10 replies to this topic

[Sirkit]

Hello fellow science junkies. I find that as a science writer there is a constant need for newer and better ideas. Bigger and better can be a hard bill to fit so, where do you get your inspiration for ideas for sims?

I find the writings of Alastair Reynolds to be a help especially in the areas of AI, alternative consciousness models, and hard science explanations to miraculous occurrences.

[Mythrix]

My inspiration, as most of ours primarily I'm assuming, comes from Star Trek with a decent amount of influence from Stargate as well. As far as actual scientific information, much my real world inspiration comes from either my Job as a Corporate Technical Trainer. That's just what I draw from the most, so far, although I'd love to add some actual tangible/accessible resources to the list.

[KNicholotti]

My inspiration, as most of ours primarily I'm assuming, comes from Star Trek

I'm the same. If it wasn't for Star Trek I wouldn't be interested in the creative side of writing as I am now.

My inspiration...(for my science pnpc...)

is my absolute enamoration with science in general, in the real world, as well as the ability to take what I know, put it together with something someone else came up with, and create a logical, realistic solution...and then find a way to write it all down according to how she (Ash MacKenna) would act.


The whole process is awesome in my own strange mind.

[Valdivia]

Well, Valdivia is a mathematician, as myself, so my inspiration comes in a great part from my own knowledge.

But in most mission related sims, the main subject is physics. There, I use my own experience, but also some inspiration from Star Trek. Actually, I use to look at memory-alpha.org . You can find some great information there. I use to look for "radiation" or "material" to see a list of all the radiations or materials that have appeared in the series, and to find one than is related which what I am working with.

I think I like to think that if I write "it is build mainly of Neutronium", anyone can look up neutronium in the web and find what I am talking about (although I try to explain it some way if it has to have some importance in the plot).

[Rogg the Dachlyd]

I receive a lot of inspiration from Wikipedia articles - both ones I can follow and ones which appear to rely heavily on formulae I do not understand in the least. Great science-fiction writers also inspire me - Larry Niven comes to mind. William Sleator writes an excellent story, although his target audience is a bit juvenile.

Sometimes I get inspiration from something out of context, like science article banners on AOL, Yahoo or some other site which features news. You know, I just see a short phrase and my imagination takes off with it. (This can be easier than it sounds - most banners are designed to be attention-grabbing rather than strictly factual or a summation of the article they title. "Cyanide-based Life" and "Earth-like Planet Found" usually are disappointing once you have read through the body of the article and considered the sparse quotes of actual scientists.)

Oh, how I miss my character being a Science Officer...

[Valdivia]

Well, you are welcome here whatever your post is, if you are interested in science.

[Eric Lundrigan]

Sometimes I get inspiration from something out of context, like science article banners on AOL, Yahoo or some other site which features news.

For many, many years now, I've subscribed to Popular Science and Popular Mechanics. Each usually has a look at current or future tech and science that is fascinating, and has inspired my writing more than once. I also follow the Gawker Media family of tech sites (Gizmodo, io9, Jalopnik, et al) and often find similar inspiration there.

[D. K.]

I myself play mostly Engineering characters, but all the same I still occasionally have to visit the science side of life.

I also regularly keep up with documentaries and scientific magazines. My actual inspiration however is derived during sport. I take exercise on my mountain bike during the week. While I'm riding cross country I have loads of time to think and play with ideas. I don't know why, but when I'm riding the best things come to me and sometimes I just can't wait to get back home again to write about them.

MFG

[Segolene LeMarnix]

I myself play mostly Engineering characters, but all the same I still occasionally have to visit the science side of life.

I also regularly keep up with documentaries and scientific magazines. My actual inspiration however is derived during sport. I take exercise on my mountain bike during the week. While I'm riding cross country I have loads of time to think and play with ideas. I don't know why, but when I'm riding the best things come to me and sometimes I just can't wait to get back home again to write about them.

MFG

Exercise is important equally for body as it is for the brain. I'm walking 2-3 hours every day (was running or driving bike before, but now with a 3 months old baby can only walk), so it is only natural to create best ideas when exercise.

I'm subscribed to World Science Newsletter for ages, 5-6 years I believe. Lot of the articles you can find there are the most current science papers, some not even published yet.

[T'Mihn Ah'mygahn]

Good resource.

I use Machio Kaku, and others for some theories. Haven't had a chance to really explore the physics part as of yet. Too soon in my tenure.