I am delighted to have a guest post by Christopher A. Gray, who is promoting his intriguing science fiction story, Dark Nights
Where do ideas come from?
by Christopher A. Gray
by Christopher A. Gray
I’m fascinated by recent scientific discoveries, from the knowledge that other earth-like planets are out there, to the idea of artificial intelligence, and to the belief in alternate universes. Real science provides a fertile ground for science-fiction.
Ideas come if you have an open mind and let your imagination run free. When I write, I ask myself what kind of story would I like to read, and what kind of characters appeal to me. I strive to write believable characters with believable dialog, which helps immerse the reader into the story.
Science fiction by nature is fantastic and requires a little dramatic licence (e.g. interplanetary space travel, thinking supercomputers), so a reader must suspend their disbelief at least a little, even for those stories that profess to use “hard” science. I try to write action pieces that are believable, and with all due respect to those who like to write about wizards and magic, I prefer to keep things grounded in what is possible with current scientific theory. That’s not to say I don’t take artistic liberty... I enjoy the “what if” aspects of action and science fiction as much as the next guy.
An action piece usually unfolds in layers. You start with a general concept, then characters and goals, then add the events that help the characters reach their goals. Research plays a big part here, for example in the development of the characters involved in clandestine operations, and in the explanation of their actions.
Dark Nights
By
Christopher Gray
BLURB:
The machine believed it knew best how to save humanity... even if doing so meant destroying half the population. Astrophysicist Doug Lockwood's unusual discovery during his observation of the sun kicks off a chain of events that nobody could have foreseen. The powerful political and military influences that compete to deal with his discovery set Lockwood on a course which will carry him across worlds, and into the grasp of a formidable new intelligence bent on accomplishing its goal at any cost. With Earth itself at stake and time running out, Lockwood and his team must find a way to counter this unprecedented threat before the powerful new enemy completes its plan. Two civilizations are pitted against each other in a desperate struggle for survival.
EXCERPT:
Bishop was wondering how long he could hold his position when he heard a noise behind him. He turned to see a floor plate rising. Two mechanical hands pushed up the plate from below, then tossed it aside. The RAKER used its powerful arms to quickly lever its bulk up from the floor beneath and climb out. Bishop stared at the RAKER, momentarily astonished at what he was seeing. He briefly considered shooting, but immediately realized his weapon would be next to useless against the armored android. The RAKER looked at Bishop and then deftly grabbed the pistol from his hand. Bishop, for all his training and experience, was startled. He had never seen anything that big move that fast. He just dropped his hands to his sides and took one step back. The RAKER ignored him and strode out into the corridor.
As soon as they saw the RAKER the tactical squad opened fire. The bullets were deflected off the androids advanced armor. It raised the handgun and fired expertly. Both soldiers fell to the floor, dead. The android picked up one of the assault rifles and tossed the Glock back along the floor to Bishop.
Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
****************************
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
***************************
GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.
