Science, medicine, and advanced technology are core staples of genre fiction. Unfortunately, the depiction of these subjects in books and movies tends to be less faction and more fiction. Putting the Science in Fiction collects 59 articles from a wide range of real-world experts — along with a foreword by Chuck Wendig — to help authors avoid common pitfalls and create more realistic stories.
Contents:
About the Book
Expert Contributors
Sections and Topics
Where to Find It
Blurbs & Reviews
News and Events
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:
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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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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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. Then, 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
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You can also add it on Goodreads.
Blurbs & Reviews
The entries are brief, knowledgeable, and highly entertaining, like hearing an exasperated friend rant about his or her area of expertise.”
–Booklist.
Every writer should have a copy on his or her bookshelf.”
-Rosi Hollinbeck, Seattle Book Review. Full Review
The basic information is here as jumping off points, some delve into much more detail, and many offer up other resources to dig into the topics more deeply…a useful, well-written resource. Recommended.”
-Bill Capossere, Fantasy Literature. Full Review
One of the most entertaining and enjoyable books we have read recently. It is a thoughtful, engrossing, well-written and well-edited compendium of guidance on a wide range of subjects.”
-Ian Scott-Parker, MyMac. Full Review
Putting the Science in Fiction is definitely a resource every writer should have in their toolbox.”
-Donna Huber, Girl who Reads. Full Review
The chapters are concisely written and easy to read. This book is for you if you’re interested in making more storytelling more accurate and interesting, whether your medium is comics, novels, film, or television, or you’re simply a curious nerd like me who finds books like this fascinating.”
-Joe Palmer, The Gay League. Full Review
This book is a brilliant resource, both for writers and for those with a more general interest in science.”
-Ellie, Books at the End of the Alphabet. Full review
Many thanks to the book reviewers who dedicated their time to this book. Additional reviews/blurbs would be much appreciated. If you post one, please notify Lisa Sweet – bookthisinc [at] gmail.com.
Additional Reviews
News and Events
- Psychiatry, public health, and writing interview with contributor Jon Peeples on Life of the Mind podcast.
- Print ARCs to SF/F author friends (here, here, and here)
- LitCast interview with Publishers Weekly, also featured on PW online.
- Panel and book signing at New York Comic Con (10-6-2018)
- The science of Star Wars, Spider-Man, Avatar debunked by actual scientists, interview on CNET.
- Podcast ad in PW Daily Newsletter.
- Bookish First raffle for UK readers.
- Science in sci-fi writing prompts for NaNoWriMo.
- Big Idea guest post on John Scalzi’s Whatever
- How to research your writing guest post at Jane Friedman’s blog
- Science fiction author panel at Mysterious Galaxy bookstore
- The Adjacent Possible interview with Rick Liebling on Medium
- Book talk and giveaway by Mindy McGinnis on Writer Writer Pants on Fire
- Research vs Writing guest post on the NaNoWriMo blog
- Terrifying but true tales from science post at Chuck Wendig’s Terribleminds
- Upcoming: Generation starships article on Baen.com.
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