Originally published January 21, 2013
My blog often discusses recent scientific discoveries that may have roots in history or philosophy. It also addresses the art of research, whether you are a writer or not, how does one go about finding things out? How do you fill that sense of wonder that we have? How do you feed a voracious appetite for knowledge?
These thoughts inspired me to ask some of my Facebook friends who are very much involved in writing, editing and reviewing books that fall into this genre. I will be featuring my volunteers over the next few weeks and will introduce you to their writing philosophy and their work. Some chose the interview format, some will most likely present an article. Here we go with guest number one: Angus Day. He chose the interview format.
Does your research drive your story; or does your story shape your research?
My story line drives my research. Whether it be technological, historical or theoretical I will find what is currently thought and consider it.
How do you keep yourself informed of new developments in the scientific fields?
Depends upon the field. Chemistry, materials and things in that vein I have sources as a professional. Most anything else I skim BBC, NASA, space news sites. When I use Wiki is at the beginning to determine if there are any credible sources referenced but I never use anything directly.
Do you try to shape your stories around hard science; or do you ignore or reach beyond what is known into the possible, probable, or does it matter?
I do not shape my stories based on what we think we know today. How people can make determinations about what is possible when we haven’t effectively left the fish bowl yet is beyond me. I don’t ignore the doubters, but I may try to spin the story so that they get discredited for having closed off their minds. Addressing the ‘does it matter,’ I dislike the hand wave. Have some guts and build a world where things are possible. Weave a story of hope.
What sorts of things inspire your interest to seek more information?
Extrasolar planets, out of the box propulsion schemes, myths of my ancestors proven to have merit within new interpretations and someone egotistical enough to claim something is not possible.
What sorts of things tend to spark the idea of a story?
A breeze, news item or an extraordinary event.
Do you often have characters in mind and find yourself in search of a scientific background to suit their character and its development?
Not all of my characters are scientists. Sometimes they are military, business people, etc. The fifth novel will have a main character that is a moron finding his way through one accident at a time without any real redeeming qualities.
Do you like to teach science with your writing and if so, is it your only goal or do you just have a lot of fun playing with the ideas that scientific theory presents?
I try to blend the concept of scientific discovery into the lives of my characters. There is a way to turn me off from reading a science fiction novel and that is the dreaded ‘info dump.’ I have fun with it.
Do you see correlations between scientific theory as it develops and your own philosophy or world view?
My world view is that there will always be the unknowable in everyone’s lives. It may be out of our reach during our time which does not make it impossible. Too often people are ready to declare something impossible because it conflicts with what they think they know scientifically and or theologically. True scientific method seeks to disprove a statement because if you can not then it is possible.
Does this perspective become part of your characters’ development, or just background?
The perspective becomes integral with the character’s development.
What is your most favorite, wonder, awe-inspiring thing that you have learned in the last few years? Something that confirmed or changed your point of view of the world and all that is in it?
I don’t believe that I learned it but became more comfortable with the view that one’s belief system is personal. There is no need to strive for conflict with others that don’t believe the same unless they are trying to oppress you. I try to write open and accepting protagonists. Antagonists I try to construct believable character flaws that lead to selfish behavior and decisions. My spinnings are my view of the current and future worlds we live in.
What is your favorite writing project which involved research into the sciences?
Fictional development of the Vascaran drive in Legacy of Daddy was my favorite because it is representative of the boundaries needing conquering in order to graduate to interstellar civilization. I’m not done with it yet.
I live in Fort Collins Colorado with my wife and son. My daughter has embarked on her career as a graphics designer. I’ve been an Infantryman, Swine Farmer, smattering of other trades and jobs and now I’m a manufacturing pharmaceutical chemist. What aspect of my life that is devoted to fitness favors swimming in open water which means I spend most of the year working out in a pool then hit the lakes when it warms up a bit. My wife Cheryl safety kayaks for me when we manage to make it work.
Some other places to check Angus out: Facebook Group: Next You Utopian Estates
And on the web: The Next You Universe
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