Finally going to take the plunge on a novel

[Meerkat]

I've had a sci-fi novel idea for at least five years that I haven't done squat with. For a while, I thought I couldn't write it because I wouldn't be able to do the research properly. For the last six months, though, I haven't done anything because I knew some of the material I'd have to use as research would be upsetting to me (there's pretty much a Dr. Frankenstein in it).

I finally decided this week that I needed to stop worrying about how I was going to do the research, as well as stop being a coward about reading the stuff. So I ordered the first research book last night.

Here goes.

 

[Stephen Drake]

Good luck! I know what you mean about a story-line getting stuck in your head. My first book's rough story-line was stuck in mine for more than 20 years... then I wrote it all down. It didn't help, though. Now I have the story line for the sequel stuck in there....oh, well. What can you do?

 

[Carol Rose]

Good luck!!

 

[tabby3]

Come on in, the water's fine.

 

[James Marinero]

Do you need much research for science fiction? The great thing about sci-fi is that no-one can challenge the 'facts'. Just invent it, science will catch up imho, ther are plenty of examples. What you do need is imagination and if you have started the book then you certainly have that!

 

[Marc Joan]

If you need any help with the research or interpretation thereof, Meerkat, my day-job used to be biomedical research and I am still heavily involved in biotech. Not sure if that is the field you are writing in or not.

 

[Stephen Drake]

I've had a sci-fi novel idea for at least five years that I haven't done squat with. For a while, I thought I couldn't write it because I wouldn't be able to do the research properly. For the last six months, though, I haven't done anything because I knew some of the material I'd have to use as research would be upsetting to me (there's pretty much a Dr. Frankenstein in it).

I finally decided this week that I needed to stop worrying about how I was going to do the research, as well as stop being a coward about reading the stuff. So I ordered the first research book last night.

Here goes.

I'm sorry Meerkat...but when I see your avatar "There are strange things afoot at the circle K" runs through my twisted mind...

 

[EPHahn]

Yayayay! Congrats and best wishes on the Big Start! I am writing a science fiction kind of sort of by accident. I agree that with sci fy, there is a large element of creativity and imagination. My series deals with genetics and my brother and his wife work in the field so I go to them with my questions and read through whatever research they can lend me, but ultimately I am the one bridging the gap of reality and fiction. Don't let yourself be intimidated!

 

[Katie-Ellen]

It's a great adventure.

 

[Meerkat]

If you need any help with the research or interpretation thereof, Meerkat, my day-job used to be biomedical research and I am still heavily involved in biotech. Not sure if that is the field you are writing in or not.

Actually . . . it is! I'll definitely be asking you questions. Thanks!

 

[Meerkat]

I'm sorry Meerkat...but when I see your avatar "There are strange things afoot at the circle K" runs through my twisted mind...

Oh, no! I never thought of that!

 

[Jay Aitch]

If in doubt, remember: McGuffin's about.

 

[AliG]

You may find it less upsetting when you face it- good luck. Long but fascinating road ahead.

 

[Karen Gray]

Good luck to you. Remember we are all here for support should the road become narrow and the load become a bit too much to bear xx

 

[Jay Aitch]

When the going get's tough ... the tough get cheesecake. Here endeth the lesson.

 

[Richard Sutton]

Strike, while the iron's... at least still warm to the touch.

 

[Alistair Roberts]

The best and only sensible thing to do, is do it! So dive in an enjoy. You will probably find the need for more research as you write, so, just write and the rest will follow.

 

[Kelly Michelle Baker]

What James says is true. You are given some wiggle room with sci-fi research, depending on what you want to do. It all varies with the story and premise. I continue to research mine, as it's important to the plot how the planet changed and recovered (or failed to recover) from global warming 300 years in the future. But it depends on what you think is necessary. You are the master!!