Happy Wednesday, Aledan Merfolk! If you saw me online at all yesterday, I’m sure you know that PUTTING THE SCIENCE IN FICTION is finally out in the world! PSIF is an awesome resource for authors, covering topics from basic lab practices, to how the ocean can kill you (I’m excited for that one!), to the science of Star Wars. Have an official description:
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.
Pretty cool, huh? And today we’re going to focus on that last bullet point: brainstorming new science-based story ideas. NaNoWriMo is next month, and I’m here to help you put some science in your fiction.
My essay in PSIF focuses on Proper Lab Technique, so let’s start there. What do you think of when you think of a laboratory? White lab coats, check (actually mine is dark blue because spills don’t show as well). Safety glasses to protect your eyes, check. Latex and/or nitrile gloves, check. Vials of fun colored liquid….
Probably not. While I have worked in a lab with lots of fun colored liquids (let’s hear it for Radium-228!), most labs these days are full of instrumentation instead.
What type(s) of research are your characters doing? What types of instrumentation or equipment will you find in their lab? (Not a complete list)
- Wet chemistry will involve some of those pretty colored liquids everyone’s so fond of. Usually this type of chemistry is done to extract a certain compound.
- Analytical chemistry uses instrumentation like Mass Spectrometers to test for the amounts of certain chemicals in a sample of water, soil, vegetation or tissue.
- Genetics research uses gel electrophoresis and thermal cyclers.
- Medical research uses a variety of wet and dry chemistry.
What dangers do your characters have to be aware of in their lab? (Not a complete list)
- Strong acids and bases.
- Explosions.
- Neurotoxins.
- Broken glassware/cuts.
- Syringes.
- Dry ice.
How can your antagonist take advantage of the equipment and the dangers in the lab? Acids are always a fun option. A centrifuge tube of dry ice and methanol will make a nice, loud explosion. Nearly everything in the lab is flammable. And muffle furnaces are a nice way to get rid of evidence.
How can your protagonist use the equipment and chemicals to stop your antagonist? Did your antagonist leave behind a chemical that can be analyzed and traced to the source? Find some DNA? Will they turn full-on anti-hero and use the same chemicals/equipment as the antagonist?
Leave your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to sign up below to win a copy of PUTTING THE SCIENCE IN FICTION!
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Not sure if real labs are much like my undergrad ones but you could make a maze out of the sheer number of chairs lying around HAHAHA
Oh my gosh, yes! There are always extra chairs laying around in our lab, usually in the way >.<