Koboldt, Dan, editor. Putting the Science in Science Fiction: Expert Advice on Writing with Authority in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Other Genres. Foreword by Chuck Wendig. Writer’s Digest, 2018.
Geneticist Dan Koboldt has put together a collection of more than 50 blogs by many hands detailing the rudiments of science often used and misused by science fiction writers. Because of his own scientific interest, I imagine, the blogs are heavier on the biological sciences than on physics and technology. The writers all have experience in the scientific fields they discuss, but they vary quite a bit in their interest in fiction. Koboldt’s own discussion of the human genome provides an effective introduction to the complexities of epigenetics that might help a writer avoid simplistic plots. Tech consultant Effie Seiberg’s complaint that current cell phone technology has outstripped most of their representations in fiction is especially well taken, as is physicist Dan Allen’s discussion of the potential and limits of nanotechnology. I do wish that there were more examples, good and bad, from fiction. I would like to know whose stories the experts think have handled their subjects well. 4 stars. ( )

An interesting and useful look at what authors get wrong and how to fix it in terms of the science bits they include in their books. ( )

This collection of essays about the current state of science is a well written assortment of warnings about factual errors that you might otherwise insert into your Sci-Fi. Space ships should not have windows. Bugs can’t be too big or gravity will squish them for you. Aliens likely see the world differently than humans, literally. So how would their x-ray vision affect their society? Many of the articles encourage the reader to ask the experts about details, and give contacts and sources. Of course, you can’t throw out all the good stuff like faster than light travel, or you would have a very different genre, but be selective. The most disturbing truth I noticed was that most, if not all, the high-tech breakthroughs and advanced technology are group efforts. Victor Frankenstein may have worked alone, but it’s not done that way anymore. Heroes probably have to be cogs in the machine rather than Captains of their own Nautilus. ( )

After seeing a recent news release featuring an "Alien Moon," this book comes up right on time as a perfect reference source. It ranges from related Astronomy to Genetics and beyond into future technologies and explorations.

A good high level of intelligence and/or a college education will enable basic comprehension. It would be welcome to have a high school version to enhance both fiction and non-fiction science writing and a more complete understanding of the logical and believable scenarios presented.

The range of expert authors exceeded my expectations in many areas, notably the coverage of Waste Management, Nuclear Fission as a viable energy source,
"Portraying Wolves Fairly," and the deep sadness of the loss of our oceans.

The biggest drawback is that no author dealt with the ongoing horrific madness of animal experimentation. Where is any compassion that shows how computers have replaced killing? ( )

I received a galley of this book from the editor.

Dan Koboldt's Science in Sci-fi blog series has a fantastic online resource for years. This book, published by Writer's Digest, collects some forty of those pieces to create a fantastic print and ebook resource for writers or inquisitive readers. The diversity of material is absolutely fascinating. From proper lab technique to touring the human genome to correctly depicting mental illness to computer hacking to building spaceships--this has it all. Each piece is fairly short, too, just a few pages. That makes it easy to read in snippets while on the go. While the target audience is fantasy and science fiction writers, the subject matter is relevant to anyone since the writers often cite popular movies, TV shows, and books as they discuss what is done right and wrong.

I sincerely hope this continues as a book series. I learned a lot as I read, and I'd love to keep learning. As I wait and hope for the next book, this one is definitely staying on my reference shelf. ( )