In mainstream literature, a trope is a figure of speech: metaphor, simile, irony, or the like. Words used other than literally. In SF, a trope - at least as I understand the usage - is more: science used other than literally. Edward M. Lerner figureironyliterally share on social
Some books are serials, not to be mistaken for anything else. 'The Two Towers,' for example, ought never to be read in isolation. Edward M. Lerner bookisolationmistake Change image and share on social
Lots of science fiction deals with distant times and places. Intrepid prospectors in the Asteroid Belt. Interstellar epics. Galactic empires. Trips to the remote past or future. Edward M. Lerner asteroidbeltdeal Change image and share on social
History buffs expect historical background in historical fiction. Mystery readers expect forensics and police procedure in crime fiction. Westerns - gasp - describe the West. Techno-thriller readers expect to learn something about technology from their fiction. Edward M. Lerner backgroundbuffcrime share on social
Readers and viewers will differ about what's totally standalone, what's totally serially dependent, and what's merely enriched by reading/viewing in a particular order. Edward M. Lerner dependentdifferenrich Change image and share on social
The distinguishing characteristic of the techno-thriller is technical detail. Edward M. Lerner characteristicdetaildistinguish Change image and share on social
The biggest fatal flaw in most fictional portrayals of nanotech - what sends those books arcing across the room - is ignoring that the nanobots need energy to do... anything. Edward M. Lerner arcebigbook Change image and share on social
I want to believe humanity has not forgotten how to explore. Edward M. Lerner exploreforgethumanity Change image and share on social
Too much detail can bog down any story. Enough with the history of gunpowder, the geology of Hawaii, the processes of whaling, and cactus and tumbleweed. Edward M. Lerner bogcactusdetail Change image and share on social
One of the bedrock principles of physics is the conservation of energy. In this universe, energy can be neither created nor destroyed. Edward M. Lerner bedrockconservationcreate Change image and share on social
