Research

[chrispenycate]

Originally Posted by Purdy Bear

I would just let your imagination flow, look at Star Trek, that has lead to real innovations in technology.

Star Trek didn't just have several of the best science fiction authors of the time on their script writing team, they had a huge body of consulting pure scientists and engineers (who did it, from what I read, largely for the beer and the company.

They may have been overridden by the 'dumb it down for the masses' brigade, but huge lumps of the Enterprise had solid reasons for being, and working, as they were.

[davveruk]

Wow! What a response and some really good guiding lights. Thank you to each and every one of you. Research is what I would figure takes the largest chunk of time and effort and putting it down as an understandable format, again, is just as demanding. My reason for asking this type of question is this:

I have recently finished reading a novel by Mathew Reilly called Ice Station. It's a rip roaring military/rescue/desperation thrill ride. However, he mentiones certain items the heroes' arsenal that I'd never even heard of. They seemed a little space age and a tad crazy, but very much a brilliant concept. Also, there is mention of a space ship, which I wont tell too much about, in case you wish to read it (Recommended btw 9/10).

Mr Reilly must have really done some research on the goings on in Antarctica, Military Tactics and Weapons, and not forgetting human emotion. It was just blinding how he knew so much about this stuff and fascinating how I felt I was going through what the hero was going through.

Research seems to be the key, from what you have all said, but also a lot of it must be left to imagination, because this is what captivates a wide and varied audience.

Thanks again for your brilliant advice folks!

[glandowski]

Just make sure your 'thingy' or 'widget' does what it is supposed to do and has the effects/side-effects it has consistently.

I'm not so worried about how or why it works (unless it is plot centric) just as long as when it is used it is used 'properly'.

Let your mind flow!

[jenna]

I think a basic understanding of science, scientific theory, and the most recent inventions is important to lending some realism to your story. My advice is to get a subscription to New Scientist. Apart from being a cracking read, it is so chock full of great information, I can't even tell you how many story ideas I've gotten from reading it..

And for general fantasy, study history.

ETA I love Matthew Reilly! I love reading his books when I don't want to concentrate too much, as they just jump along at such a break-neck pace there's not too much thinking required. My favourite of his is Seven Ancient Wonders (which I think was titled Seven Deadly Wonders in the U.S.?), although his latest one, which is called Six Sacred Stones looks very good too.

[Anthony G Williams]

Originally Posted by jenna

I think a basic understanding of science, scientific theory, and the most recent inventions is important to lending some realism to your story. My advice is to get a subscription to New Scientist. Apart from being a cracking read, it is so chock full of great information, I can't even tell you how many story ideas I've gotten from reading it...

I agree completely - it's essential reading for me. I pinched quite a few ideas from it which I used in Scales.

[jenna]

Hmmmm maybe we shouldn't have revealed the secret! But seriously, it's my favourite magazine, (that and archaeology magazines). People always look at me strangely when I'm reading it, I imagine they're wondering why I'm not reading Cosmo or some other condescending drivel. But they don't know what they're missing....

[Anthony G Williams]

Ah, but you're missing out on the many different ways to achieve multiple orgasms

I agree about archaeology as well - it's not only fascinating in its own right, but knowing how it's done means that you can write about it realistically - and many exciting stories have started with finding mysterious objects in archaeological digs.

[jenna]

Originally Posted by Anthony G Williams

Ah, but you're missing out on the many different ways to achieve multiple orgasms

Oh don't forget all the wonderful ways to cheapen yourself by taking up pole dancing and wearing underwear outside the house. And how to make your entire life revolve around your sexual attractiveness to men. Gosh, I really am missing out...

Regarding Archaeology magazine, I was reading it a few weeks ago and I came across an article about a certain ancient structure. A story idea that had been floating around inside my head got whacked with the inspiration stick and solidified right there and then, turning into something major that is now my primary project. Was easily worth the $9.95 I paid for the magazine!

[Tobytwo]

I always wear underwear outside my house. I get in trouble with the police otherwise!
Well said, though; I'm always amazed how vain women's magazines make them out to be.

For researching fantasy, I would reccomend this excellent article by Poul Anderson:

On Thud and Blunder

[The Pelagic Argosy]

Good article, Tobytwo.

I recommend National Geographic for fantasy writers or world builders. It's got everything you need for inspiration: information on world geography, climate, cultures, archeology, science, gorgeous photos. And maps!!

[Zubi-Ondo]

Originally Posted by Peter Graham

"Johan flicked the hyperdrive switch. But because the ship was less than three space roods from a sun which was due to collapse in less than 3 million years, the resultant gravitational pull caused the flamblox interface to cross with the sub-orbital wanger flange, which, of course, set off a massive explosion in the underwoofers."

Ooohhh! I like that Peter! I think you've just invented a new style of humorous SF! Write some more! write some more! Never-mind, I'll take the next bit.

The problem of course is that the massive explosion in the underwoofers would set off a chain reaction in the megomagneto interglidators, and topple the whinfillcline exgrotuners and wham! The resulting domino effect would collapse every sub-atomic string in a radius of 29 nanometers or so - creating a black hole just big enough to swallow the whole ship, all of it's inhabitants, and any space dogs that happened to be passing by. Then things might really get hairy...

When it comes to research, yes, all of the magazines that have been mentioned are sources, but there's also Wikipedia, HowStuffWorks.com, etc. and there's something kind of historic and outdated that still functions in a research capacity - the Library. *Ducks, and runs for cover*

- Z.