Wiki Fiction

Apr 1, 2015

400: Hard Fantasy

Science fantasy

Last year I blogged about reaching 300 posts to this blog.....now this is post number 400. Back in 2014, I was struggling to find a way to write a fantasy story. Grean finally came to my aid and so last month I wrote Star Dance, my hard fantasy story about using magic to change the history of Earth.

The School of Hard Fantasy

Not your standard-issue princess.

Ok, Ok....so I cheated. Grean only tricked a few people into imagining that they had magical powers. But....isn't that all that ever really happens in a fantasy story, anyhow? Yes.

Jane Lindskold defined fantasy as including "Magical Stuff". It all depends on what the meaning of "stuff" is. I've never read any of the fiction of Lindskold, but I'm intrigued by the idea of fantasy stories in which the "magical creatures" must try not to be discovered by humans.....it reminds me of the Rules of Intervention within the Exodemic Fictional Universe.

Fantasy Europe from Kushiel's Dart

I learned at a young age to despise fantasy stories where there are no rules, or, no system of rules that makes sense. Therefore, I've been pleased to discover that there are some authors who do try to write fantasy that follows rules and makes sense.

Bryn Neuenschwander has offered a concise description of hard fantasy: "concerned with how stuff works, and why". While writing Star Dance, I've tried hard to curb my reflexive desire to provide the reader with accounts for how the "magic" works. Still, Ghyl can't ever repress his curiosity, so he's often asking other people to explain what's going on.

Prime blogging in 2015

One way to "harden" a fantasy story is to attach it to the real world by making it seem to be a kind of alternate history story. Jacqueline Carey warped Europe into an alternate form for Kushiel's Dart.

For Star Dance, I imagine that Ghyl and Bet are sent to Earth in order to help bring into existence the Buld Reality, the world as we know it. When they arrive on Earth, they have personal goals and, at the same time, they must create a good future for all of Humanity.

Fantasy Mathematical Equations

Einstein discovers an equation that gives the masses of the hierions.

At the personal level, Bet must be brought into existence and Ghyl wonders how he can alter the future of his home world without terminating his own existence. Ah, the wonders of time travel!

Bet has personal reasons for contacting Albert Einstein, but she must also make it possible for him to help the primitive Earthlings of the 20th century to discover the existence of hierions.

In the Ekcolir Reality, Einstein learns of the Ramanujan Equation.

In the Buld Reality, that same equation is secretly known as the 10D Einstein Equation and its existence is kept hidden from the world by the U.S. government.

visit the Gallery of Book and Magazine Covers

Promethean Rorschach Test

The top ten most visited blog posts as of today:
1. Promethean Rorschach Test (was 5th)
2. Contact: Coda (was 1st)
3. Denisova hominin (was 2nd)
4. Asimov's struggle with aliens (was 3rd)
5. Aliens in Drag (was 4th)
6. Slavery in Science Fiction (was 6th)
7. Star Trek: The Original Series; 10 Episodes (was 7th)
8. Isaac Asimov's Nemesis (was 10th)
9. Departure from Nor'Dyren (was 8th)
10. Diabolus ex machina (was 9th)
Related Reading

Next: Hard (fantasy) Love for Spock

Related 400:
Global carbon dioxide levels break 400ppm milestone

Image source: Ed Dlugokencky and Pieter Tans, NOAA/ESRL (www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/)

iCondom

Our most personal device yet
Our goal is to make anti-reproductive technology more accessible. More relevant. And ultimately, more personal. iCondom represents a new chapter in the relationship people have with technology. It’s the most personal product we’ve ever made, because it’s the first one designed to be worn....down there.

An incredibly powerful technology
High-quality condoms have long been defined by their ability to unfailingly prevent conception, and iCondom is no exception. In conjunction with your iPhone and Apple Watch, it keeps track of ejaculations within 50 milliseconds of the definitive global time standard. And remember, with our active-latex LED technology, iCondom even lets you customize your little fella's face to present itself in a more meaningful, personal context that’s relevant to your life and schedule.

Entirely new ways to be connected

iGasm software
G spot optimization

iCondom makes all the old ways you’re used to fornicating even more convenient. And because it sits right on your penis, it can add a whole new dimension to alerts and notifications. Due to the dedicated iCondom WiFi network, while at parties, you’ll feel a gentle tap with each incoming message. iCondom lets you connect with your favorite people in fun, spontaneous ways — like receiving a tap, a thrust, or even an erotic simulation of her racing heartbeat from that hottie across the room. Visit our iTunes store and discover innovative New Ways to Connect!

For reproductive fitness and helpful emails from your penis

Cool accessory: iCondom mini connector for Apple Watch.

iCondom records a complete picture of your all-day sexual activity. The three rings of the Sexual Activity App show your daily progress and help motivate you to masturbate less, date more and get some hot tail. It’s also an advanced orgasm enhancer, giving you real-time stimulation bonuses for a variety of the most popular sexual positions. Over time, iCondom learns your activity and psycho-sexual energy levels. It uses that information to improve the duration of your love making and suggest personalized all-day sexual activity goals....it even provides custom email reminders to encourage you to achieve them.

There’s soon to be an iCondom for everyone

25GHz: "She's a fast one".

In May 2015, iCondom Pink will be released, just for her. Due to strain on our production facilities, the release of iCondom Pink comes right after the explosive début of iCondom. Ladies, a condom you always wear is vastly different from one you keep in your desk at work for emergency jobs or carry wishfully in your pocket while on a date. It’s more than a way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. It’s a true expression of your personal tastes. So we're designing iCondom Pink to reflect a wide range of styles and preferences. Because we want you to love wearing it as much as you'll love using it.

In 2016: iCondom Duo - the double-safety condom for married couples with large families.