Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 178 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Simulation

25 January 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 178 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Simulation

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

The military is slow to move to pure simulations in training because, they reason very well that simulations don't fully capture the elements of the battlefield--most specifically, they mean the "fog of war."  The "fog of war" is the unexpected nature of warfare in the interaction of nature, the battlefield, human dynamics, and the enemy.  Von Clausewitz wrote about the "fog of war" in On War.  Modern simulations are improving, but they haven't captured enough elements, yet, to provide the degree of combat training the military needs.  With time and improvements--especially the addition of chaos theory elements in the programing--simulations will gradually improve to the point that the military can use them routinely for training.

There are other elements to take into consideration.  At this moment, we are seeing the incorporation of technologies in the gaming environment that can potentially lead to more accurate and realistic simulations, but computing power, interfaces, and programming must improve significantly.  The elements in the simulations must look and feel like those in the real world--partial is good enough for flight simulators, but not for "world simulators."  The difference is teaching procedures and teaching interaction in the world.  The world of a flight simulator only needs to be good enough to teach the procedures especially emergency procedures--in a world simulator, it isn't learning known procedures, it is developing procedures and actions based on the individual circumstances of the moment.  

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 177 Extrapolating Military Technology, Simulation

24 January 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 177 Extrapolating Military Technology, Simulation

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

To extrapolate future simulations and training look to simulations and training today.  The future shouldn't be much different--just better.  Today, aircraft are the only vehicles whose training significantly includes simulation.  We are seeing the beginnings of simulation in other vehicle training, but that will only increase in the future.  Vehicles will become simpler, but training and the costs of operating the vehicles will become more.  Additionally, the cost and the difficulty of actual offensive and defensive operations will be significant.  That is, for firing weapons and in war games, simulation will become necessary. 

Already there is some movement toward simulators in military training--not as much as you might think.  Most military training in aircraft has to do with procedures and aircraft operations, especially emergency procedures, not military training or military operations.  The reason for this is easy to understand.  Most aircraft are lost in training and emergencies not combat.  With more and better simulators, we will see aircraft training move more and more to simulation--that includes military operations.  In the civil community, we have already seen most training move to simulation.  The military isn't far behind.   

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 131 Extrapolating Military Technology, Heavy Weapons

9 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 131 Extrapolating Military Technology, Heavy Weapons

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 130 Extrapolating Military Technology, Exploration

8 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 130 Extrapolating Military Technology, Exploration

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

One of the primary functions of humans is curiosity and exploration--"To boldly go where no man has gone before."  This is real stuff and just because the next step in exploration is space, doesn't mean it can't be done by civilians or non-governments.  Exploration is a very critical need for technological development.  Here also, military and government surplus (if available) will be a necessary component.  The steps of extrapolation in exploration will be generally those in transportation, except, that explorers will likely take more risks with their machines and equipment.

I would really like to see a novel of hard science that looks at the near future in exploration.  That means the solar system.  If we look 10 years into the future, there will be governmental and possibly civil exploration of near space.  In 100 years, we can expect exploration of the solar system.  In 1000, years we are looking at near solar systems.  In 10,000 years, humans will be exploring and colonizing the galaxy.  The extrapolation of this exploration will be fun and exciting.  I'd like to see some new works that look at this in human terms and times.  Back to military systems.

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 129 Extrapolating Military Technology, still more Military Surplus

7 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 129 Extrapolating Military Technology, still more Military Surplus

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

What happens if military and government technology doesn't get passed into the civilian population?

I answered the question above, but I'd suggest it would make a great science fiction theme question.  I'm not sure anyone has used it yet, so that's a freebie. 

Overall, the concept of military surplus drives middle 20th Century science fiction.  From Have Space Suit Will Travel where the government's castoff becomes a boon to a young experimenter, to other novels where military surplus is the basis for experiments and designs.  However, that is a broader view then I am trying to express.  Although very complex pieces of military and government equipment certainly place in the theme and plots of science fiction, it is the very basics that fuel my novels.  For example, in my Ghost Ship Chronicle novels, the Traders use military surplus weapons, space suits, and combat suits for a variety of reasons.  The ultimate idea that militaries spend large amounts for equipment at the peak of technology means that they are the wealthy group demanding and using the newest technology.  It shouldn't surprise us that civil groups in need of the most modern equipment possible would choose to take surplus equipment at a much lower cost.  There is much more to this, however.  The concept of the government as the sponsor of technology is an important one.  This is the idea of exploration--an entire subject for extrapolation.  I'll take a little time to discuss this before we move to heavier weapons.

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 128 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Military Surplus

6 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 128 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Military Surplus

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

What happens if military and government technology doesn't get passed into the civilian population?

One of the greatest safety mechanisms and historically, the most important transfer of technology was from governments (especially the military) to civilians.  This is the way horses and oxen were used for transportation, and the advent of modern farming.  Quickly, when chariots were overcome by the phalanx (organized troops), the horse teams and the chariots were absorbed into the civilian population.  These horse teams and chariots became the means of plowing and transportation for generations.  That led to modern farming because until humans began using animals to plow (their manure fell into the soil) only alluvial soil (river wash like the Nile) could be used year to year to grow crops. After the advent of the use of animals to plow, the world changed.  That change was directly due to military technology getting into the hands of the people. 

Further, as the ages as in bronze age to iron age to steel age occurred, the weapons of the previous age became the staples of the people (civilians).  They used those weapons effectively for defense and against their enemies.  The first step by any conqueror was to disarm the populace.  The first step of a modern nation bent on assuring the complacency of their population is to prevent military weapons from getting into the hands of civilians.  This also impedes the flow of technology.  Just as the movement of technology from the military to civilians in the era BC, likewise, technology from the military to civilians has direct effects on future technology.  Nations, like the Soviet Union, caused themselves undue harm by holding to technology that might have made their people's lives better.  In the free world, there have been less horror stories, but as nations clamp down on military technology, they prevent more than their enemies' acquisition of new technology--they prevent their own society from using and expanding that new 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 125 Extrapolating Military Technology, Integrated Weapons

3 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 125 Extrapolating Military Technology, Integrated Weapons

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

We are already getting into the integration of individual weapons with personal equipment.  I didn't intend to go there, but integration is the wave of the future--for better or worse.  The worse part is the cost--it really costs a lot to integrate equipment that you risk your life on.  Federated or semi-integrated equipment is less expensive, plus if something goes wrong with federated equipment, some of the equipment still works.  With fully integrated equipment if you lose the control systems everything is toast.  That's why I like semi-integrated equipment.  That is equipment that is integrated for use, but can be still used as an individual piece.  In other words, your weapons is semi-integrated into your helmet displays and controls.  When you have on the helmet, the weapon integrates automatically.  If your helmet fails, the weapon still works, you just lose some of the capability. 

A wise designer would put features that are for the weapon (stabilization, direct targeting, safety controls, personalization, etc.) in the weapons and features for the helmet (targeting, low light visibility, communications, controls, etc.) in the helmet. 

So, for individual weapons, the future must be electronics and integration.  This is the way of the world.  Remember, however, that along side those electronic and integrated weapons, there will still be the simpler kinds.  This is what we find today.  As the technology gets better, the newer equipment will incorporate more electronics and integration, the old stuff will go to the next level down and surplus. 

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 124 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Electronic Weapons

2 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 124 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Electronic Weapons

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Before, I discussed weapons that identified the shooter through the grip.  It is also possible to identify the shooter via RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).  You can use RFID to identify groups and prevent a weapon from firing on a target.  This is one way to prevent the enemy's use of your weapons and to reduce self inflicted casualties.  You can also program ammunition using RFID.  That is make your ammunition so it doesn't work without a certain code sequence.

Already night vision devices are attached to weapons.  The future will bring a host of other scanners and detection devices built into the weapons.  This is integration of the weapon with the electronics.  Today, many electronics are added to the weapons.  The future will see these additions integrated into the weapons.  Further, the electronics of the weapons will be integrated more and more into the battle gear of the shooter.  Today, the shooter has night vision goggles, but future integrated weapons will put the targeting devices into the eye devices the shooter wears.  The shooter won't aim and fire, she will identify the target and bring the targeting reticule to the target--the weapon will automatically fire.  The target will be targeted from any position of the weapon. 

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 123 Extrapolating Military Technology, Electronic Weapons

1 December 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 123 Extrapolating Military Technology, Electronic Weapons

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Electronics are the future of individual weapons.  Those electronics will come first for targeting.  Targeting systems are already very common on hand weapons--lasers are used to help point the weapon.  Where the laser "death dot" appears, the bullet will hit.  This isn't exactly true, but for close in firing, it is close enough.  What it misses are all those sticky corrections when you have to fire a long distance.

We are seeing on sniper rifle systems, targeting devices.  These are similar to those used in tanks and aircraft, but miniaturized for a rifle weapon.  Miniaturization of electronics is the key to all future technology.  Future individual targeting systems will track the target, find the target, illuminate the target, mark the target, give a firing solution, and provide BDA (battle damage assessment).  There are other capabilities for these individual weapons.

For example, a real problem in hitting a target is the motion of the weapon during firing.  Gyro stabilization will provide precise control and prevent the weapon from moving off the target.  This can work for close and far shots.  Further, the individualization of weapons for groups and individual shooters will continue.

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 122 Extrapolating Military Technology, Personalized Weapons

30 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 122 Extrapolating Military Technology, Personalized Weapons

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

So really, in the extrapolation of individual weapons, the use of slug throwers where the slugs are propelled by chemical reactions (gun cotton) will likely predominate any future military technology especially in gravity.  All that silly stuff about laser beams and plasma rays are likely just not going to happen.  The Star Trek phasers are likely a non-starter although the Taser has some potential.  That's another type of weapon we will explore, but for now let's continue with the most likely weapon.

If we aren't going to get away from chemical slug throwers (normal guns, rifles, pistols) what will really change in the weapons.  The electronics will change--you say, there are no electronics in my pistol--that's what will change.  The first big push is already happening, weapons are slowly acquiring the ability to know their user.  The first step is a system that only allows the owner of the weapon to fire it.  This is being pushed politically, but it is slowly making inroads because it is a great idea.  If you can prevent your enemies from taking and using your weapons (and ammo) you have half won the logistics in a conflict.

In WWII the Soviets were geniuses in using the German's weapons and ammo.  The Germans weren't as good at it, but they did reuse the Soviet tanks and large weapons.  The Soviets designed their weapons to use German ammunition, but made their own such that the Germans couldn't use it.  They made, for example, a 76mm anti-tank gun that would fire the German 75mm projectiles and shells.  The 76mm shells would not fit in a German weapon.  There are numerous examples of this through the war. 

In the case of weapons with electronics, you can design a grip to acknowledge only the owner or a group of users (like a computer)--this prevents the enemy, a child, a criminal, or anyone not authorized from using the weapons.  Pretty neat trick.

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 119 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Weapons

27 November 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 119 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Weapons

Announcement: My novels Sister of Light and Sister of Darkness are about to be published. I write this blog about 2 months prior to its publication. I just heard that the proofs will be here soon--likely before the end of the week. My publisher also wants to put the entire set of novels based on Aegypt on contract--that's 5 more novels for 8 total. They also want to put my other novels on contract. The release schedule should be one novel every 2 months. I'll keep you updated.

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

The best, least expensive, and most efficient means to project a slug at high velocity is gun powder (or actually gun cotton).  Gun powder hasn't been used for a long time because gun powder compared to gun cotton is unstable, corrosive, and susceptible to water.  Gun cotton is stable, noncorrosive, and works when wet.  It is likely that gun cotton or more advanced forms will be the means of most terrestrial weapons.  The problem becomes what do you do when you get to space where there is zero gravity.

There are other methods to project a slug or a particle at high velocity.  Unfortunately, most of them can't be carried by an individual yet.  For example, linear accelerator systems can project particles at very high velocities and accelerations.  I've seen linear accelerators project 20mm plastic projectiles over 20 miles.  If we remember 1/2mv^2, we realize that the weight of a projectile at high velocities is immaterial--what matters is the velocity.  A plastic slug at Mach 20 will pierce anything.  You can't protect anything from a projectile at that velocity; however, there is no way yet to produce enough electrical or chemical power to power a linear accelerator that an individual can carry.  We are getting to the point where a large aircraft or vehicle could carry a linear accelerator, but the real problem is targeting.  The number of variables required to hit a target with a projectile at that velocity is very high.  It is similar to what is required to hit a satellite in orbit--and that's a relatively easy solution comparatively.  You have to take into consideration, aerodynamics, astrodynamics, coriolis effects, chemical effects, etc. etc.  Part of the problem is electrical (or chemical) power and part of the problem is computing power.  There are other means to project slugs.

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