The Role of Real Science in Fiction
While fantasy allows for creative freedom with magic systems, science fiction demands a different kind of rigor. AG Riddle demonstrates how grounding fictional narratives in real scientific principles can enhance story credibility and reader engagement. Gerry's style of employ for real scientific principle while adding an artistic license to other aspects of science are very engaging, in my opinion, thus making his books some of my favorite reads. The Origin Mystery Trilogy was the first of his writing I picked up. It was very difficult to tell which topics were based in actual science and which he played out in fiction as they were so well done, much credit to Gerry. The video below will delve into research methodology for any writers or aspiring writers. Take as much or as little as you'd like from this.
Balancing Science and Story
What I find particularly compelling about Riddle's approach, if we can revisit Gerry Riddle for another moment without drooling over the man, is his ability to weave complex scientific concepts into engaging narratives without overwhelming the reader. This balance is crucial for maintaining both authenticity and readability. As I am taking the time to learn the sciences behind my new project, I am finding a swath of technologies existing in our current timeline, many of wich are at production level I had no idea even existed, that could be tinkered with on a rather fun and creative level to formulate a believable science for a timeline in twenty years from now. Take, for instance, the idea of an engine that can propel a spacecraft at 3-5% the speed of light. We currently have the capabilities. As an Air Force Veteran, you would have thought I'd have known this as I like to keep up on our tech. I'd be a Chief Master Sergeant to this day had I stayed in to retirement and probably would have known more, I suppose. I digress, though. Enough about my service. Back to our regularly scheduled program... Imagine what is going to come out of Blue Origin, SpaceX, and other commercial space programs! If you are a budding or experienced writer, these companies are going to have PR departments to consult with, but I give a big caution: do not go in with entitlement and come out using things like name brands and copywritten IPs, especially without express permission. On some rare occasion, you may be able to convince some gung-ho CEO or owner you are writing a banger of a story, and they're all in on the idea. They may just give you the permission to use their trademarked names. It does happen.
When you do your research, realize that the whole process is an art. My stance is: There is never too much. I have over 200 pages for my new project right now ranging from CMEs to cryogenic hypostasis to boimetric artificial gravity devices and much more. The amount of information is exhausting, however, I will never include every facet of that information into this novel. And that is the intention. Better to over-prepare so you have more than enough knowledge rather than be ten chapters into the draft and come to something you have no idea for. Another thing to consider is cramming all of that information into a story tends to overwhelm the reader while they're only here for a compelling story. Yes, I know, there is going to be that one out there, (I'm one of these), the one who enjoys the scientific methods behind certain aspects described in an author's worldbuilding element. This could lead me down a debated topic I'll save for a later time.
Applying These Principles
Though my current work focuses on fantasy, understanding how to research and integrate real-world principles helps create more believable worlds, regardless of genre. The methodical approach to world-building demonstrated here translates well to any speculative fiction.