My hard science based book

[Clyde]

Dear Group,
I did read the first thread, but still wondering if this is the appropriate place to post. (Mod's please move it if needed)

"Memories with Maya" is just out, and I've tried to ground it as much as possible in hard science. There is a lot of Augmented Reality, AI and then generous helpings of transhumanism and the main protag's science v/s god question.

What I wanted to know is, do you like your Sci-fi so hard that it could read as a physics textbook? or do like it softer... where there is still plenty of dollops of sci-fi that's plausible but not in the next 50 to 60 years?

Looking forward to hearing from members, as it will help me in researching a possible sequel.

Kind Regards.

[Nick]

If the writer skillfully weaves hard science facts with character and world building and does not sacrifice pace or plot points, then more than likely I will go along, nodding my head in approval at their skill.

Of course, this all implies that I understand and find fascinating the hard science facts the writer has included. If not, then even good writing will bore me...

But that is just me and others may or may not have different taste and likes...

[[deleted user]]

I need a good character setup as well as lots of science. IF you only bomb us with science you will find your readers nodding off. It sounds like an interesting read as long as you managed to take your ideas and avoid preaching a single viewpoint at the audience...mind you, I am a dystopian sci fi person and tend to like mine 'soft'. I do enjoy a good rigorous read though.

[Clyde]

Thanks Nick, Michelle,

I'll note down the point you make on world building, Nick.

In this novella, I used a sketch pen in that dept. Again, the reasons are my belief that I might attract a larger (non reading) audience if the hook is right and the size of the prose not too intimidating.

However, if there is to be a sequel, I will use a fine brush in my world building.

Michelle, I'm hoping I didn't come across as too preachy in the science bits. I have used settings of nightclubs, nightlife in general and umm... online relationships, to channel the hard science (and the philosophy)

Thank you for replying. Much appreciated.

[J]

Sounds interesting Clyde. I picked it up and will give it a read. Might take me a while though have some 25-30 books in front. : ) Thanks.

[Clyde]

I should be the one thanking you J, for the interest in MwM. I wish you a good read. It should be quick enough to go through, unless the science is worthy enough of a second pass.

Best,
Clyde

[[deleted user]]

is there a link? I am curious!

[Clyde]

Yes Michelle, the book cover at the top of this thread is clickable.
But here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Memories-With-M...

and if you're looking specifically at the science used in the story, I'll be updating the website: http://www.memorieswithmaya.com (check the Dirrogate category there)

Cheers.

[Paul]

I always keep the human story at the core of all the scifi I write. All the science that allows/causes the story in my books is either real or an educated projection using current theories etc.. Sometimes that leads to fascinating stuff I don't think I would have every dreamt up otherwise.

I don't like the science so heavy that it feels like a lecture, but I find it does count against stories when they introduce drastic technology with obviously flaky science behind it. Everyone knows a few major scifi movies that have fallen foul of that.

I don't think there are many hard rules on this one, I'd have to assess it on a book by book basis.

[Clyde]

What you say makes sense Paul.
>>Everyone knows a few major scifi movies that have fallen foul of that.
True on this one too. For me when it comes to hard science, the one movie that stood a cut above the rest was Minority Report. It actually inspired gesture interfaces to be common for one, even if it got adopted/invented a good many years later.

I've tried to do the same in the story. However at the risk of a **spoiler**
I've also touched on the topics of transhumanism and Quantum Archeology in hopefully, a subtle manner.

I'd be happy to send you an Amazon gift coupon if you'd like, and have time, to take a look at the book.
It's now at a debut price of 99c on kindle.