Hilton 210 at 11:30AM Friday was the place to be if you are interested in using science in your writing. The panel moderator, Dr. Pamela L. Gay, with the panelists of Bethany Brookshire, Emily Finks, and Nica McKinnon talked about what really works in building a realistic world in fantasy and what really doesn’t.
There are a few rules that scientists love when they read science fiction:
- Constant rules. Make the elements the same throughout the story.
- Have your world function like a real world.
- Have limitations. Not everything can work together.
There were a couple of series that are done right, according to the panelists. Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy is one. Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series is another. What makes Pratchett’s series work is that it is consistent throughout. Seanan McGuire’s Indexing series is yet another.
What doesn’t really work? George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series. Yes, the books are good. Scientifically, however, the ice wall doesn’t work. In science, there is no way that wall could be that tall with a ledge without anything else being added to the ice.
This panel was informative and entertaining. The audience in the packed room really enjoyed the presentation.
