Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 222 Extrapolating Military Technology, special Prepared Food Tactical Costs

13 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 222 Extrapolating Military Technology, special Prepared Food Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 221 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Prepared Food Tactical Costs

12 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 221 Extrapolating Military Technology, more Prepared Food Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 220 Extrapolating Military Technology, Prepared Food Tactical Costs

11 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 220 Extrapolating Military Technology, Prepared Food Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 219 Extrapolating Military Technology, Compact Food Tactical Costs

10 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 219 Extrapolating Military Technology, Compact Food Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 218 Extrapolating Military Technology, and yet more Food Tactical Costs

9 March 2014, Writing Ideas - Writing Science Fiction, part 218 Extrapolating Military Technology, and yet more Food Tactical Costs

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

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

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

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

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More tomorrow.

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

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

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 Historical Fiction, part 4 Historical Immersion

22 July 2013, Writing Ideas - Writing Historical Fiction, part 4 Historical Immersion

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 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.

The point I keep trying to make is that to write effective historical fiction, you must immerse yourself in the culture of the times. I would also advise becoming familiar in some degree with the language and writing, but we'll get to that. My primary expertise is in classical Greek and Anglo-Saxon languages. I feel that I have been able to immerse myself well in those cultures at least to the ability to write about them. Since they are the most familiar to me, I am especially concerned that other writers get those periods right in their writing. Plus, my best and most powerful examples are from those times. As I mentioned yesterday, you have to realise your moral or social prejudices must fall to the culture you intend to write about. That doesn't mean you have to give up your morals or ideas, but you have to be able to subjugate them in order to understand the culture you are studying. Yesterday, I put up the example of slavery. Slavery was ubiquitous and considered moral in the ancient world. In an historical novel, that view must come to your readers. You have to be able to dispassionately approach subjects like this to give them reality and historical authenticity. That doesn't mean you have to accept slavery, you just need to understand the culture and its underpinnings. The same is true of every other subject important to human life and interaction. One of the most misunderstood areas in ancient cultures is food and eating. We tend to imagine that people in other cultures and other times ate similarly to us. A simple trip to a foreign country or to a Japanese restaurant will show you otherwise, but it is more than that. Most ancient cultures were survival cultures. Few of the inhabitants ate as many calories as they wanted or needed. In many cultures people only ate one meal a day, at the most two. Meat was a commodity that was eaten very rarely. Meat, in most ancient cultures was only eaten as a result of religious worship--following a sacrifice. This is true of the Greeks. They had meat only from sacrifices. That means the wealthy ate meat perhaps once every other month at a festival or when they provided the sacrifice at a temple. The temple precincts were next to the marketplace and extra meat was sold in the market. The cost made it very dear. Greeks would get most of their protein from fish, a non sacrificial animal, and dairy (cheese). Can you imagine a world were meat is that precious. I tell my classes that when momma (actually a slave or the father, momma was in the gynacium--next note) took her children to the market, they cried not for toys but for meat.

About women in Greek society. I think in The Second Mission http://www.thesecondmission.com/ I gave the proper latitude of freedom to lower middle class women. Upper class and upper middle class women were kept in a gynacium at home. They were not allowed out of the gynacium when free men, other than those of their household, were in the house. A gynacium was an isolated portion of the house. Women were kept in a gynicium for their protection because in a near lawless culture, wealthy women were prey for many reasons. In many regards, it is better to be a captive in your own home than to be dead, kidnapped, or raped. Greek homes were built like miniature fortresses because of the problem of a lack of law or ability to keep laws except through "might makes right." In spite of this, the social contract of the Greeks kept a relatively lawful society, but there were no police to keep the peace. Your Demi (loosely, your familial group but of political and tribal dimensions as well) kept the peace and meted out judgement within the Demi. Already, you should be able to see that the ancient Greeks were nothing like our culture. They are nothing like the modern Greek culture. If we decouple the fact that they are so different from our expectations, we may be able to start to understand them. As you can see with food, religion is intertwined in the Greek culture. This is true of all cultures in antiquity and many today. Tomorrow, I'll write about this very important and much misunderstood dynamic of religion and life.

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

A New Novel, Part 231 Something Worse Will Happen

23 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 231 Something Worse Will Happen


For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien.  Frau Becker is helping Aksinya to recover from exposure.  She learns that Aksinya is to be tried for sorcery...

Very quickly Otto returned with a tray that contained wheat mush, cheese, bread, and tea.  Frau Becker placed it on the bench.  Aksinya’s eyes were closed.  Frau Becker tried to hand Aksinya a spoon to eat the wheat mush.  Aksinya couldn’t hold it, so the frau fed her and held the tea for her.  After a while, Aksinya was able to hold the spoon on her own.  She had to grasp it in her fist, but she could get it to her mouth.  She ate everything on the tray.

Frau Becker collected everything and returned it to the tray.  Aksinya had already pulled out her rosary.  She began to pray the decades.  Frau Becker stared at her.  Aksinya glanced up in embarrassment, “I did not pray before I ate.  I couldn’t finish my prayers last night.  Thank you very much for taking care of me.”

Frau Becker stepped out of the cell.  She was the last one to leave.  Secretary Schwab locked the door and pocketed the key.

Before Frau Becker departed, she gave the secretary a stern look, “Anyone who would try this girl is insane.  Keep her warm and feed her or this will happen again.  Keep the men away from her, or something worse will happen.” 

Otto returns with food for Aksinya.  Eats with Frau Becker's help then she begins to pray her rosary.  Do you see how out of character this is for a sorceress.  Still, at the end, they lock Aksinya back in her cell.  We see that Aksinya has won a friend.  She didn't try to, but her new persona, and her natural strength make Frau Becker feel pity for Aksinya.  The Frau gives a final warning.  This is the kicker for the end of chapter 17.  Tomorrow, the beginning of chapter 18 and scene setting.

A New Novel, Part 153 I Have Not Found Him Dour at All

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.


Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are at Ernst father's, Graf von Taaffe's, estate for a New Years party and dance.  They have been called to dinner...
They entered a large dining room and Ernst escorted Aksinya to the seat next to the head of the table. It was the seat usually reserved for the lady of the house. Ernst sat beside her and the Graf von Taaffe at the head. Natalya was seated by the Graf next to Ernst. Across from Aksinya sat her uncle and next to him, her aunt.


As soon as the first course of wine and appetizer was served, the Graf asked her, “I understand you are attending the gymnasium at Sacré Coeur.”

Aksinya touched her lips with her napkin, “My lady-in-waiting and I.”

“Yes, you made the acquaintance of my son there?”

“Through my aunt and uncle…”

“Yes, through your aunt and uncle. Your uncle is a very good friend of mine. Do you intend to continue your studies?”

“I would like to.”

“I understand you are as fond as my son of the ballet, opera, and theater.”

Aksinya tasted a bite of the appetizer. It was a small piece of hart in a light wine sauce. She took a sip of wine before she answered, “Yes, although I am still getting used to comedy. In Russia, not so many of the stories end without tragic consequences.”

The Graf laughed, “I thought we Austrians were dour.”

“I have not found Ernst dour at all.”

“That is good. Are you pleased with him?”

“He is pleasant to me.”

“Good. I intend for him to take over the business from me. Perhaps you can encourage him in this direction. He can’t continue to spend his life in frivolity.”

“Father,” Ernst complained.

“Now, Ernst, I simply state the obvious. Although I understand very well why you might want to spend every evening entertaining the Countess, I do wish you to be as serious as she is about your future.”

A servant removed the appetizer plates and another served the soup. Aksinya’s glass was filled with a new wine that was a little sweeter than the first.

You can make all you want of this--Aksinya is seated at the place reserved for the lady of the house.  This place would usually go to the highest ranking woman in the household--it goes to Aksinya.  Like I said, make of it what you want.  The Graf honors the Bockmanns, but we could have guessed he would.  He is interested in their support for Ernst in his courting of Aksinya.  Plus they seem to be the highest ranking couple next to the Graf and Aksinya.  The Graf also allowed Ernst to escort Aksinya to dinner.  He introduced Aksinya as Ernst's suitor so it is natural that Ernst should escort her.  These little plays have their place.  They are the norm for the culture and are not random or by simple desire.

At the table, the responsibility of the man on the right of the lady is to engage the lady in conversation.  The Graf begins immediately.  His question is simple.  Aksinya's answer is not as simple as it sounds.  She tells the Graf that both she and Natalya are attending the school together.  A small detail.  The Graf's response is straight to the point--can you see, he wanted to bring up Ernst.  We learn that Freiherr Bockmann is a good friend of the Graf von Taaffe.  This shouldn't surprise us, but it does make everything become clearer about the past events.

The second point the Graf wanted to bring up is about studies.  Ernst and studies, whatever could he have in mind?  The Graf makes a statement that lets us know he is very familiar with the evening meetings of Ernst and Aksinya.  The Graf's statement is simple, but it is a statement not a question.  Aksinya answers thoughtfully.  Note she does take a long moment to think through her answer.  She acknowledges the Graf's knowledge and provides an attempt to turn the conversation.  This gives me the opportunity to bring up the joke and point about being "dour."  This was a part of Ernst and Aksinya's first event conversation.  The Graf mirrors his son in the treatment of the subject.  This shows the connectin between the two.  Aksinya makes it personal: “I have not found Ernst dour at all.”

This allows the Graf to get to one of his main points: "Are you pleased with him?"  Aksinya's answer allows the Graf to bring up his second point--this is about Ernst's life and work.  Ernst isn't happy with the direction of the conversation.  This is obviously a point of contention between Ernst and his father.  The problem here is that the Graf has made a terrible mistake about Aksinya's dedication to her studies.  Perhaps she wishes to study, but we know she doesn't.  She is not a model student at all.  She is in some ways as bad as Ernst.  To use Aksinya as an example of proper dedication is not the best idea.  Neither Ernst nor the Graf realize this.  Aksinya might not even realize this.  She is a dedicated student of sorcery and luxuria, but not of much else.  Still the dinner continues and tomorrow, we shall see where the Graf's conversation will go.

A New Novel, Part 135 Call Me by My First Name!

For those who haven't been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a wondrous sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Wien, Austria.

Ernst takes Aksinya to the most sauve and aristocratic restaurant in Wien.  They go to the Red Room...

Herr Leichter led them to a room at the far end of the lower floor. The walls were salmon colored and the carved wooden ceiling was frescoed with a beautiful painting. A great chandelier hung from its center. On the wall was a large oil of a woman in a white lace wedding dress. The oak doors were carved, and the floor was a wonderful wooden mosaic. Inside the room was a long table set for three. Two places were set at one end and the other a little further down from them. A grand piano sat in one corner of the room. Gas lamps and candles were lit and provided all the illumination here not electricity like the rest of the building. Wood fires were lit in two opposing fireplaces. Immediately, when they entered, the pianist began to play a gentle waltz melody.

Herr Leichter led them to the head of the table. A maid stood there. She curtsied to Aksinya. Herr Leichter grinned, “Countess, would you like to remove your cloak?”

Aksinya nodded. The maid untied the clasp and Ernst helped Aksinya slip out of it. Aksinya noticed wryly, her rich blue gown clashed with the decorations in the room. The maid took the bouquet in one hand and the coat over her arm and moved to a corner. She stood there almost unmoving the rest of the evening until just before they left.

Ernst sat Aksinya at the head and then Natalya at the setting a little further down. Another maid took Natalya’s cloak and Ernst’s top hat and top coat and handed them to the maid who held Aksinya’s mink and bouquet. As soon as Ernst sat in the chair to the side of Aksinya, three waiters brought lavers and towels for them to rinse and dry their hands.

They disappeared for a moment then almost immediately returned with the appetizer and wine. The wine was a slightly dry Riesling. The appetizer, a tiny filet of roebuck encircled with bacon and topped with krauter butter. Ernst stated off-hand, “I asked for the night’s special dinner. I think you will like it. If you don’t, they will prepare you anything you wish—you just have to ask.”

Aksinya took a bite of the steak, “This is very nice. Please ask them to continue.”

Ernst gave a small bow at his seat.

Aksinya slowly savored the food. She asked, “So Herr, Taaffe…”

“Won’t you call me, Ernst?”

Aksinya pursed her lips, “Don’t you think that is a little familiar?”

“I will continue to address you as Lady or Countess, but you may call me Ernst.”

“That is still too familiar, but I shall do so only because I am polite and you asked. I do not address my lady-in-waiting by her given name in public.”

Ernst glanced at Natalya and his brow rose.

Bloggspot lost all my commentary.  I will try to give you a five minute synopsis of what I prepared last night.

The chamber is a real one and very romantic.  Ernst is obviously being coached by someone.  I don't tell you who, but that someone is Asmodeus.  He is even there--Aksinya saw him.

The rest is the dance of the society.  The cloaks and gloves, the meal, the wine.  I describe the meal to you so you can see what is going on and to let the conversation flow.

Ernst asks Aksinya to call him by his first name.  This is considered very intimate.  Aksinya tells him she will, but puts him in his place.  She doesn't call Lady Natalya by her given name in public, but with her title.  This places Ernst below Natalya in Aksinya's circle.  That's why the reaction from Ernst.  He is pleased because he is lovestruck, but Akinsya put him in his place.  She's good at that.  Tomorrow, more of Aksinya and Ernst conversation.