Chace Randolph

Hello! It’s a new month, and happy 4th of July for those who partake. As of this writing, I still don’t have my manuscript. The editor claims to be having health issues and said last Wednesday that it would be done on Friday or Saturday. It is now Tuesday of the following week, five weeks after the initial contracted done-by date. Each week brings a new excuse, and it still isn’t turned over. I’m trying to be optimistic, but my patience is wearing thin. After all, to them, it’s just a paycheck. To me, it’s a little more than that.

Now that the new business is out of the way, let’s iterate on some old business. If you want, you can skip to the short story at the end called ‘The Surgeon’. I’ve spoken to many people about my book and received a lot of questions about the industry or the genre. So, I’ve compiled a list and will answer them here all at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who

Who are the Best Science Fiction Writers?

This is subjective, but my favorite authors are Heinlein, Orson Scott Card, John Scalzi, David Brin, and Eric Nylund. Other greats include Isaac Asimov, Arthur Clarke, Aldous Huxley, Douglas Adams, H.G. Wells, and Michael Crichton.

Who is the ‘Father’ of Science Fiction?

H.G. Wells and Jules Verne are often credited as the fathers of science fiction. Wells had a bigger cultural impact, while Verne was alive and writing earlier.

Who are Famous Science Fiction Authors?

Refer to the answer to the first question for a list of influential authors.

Who Invented Science Fiction?

While neither Wells nor Verne can be credited with ‘inventing’ sci-fi, they are pivotal figures in the genre’s development.

Why

Why Do You Write Science Fiction?

Because that’s what I like.

Why is Science Fiction Important?

Science fiction involves critical thinking about technological advancements, space explorations, and their relation to contemporary issues. It also explores social issues and how to use new technologies, often preparing us for future challenges.

Why is Science Fiction the Best Genre?

Sci-fi allows exploration of futuristic concepts, advanced technology, human evolution, and real-world development inspired by speculative ideas.

Why is Science Fiction Interesting?

For me, it’s the idea that while it’s not true, it’s possible. The tantalizing possibility of ‘could if we wanted to’ makes sci-fi attractive.

Which

Which Science Fiction Premise is the Best Example of Dystopia?

One of the most well-known examples is George Orwell’s “1984,” which explores thought control, surveillance, and totalitarianism.

Which is the Best Science Fiction Movie?

My personal favorite is “Alien” (and “Aliens”) with Ripley. However, many consider “Blade Runner” to be the best due to its world-building and exploration of the human condition and artificial intelligence.

Will

Will Science Fiction Become Reality?

While “Star Wars” may not come to pass exactly, many technologies in sci-fi are becoming reality, such as laser weapons and advanced power sources.

Can

Can Science Fiction Predict the Future?

Yes, life often imitates art. Many technologies and societal changes predicted in sci-fi have come to pass, like cell phones and AI.

Can Science Fiction Be Real?

Yes, sci-fi can become real when modern technology catches up to the speculative ideas.

Can Science Fiction Be Set in the Past?

Yes, it can. Historical settings with futuristic elements create interesting stories.

Can Science Fiction Be Fantasy?

Yes, sci-fi can incorporate magical elements or be set in fantastical worlds.

Can Science Fiction Have Magic?

Yes, as Clarke’s Law states, any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

Are

Are Aliens Real?

No one knows yet. If we did, it wouldn’t be fiction.

Are Science Fiction and Fantasy the Same?

They are both speculative fiction but are not the same. Sci-fi often involves technology, while fantasy involves magic and mythical creatures.

What Are Elements of Science Fiction?

Sci-fi involves futuristic concepts, advanced technology, space exploration, and often explores deeper social, political, and ethical issues.

Are Science Fiction Books Popular?

Yes, sci-fi books are popular and have a dedicated readership.

How

How Did You Write a Book?

By sitting down in front of my keyboard and pushing buttons.

How Has Science Fiction Influenced Society?

Sci-fi has influenced society through technological advancements, critical thinking, and social discussions.

How Has Science Fiction Predicted the Future?

Sci-fi often predicts future technologies and societal changes through speculative ideas.

Where

Where to Start Reading Science Fiction?

Start with “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card, the Uplift Trilogy by David Brin, or “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams.

Where Can I Get Your Book?

It hurts me to say, but you can’t get it yet. Stay tuned for updates.

When

When is Your Book Coming Out?

I don’t have a date yet, but it will be available as soon as possible.

When Will Science Fiction Become Reality?

When technological advancements catch up to the speculative ideas in sci-fi.

When Was Science Fiction First Written?

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” (1818) is often credited as the first sci-fi novel.

When Will Science Fiction Become Real Technology?

Refer to the answer for when sci-fi becomes reality. It’s when speculative ideas inspire real-world technological advancements.

What

What Does Science Fiction Often Explore?

Sci-fi explores futuristic concepts, advanced technology, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and social, political, and ethical issues.

What Science Fiction Books Should I Read?

Refer to the answer for where to start reading sci-fi.

What Does Science Fiction Mean?

Sci-fi is a genre that uses speculative technology and futuristic concepts to explore deeper social, political, and ethical issues.

The Surgeon

People have forgotten their magic. People have forgotten the magic of others. Our surgeons are priests and magicians of old. They take long years of training and have exclusive knowledge of arcane and inexplicable arts that don’t always make obvious sense and that most people aren’t privy to. Most people don’t have the mind to contemplate this knowledge, to hold its power.

Their surgery is their sinister art. The blood sacrifice of bone and sinew and gristle, to make and save lives. Using tiny intricate machines and bits of others’ bodies, not always human, used in this arcane art as offerings to preserve the life of others. Driven on to learn this art, to practice this incomprehensible magic by some unknown force, an idea that compels them, forces them to pursue this art, this ritual.

In exchange for this inexplicable art beyond the comprehension of the general societal members, they demand your shiny treasure. Making entire families pay for the rescue of their infirm. Paying for the arcane arts with their baubles and treasures. Staunchly demanding this exalting compensation without thought, negotiation, or pity for those that must pay. The Shaman’s never went away, they just got a new name.