This nonfiction book based on Dan Kobolt’s Science in Sci-fi blog series will be published by Writer’s Digest Books in October 2018.
About the Book
Science and technology have starring roles in a wide range of genres–science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, and more. Unfortunately, many depictions of technical subjects in literature, film, and television are pure fiction. A basic understanding of biology, physics, engineering, and medicine will help you create more realistic stories that satisfy discerning readers.
This book brings together scientists, physicians, engineers, and other experts to help you:
- Understand the basic principles of science, technology, and medicine that are frequently featured in fiction.
- Avoid common pitfalls and misconceptions to ensure technical accuracy.
- Write realistic and compelling scientific elements that will captivate readers.
- Brainstorm and develop new science- and technology-based story ideas.
Whether writing about mutant monsters, rogue viruses, giant spaceships, or even murders and espionage, Putting the Science in Fiction will have something to help every writer craft better fiction. |
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Publisher: |
Writer’s Digest Books |
Release Date: |
October 16, 2018 |
Paperback: |
272 pages |
ISBN: |
1440353387 |
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Expert Contributors
The 40 contributors to this anthology represent a wide array of scientific, technological, and medical expertise. They’ve collectively endured over 100 years of graduate study in their chosen fields. They include scientists, engineers, physicians, lab managers, nurses, and other experts.
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- Chuck Wendig (foreword)
- Dan Allen (physics)
- Kathleen S. Allen (psychiatric nursing)
- Tom Benedict (astronomy)
- Megan Cartwright Chaudhuri (toxicology)
- Rebecca Enzor (nuclear chemistry)
- Lee A. Everett (biomedical research)
- Lynn Forrest (atmospheric science)
- Abby Goldsmith (video game development)
- Jim Gotaas (astrophysics and space travel)
- Maria Grace (educational psychology)
- Mike Hays (microbiology)
- Rachel Heaps-Page (special education)
- William Huggins (conservationism)
- Gareth D Jones (environmental science)
- Gwen C. Katz (chemistry)
- Benjamin C. Kinney (neuroscience)
- Dan Koboldt (genetics)
- Jamie Krakover (aerospace engineering)
- Philip A. Kramer (biomedical science)
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- K.E. Lanning (geophysics)
- Anne M. Lipton (behavioral neurology)
- A.R. Lucas (decision science)
- Amy Mills (structural engineering)
- Judy L. Mohr (astronomy and optics)
- Rebecca Mowry (wildlife biology)
- Terry Newman (research biology)
- Bianca Nogrady (science journalism)
- Karyne Norton (nursing)
- Brie Paddock (biology)
- Jonathan Peeples (psychiatry)
- Matt Perkins (computer programming)
- Eric Primm (engineering)
- Paul Regier (neuroscience)
- Stephanie Sauvinet (oncology)
- Effie Seiberg (tech industry)
- Danna Staaf (marine biology)
- Gabriel Vidrine (microbiology)
- Robinne Weiss (entomology)
- Sylvia Spruck Wrigley (aviation)
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Though they have different backgrounds and interests, all of the contributors to this book have one thing in common: a love of science fiction. Their articles reference many popular books and movies that illustrate how to (or how NOT to) put the science in fiction, with the goal of helping authors create realistic, compelling stories.
Sections and Topics
The anthology leads off with a foreword by bestselling author Chuck Wendig. The main sections include:
- Research Labs, Hospitals, And Really Bad Ways To Die
- Genome Engineering: It Never Ends Well
- The Brain Is Wider Than The Sky
- From Zero To Sixty (Legs, That Is)
- Things To Know For When Skynet Takes Over
- Earth And Other Planets. Yes, Pluto Counts!
- Sometimes, It Really Is Rocket Science
- Star Wars And The Far Future
Where to Find It
Putting the Science in Fiction will be available as a trade paperback. You can order at your favorite online retailers.
Congratulations. This book looks fascinating. Science fiction is one of my favourite genres do it will be interesting to learn about the facts vs the fake.
Thanks, I’m a SF fan as well! It was really awesome to get to participate in this project.
Oh, this sounds amazing. Congratulations on getting to add your touch to this work. That list of experts covers just about every aspect of science and technology a writer could need or want. This is a great source for any seasoned or novice author and should be on their bookshelf. I noticed it is only available in paperback form. I’m not sure I would want a digital copy as I would want to hold it in my hands so I could flip through the pages, paperclip, Post-it, and tab all those areas I found interesting. Thanks for sharing this with us.
The digital version was a little slower in coming out, but it is available that way now too. I know what you mean about reference books. I really like to have them in paper.
Congratulations!! What is the title of your contribution? I’m not into sci-fi or fantasy (except for your dragon books and Harry Potter; even Narnia and LotR don’t especially float my boat), but this is an impressive list of contributors and contributions. Yay!!
And thanks for sending along the ice cream book along with A Proper Introduction! They are both much appreciated!
Have a lovely weekend!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
I wrote about developmental psychology and character development.
How lovely to see your name among all these experts! Sci-fi is another of my favourite genres so I can understand the pull of it tempting you into another territory. I’m sorry there apparently isn’t an e-book version as it is a much cheaper and easier way for me to get new and favourite reading material. I’ll consider acquiring it even so…
Does this also mean a faint hope that you haven’t given up on your old story in this genre?
Whatever you write, I still read with delight and appreciation!
I haven’t given up on my SF. Actually I rewrote the first book last year, but it needs a lot of edits and I just haven’t gotten back to it yet. I’m hoping to put it on the schedule for next year.
I just noticed that there is an e-book version now on Amazon.