Putting the Science in Fiction

Expert Advice for Writing with Authenticity in Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Other Genres

By: Dan Koboldt - editor, Chuck Wendig - foreword

Narrated by: Emily Beresford, Kevin T. Collins

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.

©2018 Dan Koboldt (P)2019 Tantor

This book was very informative and helpful.

Other than repeating/conflicting information from different sources it was very informative. Chapter 56 however infuriated me because this book is about doing research for your writing but there was little to no research done on the in universe function of weapons in Star Wars. The blasters and light sabers do not use light. They use plasma 🤦🏻‍♂️

Great reference for novel writing--covers so much

I started listening to this like a textbook but what I realized after about 8 or 9 chapters is that this is a reference for the science you're writing about at the moment. After a good introduction about what writing science requires, what this author has done is asked experts in their fields to cover everything they could about a scientific subject in so many words and so you have chapters on various scientific subjects you might write about. I think this is an excellent find! I was getting a lot of information on a lot of subjects I can use -- across all genres. Highly recommended resource.

love the idea not execution

Want to hear mind numbing condescension of science in sci-fi? If so, this book is for you! However, if you want thoughtful corrections and suggestions for science in sci-fi, look elsewhere. Want to learn science for your next novel? Go talk to someone in the field or pick up a science book on your desired topic. That will save you any time and money you might have wasted on this audio rant.