Is that Science there in my Fiction?

The wonderful SF Signal is back with another Mind Meld. This one asks, "Do science fiction authors have an obligation to be scientifically accurate with their stories? Is there a minimum level of accuracy an author should adhere to?" Responses include those of Pyr authors David Louis Edelman, Alexis Glynn Latner, and Adam Roberts, though my favorite points are raised by Karl Schroeder and Elizabeth Bear.

Schroeder turns the question around, arguing that science itself progresses by looking for holes in the contemporary understanding of the universe, and thus, "If scientists are obligated to look for holes in the 'scientifically accurate' picture of the world, would it make sense for science fiction writers to be obligated to uphold that picture?" (Which is an excellent anti-Mundane argument.)

Bear says, "None whatsoever. With one notable exception, which is to say, when writing rigorous quote unquote hard science fiction. I do think the SF writer has an obligation to know which rules she's breaking, and break them for a purpose, as an author writing historical fiction should alter history with intent rather than from ignorance."

The always erudite Adam Roberts reinforces Schroeder's point when he cites Paul Feyerabend's Against Methodand says, "Scientific rules limit possible advances in science: the only principle that does not inhibit progress is: anything goes."

Blumlien's "The Roberts" in F&SF

Michael Blumlein, whose The Healerwe published back in our first season, now has a website. He also has a story, “The Roberts”, featured in the July issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, for those wanting a taste of his talents. On stands now!

The Latest from Edelman

David Louis Edelman is funnier than I could ever be:

David Louis Edelman Writing News: May 2008 www.davidlouisedelman.com www.davidlouisedelman.com/blog www.infoquake.net www.multireal.net Something different, you say? No, there’s nothing different about this newsletter... why do you ask? Okay, yes, there is something different. I've redesigned the newsletter to match the new look and feel of my personal website. The link for which is now very prominently displayed at the top of the email, along with the address of my blog and my books. Plus I’ve made it very easy for you to order copies of the books on Amazon, just by clicking on the links in the right column. Funny how that capitalism thing works. (Can’t see anything different? Either you’re not using an HTML email client or you need to click the “Show Images” link or button to see all the pretty colors.) New Website Designs. Go ahead, click on those links at the top of the newsletter and browse around. This email will be waiting for you when you get back. My new personal website is a lot more colorful, better organized, and easier to read. And the Infoquake and MultiReal websites now show off the beautiful artwork that (Hugo Award nominee) Stephan Martiniere has provided for the books. In addition, you’ll find the entire first eight chapters of MultiReal up on that website, for the first time anywhere. Nick Sagan Praises MultiReal. Nick Sagan, author of Idlewild, Edenborn, and Everfree, screenwriter for Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager, and former child ambassador to the universe on the Voyager Golden Record, has read and blurbed Infoquake and MultiReal. Here’s what the esteemed Mr. Sagan has to say: “David Louis Edelman’s vision of the future is so alive and full of energy the pages are practically buzzing. Wonderfully intricate with smart, satisfying complexity, Infoquake and its sequel MultiReal serve up a world where mindbending technologies promise a freedom nearly as endless as the Machiavellian ambitions of those who would control them.” That rocks, no? Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist: Infoquake “One of the Very Best SF Debuts I Have Ever Read.” Pat of Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist has given Infoquake the kind of rave review that every author wants to get. “David Louis Edelman’s Infoquake just might be one of the very best science fiction debuts I have ever read,” says Pat. “The book deserves all the praise it has garnered, and then some!” It just goes on from there. (And FYI, Pat is also hosting a giveaway contest for copies of the mass market paperback. I don’t know when it ends, so if you’re interested, you'd better hurry...) More Audio Podcasts Available. I intended to finish podcasting the first seven chapters of Infoquake about two years ago, when the book was first released in trade paperback. For one reason or another, I only got up to chapter 4. I blame it on the cocaine, or the Extended Edition of The Fellowship of the Ring, or perhaps Martians. But now I've posted MP3, Ogg Vorbis, and Windows Media audio versions of the first seven chapters of Infoquake, plus the first five chapters of MultiReal. All read by yours truly. Go to the Infoquake audio page and the MultiReal audio page to download them. Other Reviews. The Washington, DC area cable science fiction show Fast Forward reviews Infoquake, saying “As interesting as his world is, it is Edelman’s characters that make this book shine”... Graeme of Graeme’s Fantasy Book Review called my story “Mathralon” one of his two favorites in The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, Volume Two in his review ... and Rick Kleffel of The Agony Column talks about (but doesn’t actually review) MultiReal, saying “Edelman’s vision of a corporate future seems ever more relevant as each day goes by.” Upcoming Appearances. Balticon — May 23-26 in Hunt Valley, MD Readercon — July 17-20 in Burlington, MA Don't forget: the Solaris mass market edition of Infoquake comes out next month! (I’ve already received my first copy; See my blog for a peek at it.) And then in July, the Pyr edition of MultiReal hits the stands. So keep your eyes peeled and prepare your mind to be utterly blown. To quote the Zen philosopher Keanu Reeves: Whoa. Towards Perfection, David Louis Edelman www.davidlouisedelman.com Infoquake • Website • Amazon MultiReal • Website • Amazon The Solaris Book of New Science Fiction, Volume 2 • Amazon

Chocolate Covered Spinach

Hey, I've just been informed that Matrix Online has uploaded the full 7,000 word text of the interview that Lon Cohen conducted with me to their website, here as a PDF. (The edited version appeared in Matrix # 186.)

Lou on the Web

Lots of Lou on the Web!

SFSignal is back with another Mind Meld. This one looks at Hollywood Science Fiction and asks "What other story, or stories, do you believe are deserving of being made into movies and why?" In addition to Yours Truly, responses are from Peggy Kolm, Michael L. Wentz, Michael Blackmore, SciFiChick, and the always interesting John C. Wright. Wright argues that, as a visual medium, "A science fiction movie that does not involve spectacle and special effects is not taking advantage of the primary strength of movies." I concur. I'd pick my list from some newer works though, as nothing dates like the future. Still, as I say in my own piece, with the cost of CGI dropping, there's going to be more of everything, so I think they'll be enough to keep us all happy.

Meanwhile, I'm interviewed about illustrator Stephan Martiniere over on io9.com in "The Future Will Be Bio-Mechanical." Some very nice samples of his work, including the concept art he did for the I, Robot film that happens to be the piece that lead me to put him on our edition of River of Gods.(And speaking about Ian McDonald books, although I'm not in it, there is an interview with Ian talking about both Brasyland the forthcoming The Dervish House up at Post-Weird Thoughts.)

Finally, GalleyCat uses the occasion of Michael Moorcock's Grand Masterhood to quote me and others talking about John Picacio's genius in a piece titled "A Grand Master's Greatest Character Reborn." This is, of course, about Picacio's recent work conceiving and illustrating Moorcock's Elric: The Stealer of Soulsreissue for Del Rey as well as our own The Metatemporal Detective.Michael Whelan's Elric has always been the definitive portrayal of the character for me. Until now. Go see why.