I described.  Now, here is the point--the point of view (POV) to be exact.  Every novel and every scene has a POV.  If your editor starts bugging you about POV, this is what they mean.  When you write a novel, there is an implied and a specific POV in every scene and in the novel.  The POV should really be your main character.  If the protagonist is not the POV, it should be the protagonist's helper or the antagonist (or the antagonist's helper).  In most novels, the POV follows the protagonist.  In every scene, there should be only one POV.  This is usually the protagonist, but can vary by scene.  You should not vary the POV in a scene. 

In my newest novel, I do shift the scenes to simultaneously occurring scenes from a different POV.  I use an antagonist's helper POV and give the reader an input from a different source that is required for the plot line of the novel.  In these scenes, the input/output rules still apply, but just in a slightly different context.

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 247 more Next Scene

7 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 247 more Next Scene

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

The ideas I'm discussing in this overall conclusion are not just for science fiction, but relevant to all writing.  I'm putting together the sequence of events for writing a science fiction novel.  The input for the first scene comes out of the setting, characters, and action of the theme statement.  That first scene has an output.  The output for the first scene provides the input for the second scene.  In the new novel I am writing and mentioned yesterday, the first scene ends with the agent, following his wounding and encounter with the starving vampire, unconscious but alive--that is the output of the first scene.  The input for the second scene is the agent in the hospital--he wakes up.  The scene in the hospital should be obvious--the nurse, the doctor visit, the revelation of what the doctors discovered, finally, the visit from the agent's boss (station director).

The output of the hospital scene is the discharge from the hospital.  This is the input for the next scene.  Here the author has some control over the movement of the scenes.  This input could go many places.  The agent could go to a bar, seek out the vampire, go home, go to the office.  I had him go home.  An agent always has to prepare an after action report.  This is the most important thing an agent can do.  The mission is worthless unless there is a report.  Real agents must write their reports--they are not debriefed by a person who writes it all down. 

Note that each scene follows the first in sequence and that the output from one scene drive the input of the next.  This is the key point I am making.

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 246 Next Scene

6 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 246 Next Scene

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

The ideas I'm discussing in this overall conclusion are not just for science fiction, but relevant to all writing.  I'm putting together the sequence of events for writing a science fiction novel.  Once you have written the first scene, the rest of the novel will almost write itself.  The entry into the first scene is the theme statement.  The setting and characters come out of the theme statement.  The action for the initial scene comes out of the theme statement and the characters.  In the latest novel I am writing, the theme is about the relationship between a vampire and a government agent.  The government agent is shot while on assignment and accidentally gets involved with the vampire.  I know I told you that vampire themes are overused--I just had an inspiration and couldn't let it go.  Every scene, including the initial scene, has an input to the scene.  The input are the conditions that set the scene and make it come into place.  As a writer, you don't need to tell all the initial conditions for the initial scene, you just set the scene and put it into motion. 

In my newest novel, the inputs to the first scene are very complex, but simply, the agent has been tasked with a simple contact assignment and is shot through the chest.  The vampire is a girl who was hunting and the agent happened to get in the way.  She is starving and asks the agent if she can have some blood.  In the exchange, the agent doesn't become a vampire, but the vampire gives him back his life, while the vampire has become dependent on the agent.  The point is the scene is almost all setting and conversation with the strong action at the beginning.  At the end, the vampire is gone and the agent is unconscious.  The next scene should be obvious.  The output of the first scene is that the vampire saves the agent and the agent saves the vampire.  The agent is out and previously pressed the crises button on his phone.  Since we follow the protagonist, the next scene must be the agent in the hospital.

In my latest novel (not science fiction), the first scene is filled with action and excitement, blood and guts.  That first scene is critical to the entire novel.

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 245 Initial Scene

5 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 245 Initial Scene

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

The ideas I'm discussing in this overall conclusion are not just for science fiction, but relevant to all writing.  I'm putting together the sequence of events for writing a science fiction novel.  The first was to extrapolate the technology to get the setting (science fiction setting), the action (science fiction action), and the characters (science fiction characters).  In reality, I only need one of these elements for science fiction, but I must have extrapolated technology.  All three of these come from and go into your theme statement.  From the theme statement, you get your setting, protagonist, antagonist, possibly the protagonist's helper, and the action statement of the theme.  From the theme statement, you can expand the main characters and the ideas of the theme into a plot.

The first step in developing the plot (from my standpoint) is the initial scene.  I craft the initial scene first for all my novels.  This is the scene that must draw in your readers.  This is the scene that puts all the other scenes in their proper orientation and setting.  It must be exciting.  I will admit, that in the past, I've not started some of my novels at the correct point or with the proper scene.  I wont go back and fix those novels because, in the method I write a novel, those scenes are still necessary, they just aren't as exciting as they should be.  The first scene colors and begins the novel.  So, for A Season of Honor, the beginning scene is the introduction of Baron Shaun du Locke and Count Acier's proposal.  This is a necessary scene and literally sets off the entire novel.  In The Fox's Honor, the first scene is the introduction of Devon Rathenberg to the Ball where he meets Tamar.  This is also a necessary scene that drives the rest of the novel.  In The End of Honor, the first scene is a violent, bloody introduction to the novel--that's the kind of scene I recommend.

In my latest novel (not science fiction), the first scene is filled with action and excitement, blood and guts.  That first scene is critical to the entire novel.

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 244 Scenes in Plots

4 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 244 Scenes in Plots

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

Many of you might not like my method of outlining in scenes.  The reason is that I write scenes based on a theme statement.  The theme statement and my general ideas for the novel are what guide me.  I don't make a detailed outline of the scenes or of the plot.  I don't dissuade you from doing so if it helps you.  If anything, I have written a chapter outline before.  I don't like outlines, and I don't like the constraints of an outline.  I know generally where I want to go, and I know the theme--that's enough for me.  I do not allow any extraneous material in my writing because the focus is the scenes, the plot, and the theme.  You might ask, how can that be?  Here's how it works.

The first scene is usually set by the setting, protagonist, and antagonist from the theme statement.  There must always be a reason for the antagonist and the protagonist to be involved--or the protagonist's helper and the protagonist.  In my latest novel (not a science fiction novel), the protagonist's helper is a vampire (she is the reason for the novel), the protagonist is an agent for the organization (a group I developed for my novels based on MI-19 from WWII).  In the initial scene, the protagonist and the protagonist's helper meet.  The protagonist has been shot and is dying. 

The initial scene of every novel must be action packed and filled with excitement--this is the scene that sets off the novel and that makes your readers decide whether to read your book or not.

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 243 Themes to Plots

3 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 243 Themes to Plots

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

Once you have a theme statement, you can very quickly develop the plot.  Since the theme statement provides you a protagonist, an antagonist, possibly a protagonist's helper, a setting, and an action statement, all you need to do is develop the characters, the setting, and begin to flesh out the sequence of the scenes.  I write using scenes, so with a theme statement, I already have the basis for the first scene.  The first scene leads to each succeeding scene. 

Let me explain in a little more detail.  I write in scenes so the first step is to set the scene.  Since you have a setting in your theme statement, all you have to do is expand this setting.  Setting is the where, when, who, what, and how.  Expanding the setting means that you provide details to the where (the description of the place), the when (the time), who (the description of the characters), the what (the description of the elements of the scene), and the how (this is the action).  Think of scene writing like a play--once you have the basic setting in place, you can begin to move the characters around the setting.  The scene has a beginning and an end.  The end leads into the next scene.  This is how you write a novel or a story.   

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 242 more Themes and Plots

2 April 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 242 more Themes and Plots

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

As I noted before, the theme statement must include a science fiction motif, otherwise, why write the story or novel as science fiction.  The theme statement must have an protagonist, should have an antagonist, could have a protagonist's helper, needs a science fiction setting, and must have an action that draws it together.  The action can be science fiction based.  Thus a simple theme statement might be "a space cadet discovers a plot to destroy the world at the international space station."  There, we have a science fiction protagonist, an implied antagonist, a science fiction setting, a science fiction action.  I don't like destroy the world theme, but there is a science fiction theme example.  A non-science fiction theme statement example could be this: a government agent who is mortally wounded and accidentally saved by a vampire girl becomes involved in a supernatural plot in Britain and Ireland.  This is a fantasy/suspense theme, but not a science fiction theme.  Note, there is no science fiction setting or characters.  There is a protagonist's helper that provides a supernatural twist and the action description is supernatural.  I provided this as an example because it is close to the theme statement of the latest novel I'm writing.

The trick in writing science fiction is fir science and second a science fiction theme.  The next step is to turn that theme statement into a plot.  

More tomorrow.

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

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

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

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 240 Writing about the Future

31 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 240 Writing about the Future

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

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I'm not giving this series up quite yet.  I'll review some of what I've already described and tie it together. 

The main point about writing science fiction is this--you need to know something about science, and you need to understand science.  If you don't, I'm not sure how you can develop a science fiction theme...but in case you do, find someone who does understand science and get them to be a coauthor.  In finding a scientifically knowledgeable coauthor, you will have someone to bounce your theme and plot ideas off of, and you will have someone who can tell you when you are way off base.  I wish Star Trek and Star Wars had had someone who understood science to help them, but alas, it was not to be.

I made the point before, and I mentioned it above--you need to use a science fiction based theme.  I wrote extensively about developing a science fiction theme statement.  The point I made is that you don't write a science fiction story (or novel) just because you want to write one.  You start from a science fiction based theme (a theme that cannot be expressed except through science fiction).  You develop this theme statement into a plot and you write the story line.  I write using scenes and describe my scene writing techniques on another blog at www.novelscene.wordpress.com.  I'm don't use an assembly line technique to write, but I advise a structured and classic approach to writing.  It just works well for me.  

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 239 Extrapolating the Future

30 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 239 Extrapolating the Future

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.

What will the future look like and how can a science fiction writer extrapolate the future.  I've spent 239 days explaining these ideas.  I'll give it one last recap day to conclude, but I'll spend today going over the point of this whole exercise.

I want to help current and future science fiction writers from producing science fiction that is patently absurd or not based in science (or both).  I made the point that it is impossible to write science fiction without science, and further, to write science fiction, you must be able to extrapolate technology.  Technology is the practical use of science.  It is what your characters in a science fiction universe will use for day to day actions and operations.  The development of this technology must come from the mind of the author through the extrapolation of science into usable technology and then produced in the writing as usable devices.  The example I gave from my own writing was the ebook which I wrote about in 1984 in a book which was eventually published in 2008.

If you want to write science fiction, you must understand and be able to explain science.  It does no good to try to write science fiction if you don't understand science and you can't explain science to others.  My ultimate purpose was to show you how to develop a science fiction theme and turn it into a plot.  I tried to give you many pointers in this direction.

More tomorrow.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 238 Future Nations

29 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 238 Future Nations

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.

So, I don't think we can count on the USA producing another real space program any time soon.  It is in an exploratory death spiral and will likely not pull out without some great changes.  Europe isn't heading that direction either.  Russia doesn't have the prerequisite wealth, freedom, or desire.  China has some possibility, but without wealth in the hands of the people, freedom, or a strong desire, it doesn't have the capability to succeed in space.

A nation that will move into space will look like the USA during the time before Johnson.  Before it started to transfer money from the productive to the unproductive.  It will be willing to spend large amounts of money on exploration and technology.  It will work with business without regulating to prevent space flight or space operations.  It will allow the use of surplus and military technology and systems.  Such a nation is not the USA today nor is it Russia or China.  The question isn't what such a nation will look like, but what nation on the globe today can act in such a capacity--perhaps the only hope is writing science fiction and not actual expectation of a future in space.

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 237 even more Extrapolating Nations

28 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 237 even more Extrapolating Nations

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.

If you want technology and freedom, you need exploration.  A nation that focuses on exploration is not spending money to support a worthless or dying civilization.  Exploration is powered by government because the costs are usually too great for private groups to accomplish.  This isn't always true however.  In the case of the British East India Company and the Hudson's Bay Company, the return from exploration was high enough for private businesses to handle the costs.  This could be true in the future as long as the government makes military surplus and technology available to the public.  This can't work if the government does not encourage and deregulate the business of exploration.

Freedom is the other part of this equation.  No private person is willing to risk their lives in exploration without some high degree of return.  This high degree of reward for risk is called capitalism.  Capitalism is the only means to get people to be willing to put their money and their lives at risk in exploration.  I know you can appeal to patriotism and you can reward people and you can make space programs, but look what that has achieved in the case of the USA.  In the USA, the space program is a joke--it once had the Saturn Five and moon capable ships--not anymore.  It once had Space Shuttles--not anymore.  It once had a space station--not anymore.  All the US has is a part in the International Space Station and no way to put astronauts there or bring them home.  It is a joke.  This is no way to encourage or build exploration in space.

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 236 yet more Extrapolating Nations

27 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 236 yet more Extrapolating Nations

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.

If you want exploration and technology, you must first have a wealthy class who can absorb the technology.  We saw this in the 1960s to 1980s where there was much money available and lots of research.  Without money for research and a wealthy class to absorb the technology, you can't get it into the society.  Now about research.  When I mention research most people think of government research.  This isn't the kind of research that builds new technology--not without a couple of transfers happening.  The majority of research in most industrial countries comes out of industry and not the universities or government.  I'd peg the ratio at 70 to 30, but it is likely closer to 80 to 20, for business research to government/university research.  You also need to realize that a large proportion of university research is funded by industry.  Industry and not government is the fundamental power behind technology and science development. 

The point here should be obvious--if you want more technology in your science fiction universe, you need more industry and wealth (they go hand in hand).  You can extrapolate the future of a nation by the industry and the wealth.  There is another block in this power I put in the first paragraph--exploration.

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 235 more Extrapolating Nations

26 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 235 more Extrapolating Nations

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.

As I mentioned before, nations need a strong and wealthy group who can afford to absorb new technology.  Without this group, there is little purpose in developing technology.  The reason for this was obvious too--most technology development is for entertainment purposes.  Much of it is also related to pornography, but that is an entirely different discussion.

If you look back at the true space age in the US and the world, at the time the government had money to spare--JFK had convinced the Congress to reduce taxation on the wealthy and business.  This caused billions more to come into the treasury.  It was a time where the USG was much smaller, before baseline budgeting, and before many social programs existed at the federal level.  The influx of tax dollars due to the tax cuts and the revitalization of business and personal finance gave a surplus that the government could spend on JFK's moon project.  This was government exploration, which I mentioned before is a wonderful capability that governments have that businesses and individuals can't do as well. 

The exploration powered by government dollars, political will, and mutual ascent by the people, resulted in the exploration of the moon.  At the time, the extra money in the pockets of the wealthy resulted in technology transfer from the space program into the society and the extra dollars in the hands of business and individuals allowed those technologies to quickly benefit society.  There was also a strong labor pool because of the lack of government social programs.  And then the USG decided it would move into progressivism and the end of the space program began.

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 234 Extrapolating Nations

25 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 234 Extrapolating Nations

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.

I'm not intentionally dissing the Danes or the Germans, I'm simply pointing out that cultural, political, and social choices make a real difference in any potential future.  It is unlikely that Denmark or Germany will be leading the next transition into space, but who knows--if their cultures, societies, and politicians make different choices, their nation could become a technological and future leader.  Let's explore characteristics that give a nation a potential future leadership role.

The first is national exceptionalism.  We mentioned this with morale.  A nation whose people believe their culture and society is both exceptional and worthy of sharing will be a nation who's ideals are shared based on their power and ability to project that power.  The USA is an example of a nation that in the past had a strong national exceptionalism.  I already discussed the characteristics that give a nation this type of ideal.

The second is reproduction.  This should likely be on the top of the list, but history has shown that the most reproductive are not necessarily the most productive.  They are directly related, but cultures, especially in the modern world, that just reproduce although they produce a lot of geniuses, without an ideal toward exceptionalism (and technology).  The main point is that a culture that out-reproduces other cultures is usually the one to survive.

The third is national drive.  This is much less powerful than exceptionalism, but describes the push of Russia and China.  These are nations with little national exceptionalism, but lots of national drive.  They are unconstrained governments because they are ultimately despotisms.  China doesn't have the capability to move too far economically--it is a controlled economy with almost no freedom.  Russia is also a controlled economy with very little freedom.   

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 233 Extrapolating Cultures

24 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 233 Extrapolating Cultures

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.

Through looking at extrapolating military morale, we can see that future military events and capabilities relate directly to a nation's culture and society.  You might venture that military power and technology relate directly to a nation's culture and society.  A culture that has no interest in protecting itself or is a client state (for one reason or another) will not have a very powerful or capable military.  Their technology will lag other, more powerful nations.  Their military's morale will make success difficult.  Examples of such nations today can be found in Europe.  The EU spends almost nothing on their militaries.  Their forces are less than hollow.  They have few troops and less technology.  They are practically client states of the more powerful nations that are their allies.  Most specifically the USA and Israel.

Did you ever wonder why no one ever writes about the Danish Space Ship Enterprise or the German Space Ship Enterprise.  The assumption in Star Trek is that the Enterprise is a space ship of the line from the good old USA.  The Danes and the Germans barely have a military.  They have almost no space program.  They are barely a blip on the future of the planet or future of the universe track.  Their cultures and societies have become so introverted and progressive politically that they can't defend themselves from attack, and they have little wealth or technology development.  The wealth and technology they have is protected by other nations.  This is true, not just about the Danes and the Germans, but about almost every nation in the EU.  Is this bad?  Well, it is if you expect to extrapolate a future for humanity and technology from it.  Take your choice, today the US, China, and Russia are about your only choices for technology development and some future in space.  And there are problems with each of these three.

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