Posted by admin on 15 Jan 2010 under books, writing
Lance Winslow
Many science fiction writers who’ve written a good deal of works; short stories, novels and eBooks run out of ideas for future plots. This does not need to happen, and just reading a few science journals and newspapers for a few weeks can reveal the potential for more than great Sci Fi novel. For instance let’s look at the news items recently concerning activity of Under Water Volcanic activity off the coast of San Diego.
An underwater volcano has a burst of extra activity and the gases bubble up to the ocean’s surface and escape into the atmosphere, with sulfur laden bacteria, that lives at 1800 degrees but can also survive in colder water as the deep ocean currents move it around. So, all this bacteria (maybe feeds off iron and other Earth minerals) becomes a cloud and then flows with El Nino and Hurricane or Tropical Storm airflows (warmer air), near the inlet to the sea of Cortez and then flows into AZ, NM, TX where it rains down?
It causes weird coloration in the clouds as the hot air from jet engine contrails hit it, triggering crazy conspiracy theorists claiming the government is poisoning the populations to control human populations. Then it rains into the Colorado River AZ water project extension between PHX and Tucson, jeopardizing human water supply and crops. Since, humans have more bacteria DNA in them than human DNA; it alters the human gene expression.
Now from there a writer could take the novel anywhere you wanted from there on the science fiction topic. And an interesting book to read Sci Fi novel is “Gravity” by Tess Garitsen, where a scientist takes this bacteria found near a volcanic vent into space at the ISS into zero gravity, and it grows so rapidly and so viral it renders the Space Station uninhabitable. Tess is a pretty cool author and her Husband is very knowledgeable in subjects of micro-biologist, and obviously Tess has read numerous NASA microbiology papers in researching her book; Gravity.
Now realize I am not a conspiracy theorist, but I can recall a really interesting theory from someone on one of the TED Videos, he was talking about the best way to solve all the problems diseases, viruses, etc, was to drop minute amounts of dead strains of various diseases on human populations to help their immune systems recognize it in advance of a pandemic, food borne virus, water borne disease, etc. Would you like me to dig up that video and email the link?
Additionally, bacteria has been found that operates in huge clusters like schools of fish. It makes sense, and they’ve found this in caves, in some ponds of water, as the bacteria sheens across the top, and swirls and changes direction due to light stimulus or motion. You see, how you can combine many different news items, conspiracy theories, events, and combine those with the fears of pandemics, hurricanes, and other very scary scenarios? Please think on this to help you develop your own Sci Fiction plot.
Lance Winslow is a retired franchisor – Lance Winslow’s Bio. Lance Winslow is formerly the CEO of WashGuys family of franchises for instance one of Lance Winslow’s favorite companies on the team; http://www.windowwashguys.com/links.shtml.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Developing-a-Plot-of-a-Science-Fiction-Novel-Not-Nearly-As-Difficult-As-it-Looks&id=2654469] Developing a Plot of a Science Fiction Novel Not Nearly As Difficult As it Looks
Posted by admin on 11 Jan 2010 under books, reviews
Rick Taylow
#1: Dune (Frank Herbert)
Science Fiction doesn’t get much better then this. Dune is every Science Fiction aficionado’s wet dream. Many people claim Dune is Science Fiction’s answer to “Lord of the Rings” and I have to agree: it sure is. There are many good science fiction books, but Dune is indeed a giant among giants. It truly is a pinnacle of Science Fiction literary achievement. If you haven’t read Dune, doesn’t waste any more time. Read it now!
# 2: Starship Troopers (Robert Heinlein)
War is beautiful according to Robert Heinlein. This is a novel about the glorification of war. The premise: space-marines wearing special armor battle vicious alien insect aliens. This is classic “old school” science fiction at it’s best. It’s a rip-roaring ride through the galaxy that you don’t want to miss.
#3 : Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
This is one of the corner stones of science fiction and one novel that you shouldn’t miss. A critique on society, the story of a boy who refuses to give up, a battle to save the fate of mankind – this science fiction book combines them all into one addictive and compelling mix that shouldn’t be missed.
#4: Foundation (Isaac Asimov)
This is undoubtedly on of the finest works of science fiction ever written. If you a fan of science fiction with grandiose and epic storylines, get your hand on this book.
A corollary: Foundation is a series for people who love grand and complex ideas. If you are looking for a book heavy on the action but thin on concepts, this may not be the book for you. The strength of the ideas presented are the focus of this story, not the characterization. Regardless, this is one of those Science Fiction books that you just need to read. You will never think about Science Fiction the same way after reading the Foundation series.
#5: Snow Crash (Neal Stephenson)
Part-time hacker and pizza delivery boy and full time samurai swordsman, meet Hiro Protagonist. Snow Crash is breath taking novel with action and pacing thick enough to drown in. Snow Crash redefined and rejuvenated the Cyberpunk genre. If you want a novel with bucket loads of action, futuristic technologies ala The Matrix, and the gritty futuristic dystopia of the Blade Runner world, Snow Crash is the perfect recommendation.
#6: Forever War (Joe Haldeman)
The Forever War is pretty much The Vietnam War in space. It’s brutal and bloody and makes a strong case that war really is pointless. Don’t let the strong political statement of the novel deter you, however; this is Science Fiction at its finest: a complex, disturbing novel that makes you think…and feel. It’s a great science fiction story that you don’t want to miss, a true masterpiece of the genre.
#7: The Night’s Dawn (Peter Hamilton)
This is space opera science fiction done right: Massive space battles, a large cast of compelling characters, political tension between planets, and an all out grand adventure. There is a good deal of space opera in the science fiction genre already, but Peter Hamilton is one of the best character writers in the genre and his plots are just so damn interesting. He really knows how to write a rip-roaring adventure that keeps you up into the late hours of the morning. Those in the mood for something big with lots of action, both in and out of space, Night’s Dawn trilogy delivers.
#8: Gap (Steven R. Donaldson)
This disturbing series is a dark ride into hell that you don’t want to miss. It’s one of the darkest set of books I’ve read, period. But the world that Stephen Donaldson draws is superb. Stephen Donaldson is an author that cares deeply about characterization, and he excels at crafting anti-heroes. If you are looking for some dark space opera, I highly recommend the Gap series.
#9: Otherland (Tad William)
Those looking for something like the Matrix in written form need look no longer. Otherland is about as close as you’ll get. With less mumbo jumbo psycho babble and more realism, Otherland makes for a really compelling read. Otherland starts slow, but those willing give it a chance will be greatly rewarded.
#10: Altered Carbon (Richard Morgan)
This is one dystopian cyberpunk with a lot of style and some seriously punishing action. I guarantee that once you start reading this novel, you won’t be putting it down. Morgan is a man with some visionary ideas; he always has interesting characters, twisting plots, and heart-pounding action. Those that love Blade Runner, Snow Crash, and Neuromancer are in for a treat.
See the expanded [http://www.bestfantasybooks.com/best-science-fiction-books.html]best science fiction books list.
Go to Best Fantasy Books for the best fantasy and science fiction book recommendations on the web.
- The Sci-Fi Guru
Article Source: Top 10 Best Science Fiction Books