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 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 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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 217 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Food Tactical Costs

8 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 217 Extrapolating Military Technology, 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 logistic of food in warfare is the logistics of survival and success.  Troops without proper nutrition, will not fight for you, and there is always the possibility they might lose intentionally to get food.  Insurrection in an army is an ugly thing and is almost always brought on by lack of food and lack of discipline (morale if you like).

As we moved from the ancient era to the era of Western civilization (most areas of the world never transitioned from an absolute starvation culture with Pantheonic Paganism).  The reason religion is a key concept in this is meat.  Until you move to a religion, like Christianity, Judaism, or Islam that separates sacrifice from eating meat, you really can't progress out of starvation agriculture.  The Legions marched on wheat, they could not fight against a logistically powerful army that was fueled by meat and grain.  Meat gives energy, fat, purpose, and makes men willing to lay down their lives.  Meat is also the building block of mental and physical power.  An army feed on meat and grain is an army or great power.  That is why the Christian and the Islamic cultures were so well matched in the crusades, but the Aztecs and Mayans were not.  It is one of the reasons why Kublai Kan and Genis Kan were able to defeat the feudal starvation agricultural cultures of Europe in the middle ages.

Meat in armies also cause problems especially prior to the invention of the can.  The reason is that although, you can bring the flocks and herds along with you, you have to feed them and then slaughter them--and it takes a lot of meat to feed an army of any size.

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 216 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Food Tactical Costs

7 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 216 Extrapolating Military Technology, 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 

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  How do you provide 2000 calories per meal to troops in the field.  That is a daunting logistics feat.  It only became possible in mass in the 19th and 20th Centuries.  The mass logistics meals of that time were made possible by cans.  Until cans, fresh or cooked food could not be transported or stored for any reasonable period and distributed to the troops.  In the past, most armies ate grain of some type as their mainstay--for example, wheat, oats, barley, or rice.  In my published novel, Centurion, I give many details of the Legion's meals and logistics.  The food was plentiful compared to the rest of the populace, but very sparse and monotonous compared to our meals.  The Legions ate mostly wheat gruel and that was it.  There were some additions like olive oil, cheese, and beer (usually barley beer), but not much else.  They didn't eat meat.  Meat was reserved for the sacrifice and festivals.  That's true of all meat in the ancient world.

So, the easiest logistics were those in the ancient world--all they needed was refined wheat, transport capability, pots, fuel, and water.  Think about how daunting, in ancient times that was.  The pot themselves were literally worth their weight in copper or brass.  Remember in the time, copper and brass were used for money--they were literally their weight in value.  The pots had to be secured all the time, so they wouldn't walk away.  The pots were heavy as was the wheat.  The cooks had to be full up Legionnaires to protect the pots, the transportation (wagons and horses or oxen).  All of these things were of great value in the ancient world.  All these things were necessary to fight and keep fighting.  The Legionnaires did carry some rations, but that is another part of this discussion.

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 215 Extrapolating Military Technology, Food Tactical Costs

6 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 215 Extrapolating Military Technology, Food Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 214 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Space Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

5 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 214 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Space Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  The simple extrapolation of ammo handling into space gives us great insight into the problems and needs of space combat.  You can imagine the fate of a group who approaches combat in space like planet based warfare--they will be toast.  You can imagine the carnage and the problems throughout the system where unbridled warfare exists, but you can also see the advantages for the terrorist or the rebel or the revolution. 

Whether readers or writers fully comprehend the reason for the use of energy weapons in space--this is it.  Except energy weapons pose their own problems.  For example, how far will a blast of energy go until it dissipates or is stopped.  In space, there isn't much dissipation, and it won't stop until it hits something.  The possibility is that there energy beams, blasts, etc. will be traveling for eternity until they hit something.  This is not a good thing at all.  It makes bombs and bullets in space look better and better.  I can armor against bombs and bullets, but it takes a lot to armor against energy beams and blasts. 

Space is a dangerous place for warfare.  There are ramifications.  What happens when the Space Ship Enterprise gets hit by one of the plasma cannon shots it fired during the first episode.  Couldn't happen in the Star Trek Dreck universe, but a real possibility in the real universe.  At least if there really is Warped drive.

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 212 Extrapolating Military Technology, and more Emergency Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

3 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 212 Extrapolating Military Technology, and more Emergency Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  If you bring live ordinance home, you need a way to handle it, a place to park, and a way to off load it.  The handling is the opposite of the loading--except that with a malfunction, you may not know what is wrong until you get it on the ground and examine it.  The parking is the hazardous cargo area.  Almost every major and definitely every military field has a hazardous cargo or hot ordinance area.  These are near the ends of the runway and isolated from the base or airport facilities.  The reason is that if the ordinance goes off, the fire and emergency crews let it burn. 

That's not true in the Navy--except on the land.  On the seas, and likely in the future in space, it is too dangerous to bring malfunctioning ordinance (or any live ordinance) back on board.  The Navy dumps any live ordinance before the aircraft lands on the carrier at sea.  In the future, in space, the rules of the game may change a little, but not that much.  If the risks of landing with live ordinance are low enough, then you could bring it on board.  If it is high--like a carrier landing, you can't risk bringing it on board.

By the way, the Navy has the crew eject or land on land if they can't get rid of live ordinance.

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 211 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Emergency Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

2 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 211 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Emergency Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  When you have any aircraft problem with live ordinance, the first step in a combat environment is to get rid of the ordinance.  This is harder and easier than it sounds.  It is easy to get rid of a load of ordinance--it is usually inconvenient and painful.  The inconvenient and painful is that you have to have a place that the drop won't hurt the good guys, but that is convenient to the battlefield--or you just drop your load on the bad guys.  The problem with that is, with a bad aircraft, getting shot at is a bad idea.  Getting shot at in a good aircraft can be a bad idea, and anything in the air is a target.

In considering the costs, economics, and operations, in your writing, you should understand these issues and, when necessary, in your writing, you should use and write about them.  The use and write about them is the key point.  I know that many science fiction writers have no concept about how these things work.  Many in the military have no idea, unless they have been involved.  The point of writing is to convey the reality of the times and world.  The more real your world is the more depth your writing will have.  These details give great breadth to your writing.

What you do with live ordinance when you get on the ground is also important--in many cases, you can't get rid of it, so you have to bring it home.

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 210 Extrapolating Military Technology, Emergency Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

1 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 210 Extrapolating Military Technology, Emergency Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  What do you do when you have a weapons malfunction?  First, you have a checklist.  In all complex systems, you have checklists for every known malfunction, and you have training and generic operations for malfunctions that are not known.  Personally, I have seen few malfunctions that were not covered by a checklist of some kind.  Even in flight test, I've known what to do when I had a problem. 

A simple reading of weapons emergency checklists will show you that they cover most every problem.  So, there is little scope for emergencies that are not known or predicted.  Most problems are not unknown, but rather set in situations that are difficult if not impossible to solve. 

In one of my unpublished novels, I have a situation of an engine failure under dire circumstances that killed crew members of a ship.  The engine failure wasn't the unpredicted problem--it was the environment (a box canyon etc.) that was the problem. 

In weapons malfunctions, the problem is usually the circumstances and not the malfunction itself.  For example, a problem with fusing isn't a problem unless the weapon hangs or the weapon is dropped too low etc.

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 209 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

28 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 209 Extrapolating Military Technology, yet more Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  Problems with ordnance are many.  It's just like a round in a gun.  A rocket can be a squib.  A bullet can fail to fire properly.  A mechanism can fail.  Fuses can fail.  Launchers and drop systems can fail.  I haven't experienced them all.  I'm trained for them and so must your forces.  In warfare, you see malfunctions.  They don't happen very often, but they happen.  They can be a plot point or a turning point, but don't have more than one--unless the plot is about failed munitions.  Or a plot point could be a failed munitions, fuses, rocket motors.  Don't have more than one--unless the plot point is about sabotage. 

In other words, weapons can fail, but they don't often fail--unless they are sabotaged or they have some kind of defect.  These are great plot points or themes for writing in science fiction or military fiction.  We'll look next at what you do when you have a weapons malfunction.

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 207 Extrapolating Military Technology, Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

26 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 207 Extrapolating Military Technology, Ammo Handling Operations Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  Tactical operations with live ammo on board are as controlled as the ground operations.  Any time you are carrying live stuff, you are a potential danger to yourself and others.  Just imagine carrying a loaded weapon.  In the military, the troops who are responsible for these operations are cautious to prevent friendly and collateral damage. 

The danger of carrying live weapons is greater than unarmed operations.  The danger in indiscriminate use if even higher.  In the military, there is always either a FCO (Fire Control Officer) or a FAC (Forward Air Controller) who gives the final permission to fire (drop) weapons.  The ultimate authority with troops in contact is the ground commander.  The ultimate authority when troops are not in contact is the AOO (Air Operations Officer).  Aircraft can't just drop weapons or engage targets without the proper authority. 

Aircraft and ground forces always work to an ROE (Rules of Engagement).  These are applicable to peace time and to war time.  the purpose is to protect crews and people on the ground.  Operations are handled with great care, and we haven't touched on emergency procedures and weapons problems.

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 205 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Ammo Tactical Costs

24 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 205 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Ammo Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, ammo, and replacements.  You might imagine the safety process that the production of ammo must go through.  That in itself is worth contemplating.  The real point where the military and most units get involved is transportation and packaging.  The packaging must be exact or the weaponeers and logisticians will reject it.  An improperly packaged weapon is more than dangerous--it is deadly.  An improperly made round is likewise dangerous. 

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 198 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Fuel Tactical Costs

17 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 198 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Fuel Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, food, and replacements.  Let's take a slight foray on fuel and engines.  The Germans finally got the concept of fuel for aircraft correct at the end of WWII.  They did by developing a kerosene based fighter and bomber using jet propulsion.  This would have saved them millions of gallons of gasoline if they had started at the beginning of the war. 

Piston powered aircraft--especially turbo charged, high performance ones, like the war planes in WWII require high octane gasoline.  Gasoline is the highest level of refinement for oil.  It is also the most costly.  Kerosene is a much lower refinement.  Kerosene has more energy (BTUs) per gallon.  Kerosene is not explosive.  Kerosene does not evaporate as much as gasoline.  In almost every way, kerosene is a better, cheaper, more stable fuel.  Plus, as I mentioned, kerosene engines can usually run gasoline, where gasoline engines can't run kerosene. 

The German idea was fundamental--they didn't really design an aircraft for the purpose of running on kerosene--they designed an aircraft to have a better TBO (Time Before Overhaul).  The TBO for most piston fighter engines in WWII was 10 hours--the Germans were aiming for 100 hours TBO.  They achieved 20 hours TBO on the Jumo jet engines.  This was an improvement of 100%.  The fuel would have been a feather in their cap.  The TBO was genius. 

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 197 Extrapolating Military Technology, Fuel Tactical Costs

16 February 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 197 Extrapolating Military Technology, Fuel Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

Tactical costs are food, fuel, food, and replacements.  These are critical to operating in the field.  An army must be able to get these from a depot to the troops, store them, and use them.  This is more difficult than you might imagine.  Fuel is subject to evaporation.  This was the greatest problem for Rommel and Montgomery in North Africa.  Rommel, the sly devil, discovered that British fuel cans were very superior to German fuel cans simply due to lack of spillage and evaporation.  He saved as much as 40% fuel by recycling the British cans.  That was good because the Brits left thousands in the desert. 

There is a lesson in tactics and logistics--don't leave materiel that your enemy can profit with.  Unluckily, this example was one of the few times the Germans could take advantage of the enemies logistics.  In general, the way Western powers approach logistics is nearly the same.  Develop fuel, etc. based on technology and not on your enemy.  The Russians had a better idea.  They couldn't take total advantage of it, but they had a great idea.  Use diesel.  Kerosene based fuels will not run a high octane vehicle (gasoline).  On the other hand, gasoline will run in a kerosene vehicle.  The best means to take advantage of this is with turbine engines.  The Germans finally got the right idea with their jet aircraft.  No one really took advantage of kerosene for ground based vehicles.  In your writing, you might have your troops use this method of logistics to thwart their enemies and supply their allies.

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