The Science with Julie C. Gilbert
Actual science. That's the tricky part of writing science fiction. You can't throw all the rules out the window and make up your own. You have to build your rules upon the realm of possibility.
And I have Julie C. Gilbert here to talk about it! Julie's a lovely author who's tackled numerous genres, including sci-fi. Though I've only read one of her mysteries thus far, the rest of hers look so lovely that I can't wait to get my hands on them!
Introduction:
And I have Julie C. Gilbert here to talk about it! Julie's a lovely author who's tackled numerous genres, including sci-fi. Though I've only read one of her mysteries thus far, the rest of hers look so lovely that I can't wait to get my hands on them!
Julie C. Gilbert
Christian/Mystery/Sci-fi/Fantasy
Author of The Collins Case
Introduction:
There are many different flavors of science fiction. It’s not all aliens and spaceships. Sometimes, it’s the science that matters most. Writers who strive for near-future science fiction typically ask “what if” a lot.
What’s the trick to making it realistic?
There are documented cases of kids of mixed descent turning out with different skin tones. Take this National Geographic article about black and white fraternal twins for example. We believe our understanding of science has come far in the last few hundred years, and it definitely has. However, we’re still making new discoveries all the time.
Could it happen?
If ethics could be shoved aside and science left unfettered, it probably wouldn’t take long to get where The Dark Side of Science started.
The premise of that story is that two different companies are competing for the same secret government contract. They’re showing off the “best” of their products by having the children created in the programs compete in a winner-takes-all, losers-might-die competition. Since they’re not sure how to make Minders, they’re trying to get those memories out of one of the scientists who turned away from the project.
Samples of the Science in the Fiction:
There are many genetically altered plants and animals, but probably not humans … yet. The movie Gattaca explores some of the ethical questions behind a society that allows itself to choose skin color and traits that would favor certain abilities. Long before I even started writing, the “what if” question existed.
Spaceships exist, but not ones that can take humans to the far side of the galaxy. Yet. We’re limited by the resources we have: the fuel, the technology, and so forth. But what if something new was discovered, a stable element that lasted far longer and burned hotter than any known fuel. That could be a game changer.
Conclusion:
Science fiction takes what is known and pushes it further into the unknown. It paints a picture where everything we know is true plus a few extra things.
What’s the trick to making it realistic?
Go a step further than what’s possible now. For The Dark Side of Science, the whole premise is beyond what’s possible now, but not by much. Mostly ethical guidelines and massive amounts of red tape separate reality and fiction here.
The Devya’s Children series features several genetically altered children. They gained special abilities because certain genes were turned on and off. Also, the scientists played around with their features, so that even though the biological parents were white, one appeared Asian and another African.
Is that possible?The Devya’s Children series features several genetically altered children. They gained special abilities because certain genes were turned on and off. Also, the scientists played around with their features, so that even though the biological parents were white, one appeared Asian and another African.
There are documented cases of kids of mixed descent turning out with different skin tones. Take this National Geographic article about black and white fraternal twins for example. We believe our understanding of science has come far in the last few hundred years, and it definitely has. However, we’re still making new discoveries all the time.
Could it happen?
If ethics could be shoved aside and science left unfettered, it probably wouldn’t take long to get where The Dark Side of Science started.
The premise of that story is that two different companies are competing for the same secret government contract. They’re showing off the “best” of their products by having the children created in the programs compete in a winner-takes-all, losers-might-die competition. Since they’re not sure how to make Minders, they’re trying to get those memories out of one of the scientists who turned away from the project.
Samples of the Science in the Fiction:
(Contains spoiler for The Dark Side of Science)
In chapter 13, we find Dr. Jessica Paladon having a disagreement with a molecule simulator. Her friend got poisoned, and it’s up to her to create an antidote from the raw materials. First, she designs the molecule she wants in a computer. Then, she tasks the molecule simulator to create the compound so she can test it on her friend.
To my knowledge, molecule simulators don’t exist. But 3D printers do. It’s essentially the same idea, only applied on a smaller level. In chapter 13, we find Dr. Jessica Paladon having a disagreement with a molecule simulator. Her friend got poisoned, and it’s up to her to create an antidote from the raw materials. First, she designs the molecule she wants in a computer. Then, she tasks the molecule simulator to create the compound so she can test it on her friend.
There are many genetically altered plants and animals, but probably not humans … yet. The movie Gattaca explores some of the ethical questions behind a society that allows itself to choose skin color and traits that would favor certain abilities. Long before I even started writing, the “what if” question existed.
Spaceships exist, but not ones that can take humans to the far side of the galaxy. Yet. We’re limited by the resources we have: the fuel, the technology, and so forth. But what if something new was discovered, a stable element that lasted far longer and burned hotter than any known fuel. That could be a game changer.
Conclusion:
Science fiction takes what is known and pushes it further into the unknown. It paints a picture where everything we know is true plus a few extra things.
Great post! The science part of science fiction is definitely important, and sometimes it can get pretty freaky . . . which, for the reader, is awesome. Not so much for the characters, though. :)
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