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 232 Extrapolating Military Technology, more example Extrapolated Morale

23 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 232 Extrapolating Military Technology, more example Extrapolated Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

The ultimate question of extrapolated morale is what is a person willing to die for.  Generally, national exceptionalism comes directly from the concepts of divine providence, work superiority, moral superiority, fairness, equality of purpose, equality of position, equality under the law, equality of opportunity.  The Klingons don't have what it takes either.

The Klingons were obviously extrapolated as an analogy to the USSR during the original Cold War Star Trek series.  The problem for morale with the Klingons is they have the same problems as the Soviets.  The Klingons are supposed to be a warlike, honor-based culture.  The only problem with that is that almost every honor based society is strongly religious and in fact strongly Christian.  You do find some honor-based cultures that are not Christian but they all tend to be strongly religious.  For some reason, in the mind of the Star Trek writers, religion and science fiction don't fit.  Let's realize that societies in space will have all the characteristics of societies on the earth--an then some.  It is utterly illogical to not include religion into science fiction.  I don't mean religious science fiction, I mean science fiction that includes religious characters, concepts, and ideas. 

One example of a science fiction novel that did just that is Dune.  Dune may be one of the best science fiction novels written.  If you notice, it has extrapolated religion very well and placed it properly in a place of prominence in that universe.  Dune  is an example of a very well done extrapolation of science, culture, politics, and technology.  

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 231 Extrapolating Military Technology, example Extrapolated Morale

22 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 231 Extrapolating Military Technology, example Extrapolated Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

The ultimate question of extrapolated morale is what is a person willing to die for.  Generally, national exceptionalism comes directly from the concepts of divine providence, work superiority, moral superiority, fairness, equality of purpose, equality of position, equality under the law, equality of opportunity.  For example, the Star Ship Enterprise could never muster the moral energy or morale to defeat anyone.  It breaks all the basic rules of national exceptionalism.

Here is why.  First, Star Trek does not have a chaplain.  There are no religious people on the Enterprise.  This should seem odd to even science fiction fans since 80%+ of the population of the USA and the USSR believe in God.  Almost 99% believe in some higher power.  Star Trek humans have expanded beyond God.  So what motivates them to ethical or moral behavior--nothing it seems.  There is no equality of opportunity in Star Trek.  We thought there was--that Captain Kirk earned his position like most of us do.  We discovered in the last two movies, that he was predestined to be captain.  IN the Star Trek world, you are either predestined or you are cannon fodder.  Equality of position doesn't mean everyone has the same position but that people are seen as equal to one another.  If the ensigns aboard the Enterprise can't aspire to the position of captain, there is no equality.  I'm surprised the Klingons don't beat the Enterprise every time they meet because Klingons seem to have more purpose and national exceptionalism than the humans on the Enterprise.  

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 229 Extrapolating Military Technology, Extrapolated Morale

20 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 229 Extrapolating Military Technology, Extrapolated Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

Extrapolated morale is likely a place few science fiction writers will be willing to go.  Much, if not most of the science fiction today does almost nothing with the culture or society and instead has an unextrapolated world like today or has a culture and society extrapolated to current cultural mores.  Lets extrapolate from the example of Soviet culture.  The culture the Soviets inherited was God based, ethical, and classically moral.  They tried to reshape that culture into the communist ideal.  The first step was forced government education.  The forced government education taught there was no God and told the children their parents were fools for their belief.  They undercut the classical morality by using sexuality as a tool of the state.  In classical communism, there is no private property or ownership and the government schools taught that men and women exclusively promising themselves in matrimony was not just wrong, it was uncommunist and unSoviet.  They destroyed the ethics of fealty and responsibility by creating an environment of class warfare.  The winners in the Soviet fairytale was always the owners of industry and the losers were the workers.  This models put the state in place as the owner of industry and the people as the workers.  A quicker way to poverty and insurrection there has never been.

In the government schools of the US as well as a host of other countries, they are promoting anti-God ideas.  Soldiers will not fight for an anti-God, they will fight for a God.  You can't expect a person to be willing to give their lives for an ideal you criticize at every government level.  Nations that use their propaganda and schools to undercut the cultures ideas of God, will not have anyone to defend it for very long. 

As concerns family--you can't have a Duck Dynasty culture of morality and expect those people to fight for a non-Duck Dynasty society. 

As concerns ethics--a culture defined by class warfare can't be a culture of wealth and mobility.  Entitlement does not lead to prosperity.  Only hard work leads to prosperity.  Who will fight for the privilege to collect a welfare check?

How do these ideas affect morale?

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 228 Extrapolating Military Technology, Controlled Morale

19 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 228 Extrapolating Military Technology, Controlled Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

The problem of Soviet morale became apparent very quickly when Soviet troops were engaged outside their country.  In fact, Soviet troops had problems with morale when they were used anywhere in the USSR when they were outside their homelands.  The reasons where wholly cultural and social.  There wasn't a problem with the Russian (or pick whatever nationality in the Soviet army).  The problem was that the Soviet system undercut all the major cultural values of the Soviet citizen and didn't replace it with anything substantial.  For example, most Soviet citizens were Orthodox Christians.  The Soviet did not encourage or teach a belief in any god.  The Soviet attacked religion as irrational and unSoviet.  This is just one example of many.  You can't undercut cultural ideals through your education system and expect your military forces to not be negatively affected.  The Soviets did more to undercut their own forces capabilities through their ideology than through any other means.

That gets to the government run education system of the USA.  The same type of transformation is occurring in the government controlled US education system.  The same anti-God, progressive, anti-ethics, anti-morality, humanistic ideas are being beaten into children.  These ideas are directly opposed to those of their parents or are directly opposed to those of the culture and society.  There is some hope by educators that the values taught in the government educational system will become the culture--and as the Soviet model shows, to a degree they can and will--the problem is that those values cannot sustain a fighting force or a nation.  The Soviet state had a great fall.  It collapsed economically, socially, culturally, and politically.  It has not fully recovered, but we don't get as much information about its cultural influences as we used to.  It could be growing back to a nation with viability.  Now, to the extrapolation of morale. 

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 227 Extrapolating Military Technology, and still more Morale

18 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 227 Extrapolating Military Technology, and still more Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

The lesson from the ancient world is simple, to have good morale you have to have a culture and society your forces deem worth defending.  You might offer that the power of the wish to not die or to protect your own are strong morale builders, but that isn't necessarily true.  This can be a powerful morale builder in cultures that are less advanced or that are strongly self sufficient, but less advanced means less technology and sophistication.  Strongly self-sufficient usually means unable or unwilling to trade or become involved in trade.  Trade is the life-blood of technology. 

The ultimate point is that an army needs a reason to fight and morale is usually a good measure of that reason.  The things that destroy that reason are those pesky modern values that tend to gum up modern thinking.  Note that perceptions of ethics and morals were a reason for the lack of Roman morale.  The Greeks just had no reason for continuing to fight for the lands they controlled.  This is the extrapolation of not technology but rather culture and society.  A culture that has lost its self-perception of ethics and morality will fail.  A great example are cultural ideas that are foisted by courts, the political system, or the educational system that are contrary to the ideals of a nation.  You can try to high the ideals in intellectualism, but they will not stand for much.  The Soviets found this to be a significant problem for their morale. 

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 226 Extrapolating Military Technology, still more Morale

17 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 226 Extrapolating Military Technology, still more Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

The Roman Legions absorbed the new religion (Christianity) and they lost heart for defending their culture and society.  Held to the standard of Christianity, their culture and society were not moral or ethical and their people were not independent or self-reliant.  The cultural collapse caused by the changes in the culture when mixed with the ethics of Christianity destroyed the morale of the Roman soldier.  This was both individual and corporate.

The Greeks had a similar problem.  The military forces of the three Greek empires (Mycian, Selucid, and Egyptian) where fueled with the power (morale) of Hellanization.  The world was Hellanized because the Greek gods and cultures had prevailed over the world.  The Greeks, however, were more interested in self protection and philosophy--those are difficult cultural and social concepts to defend well.  They had not worked well for morale building in the past and they weren't very good even in a Hellanized world.  The ascendant Romans tore into the contemplative Greeks and handed them their heads.  The Mycians fell, followed shortly by the Egyptians, and most of the Selucid Empire was carved out, but not totally defeated by the Romans.  In any case, the Greek forces couldn't maintain their morale in the face of the Romans.

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 225 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Morale

16 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 225 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

The main point about morale is that you have to have a reason to fight.  In general, people need a reason to do the work they do--more so when their lives are on the line.  Patriotism is really not enough.  There are two levels of reasons to fight.  One is head and one is gut.  You fight because of what you believe in.  If you waver in your dedication to the higher ideals of your nation--such as national exceptionalism, you still need so idea or ideal to propel your thinking.  You could imagine this as self esteem.  Without a strong self esteem, a military fighter will not be able to continue the fight.

On a lower level, the core belief that you fight for some idea or ideal is critical.  This is when the larger ideal will not do.  Usually, the loss of either ideal will result in the critical loss of morale.  For example, the Romans were propelled by the idea of national exceptionalism.  This was fueled by their conquests and the Romanization of those they conquered and others just outside their sphere.  They were also propelled by the view that their gods and their society was perfect, moral, and ethical.  The beginning of the end for the Roman Empire came from the realization that their culture and society was not ethical or moral.  In general, the system of providing the dole and entertainment to the people was undercutting their culture--"bread and circuses" led to the idea that their society was not self supporting.  Along with the loss of self esteem from the realization that other cultures could provide for themselves and that the Romans were dependent on others, came the additional input (from Christianity) that their paganism was not very ethical or moral.  It is hard to see which idea was more potent in bringing down the morale of the Legions.

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 224 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Morale

15 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 224 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

Morale first requires a positive attitude and dedication to the work at hand.  Whether the work is maintaining the equipment, feeding the troops, leading the troops, or fighting the battle, first the force must be dedicated to some goal.  The force of a goal can be national exceptionalism, dedication to an idea, dedication to a person, dedication to a nation.  Examples of this in history are the United States, that is dedication through national exceptionalism.  National exceptionalism also drove the Greeks and Romans in creating their empires.  The difference was that the Greeks and Romans developed empires based on their national exceptionalism--the United States brought instead their national exceptionalism to others. 

An example of dedication to an idea was the USSR, Revolutionary France, or National Socialism (NAZI).  Each of these nations powered their forces by the ideals of revolution, communism, or socialism.  There isn't than much difference between socialism and communism.

Dedication to a person is to a king, queen, or dictator.  The feudalistic powers of the middle ages were driven by this notion of dedication to a leader.  The dedication to a nation is pure nationalism or patriotism.  If you note the order of each dedication or goals.  This order is intentional.  The point is that national exceptionalism is more powerful than an idea, which is more powerful than dedication to a person, which is more powerful than dedication to a nation.

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 223 Extrapolating Military Technology, Morale

14 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 223 Extrapolating Military Technology, Morale

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I am writing about the extrapolation of science and technology to be able to write science fiction.  I made the point that it is almost meaningless to try to fully extrapolate a universe (world) that is 10,000 years in the future (and maybe 1,000 years in the future) without applying some cultural and technological shaping.

By shaping the cultures of your science fiction universe, you can shape the science and technology that is extrapolated.  Here is how I culturally shaped the universe of The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox to make the 10,000 year extrapolation work.

The major areas in warfare technology are:
1.  Software
2.  Weapons
     Heavy Weapons
3.  Countermeasures
4.  Defense
5.  Communications
6.  Robots
7.  Vehicles
8.  Environments (personal equipment)
9.  Costs
10.  Morale (discipline) 

Costs roll directly into morale.  Morale really isn't so much something extrapolated as a quality that can exist anywhere independent of extrapolation.  However, morale is a fragile component of the military and one that is greatly affected by changing cultural and societal ideals. 

As long as your military believes there is something to fight for, they will have some degree of morale. The greater the degree of worth in the culture and society, the higher the morale.  Additionally, the greater the degree of feeling of specialness and eliteness, the higher the morale.  You may be able to see where this is going. 

A nation that does not have a strong nationalistic view of itself cannot produce a strong military morale.  A military that doesn't view itself as an elite fighting force is one with low morale.  The problem is the tendency of modern nations to water down their nationalism and their militaries.  This extrapolation is very important.  For example, the view of American exceptionalism has fueled the morale of the US military.  It isn't just patriotism, but the view that America is a special nation and a special place that was the powerhouse of its military's morale.  If that view slips, especially in the military, the US might find itself on the wrong end of winning a large conflict.

The loss of the view of American exceptionalism will mean the US military will have to depend on simple patriotism.  Patriotism requires respect and pride in the nation as a whole.  This is impossible in a pluralistic society that is not united.  In a united pluralistic society, this is possible.  If you haven't noticed the US has moved from a united pluralistic society to a non-united pluralistic society.  The Islamic attacks by members of the military against their own troops should show the danger of pluralism without unity. 

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 222 Extrapolating Military Technology, special Prepared Food Tactical Costs

13 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 222 Extrapolating Military Technology, special Prepared 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
10.  Morale (discipline) 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  Who are your most important soldiers?  Most likely they are those who are the most trained (paid the most to train), most experienced (especially in terms of cost to train or season), and operate the most expensive equipment.  These are usually your aviators, tank, or ship drivers.  The way some nations feed these professionals and the way other nations take care of them are radically different.  I'd like to talk about both ways because you might want to portray them in your writing.

The Europeans see these individuals as very valuable from a cost, sustenance, and retention position.  In other words, first, the costs are high to produce them, so I can't afford to lose them.  Second, they fly or operate very expensive equipment and I can't afford to have them of their game.  Third, they are expensive to produce and important to keep, so I want to keep them happy as possible.  Therefore, in most European nations and Canada, their are kitchens and hot meals on airplanes.  There are kitchens in the units.  In the German Air Force, the pilots are provided a hot meal at breakfast and lunch.  Hot meals are provided during overnight missions.  Hot meals or messing facilities are available to these professionals wherever they happen to be.

In the USA, on the other hand, there is an expectation that the professionals listed will take care of themselves.  Food is generally not available or provided.  There is usually nothing hot.  There is little food support--the economy will provide.  There are no extra meals for flights over night.  MREs are provided for sale for long missions.  You can see that some nations protect their investments and assets much more than others.  How you portray this is based on how you see a military professional. 

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 221 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Prepared Food Tactical Costs

12 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 221 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Prepared 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
10.  Morale (discipline) 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  Today, the military has combat kitchens that transport, prepare, and serve food in the battlefield.  What might these facilities look like in the future?  Whatever they are, I suspect the mess sergeants will look and be the same.  KP (Kitchen Patrol) duty has certainly changed.  In the past, untrained soldiers would be placed on KP duty to help the combat or base kitchens.  During a full scale world war or a full scale war buildup that might happen again, but today, the combat kitchens are seen as too important and the troops are seen as too specialized to share these roles. 

In the future, in all areas, we should expect more specialization and not less.  The combat kitchen will be one of these areas.  How well can you make meals in the combat environment.  What kinds of food and service can a military force provide.  I suspect, meat and potatoes (so to speak) will always be the mainstay.  The meals will be about 2000 calories and cultural favorites.  In mixed forces, expect the kitchens to cater to the different cultures.  The combat kitchens also provide MREs and other immediate combat meals. 

A nation's support of food provisions for its forces in both peace time and war time are critical markers of morale and capability.  I'll discuss food for special troops and combatants (such as aviators) next.

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 220 Extrapolating Military Technology, Prepared Food Tactical Costs

11 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 220 Extrapolating Military Technology, Prepared 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
10.  Morale (discipline) 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  Most food on the battlefield isn't MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) or any other immediate combat food.  Most food on the battlefield is prepared in field kitchens and served hot to the troops.  I want to get into morale at some point in these discussions, but for now, let's just make the observation that hot food does almost as much for a soldier on the battlefield as a letter from home.  A wise leader will make certain the troops have good food and lots of it.  When I have been deployed, the most important part of the day was breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  It breaks the monotony and gives you something entertaining to do. 

Usually the food gets to the mainline troops first and to the leadership second.  This is an important concept in warfare.  A wise leader makes certain all of his troops are fed first.  There are many things the wise leader does to ensure the morale and support of his mean.  Good leadership (and sometimes a hot meal) means the difference between a bullet in the back or a bullet in the enemy.

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 219 Extrapolating Military Technology, Compact Food Tactical Costs

10 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 219 Extrapolating Military Technology, Compact 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
10.  Morale (discipline) 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  Of course, from the can we gradually moved to MREs (Meals Ready to Eat).  The MRE improved the weight, flavor, and compactness of the can.  The MRE even solved the problem of heating the can.  When I was issued C-Rats (Canned rations--at least that's what we said they stood for), we heated the cans by putting then on the hot exhaust parts of the motors of our vehicles.  We had all kinds of ways of making the C-rats taste better, and everyone had their favorites.  At the same time there were C-Rats, there were also K-Rats (survival rations of compressed cornflakes and stuff), LRPS (I don't remember what the acronym means, they were dehydrated meals that really tasted great).  You had to drink a lot of water with K-Rats because they'd stop you up.  The LRPS were basically an entrée and not a full meal. 

As I wrote, the MREs solved the problem of heating by having a chemical pack that heats the hot part of the meal to above boiling in minutes.  So, let's look at the interpolation of the technology.  The combat meal went from cans (C-Rats) to a lightweight packaged meal (MREs).  The meals are about the same caloric level (2000), but the size, variability, quality, weight, and convenience went up.  This is what your extrapolation for future battle-ready food should do.  I don't expect meals to ever be about swallowing pills (where do you get the bulk and the calories?), but I do expect more convenience, quality, and smaller size.  However, most of the food an army eats is not combat meals--most of the food is prepared on the battlefield.  The reason is cost and morale.

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 218 Extrapolating Military Technology, and yet more Food Tactical Costs

9 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 218 Extrapolating Military Technology, and yet more 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
10.  Morale (discipline) 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  The can changed the world for warfare and nutrition.  Few realize that the ability to store and transport large amounts of food--especially prepared food and meats made modern warfare possible.  It would literally be impossible to try to fight a modern war without stored easily transportable food.  That transportable food was in cans. 

Initially, one of the biggest problems with cans was opening them.  The first cans were sealed with screws.  In a world with few screwdrivers, screws on cans resulted in the loss of one very famous battle in South Africa and in other possible battles elsewhere.  The can opener was a great invention that led to other innovations.  People in general and writers many time do not realize the greatest ironies in history.  The inability to open a can that led to the loss of a battle is one of these great ironies.  By the way, it wasn't food in the can, but ammo. 

You might ask how such a thing can happen.  This is the work of the historian and the writer.  The historian gives the facts behind the problem, the writer puts the soul behind the problem.  These kinds of issues are great plot and theme points.  It is hard to believe that a can can be so important, but that is both history and life.   

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