Publisher description

Compares what writers over the centuries have written about an imaginary future with the reality revealed by time.

Cultural icon and original Star Trek captain Shatner crisscrosses the U.S.--from MIT to Cal Tech--in search of the countless scientists and inventors who make fictional science real.

Boost your trivia knowledge with the Edumacation podcast’s co-host and this expedition to the bizarre and extraordinary outskirts of scientific discovery Class is now in session with Professor Andy McElfresh (not a real professor), science aficionado and co-host of the Edumacation podcast with Kevin Smith. This is the book that gives you a crash course in Cocktail-Party Science, the strange and astonishing scientific facts that you’ll want to share at all your social gatherings. Chapters explore the Four Chambers of Knowledge—The Sci, The Fi, The Why, and The Bye—and examine such tantalizing topics as: • Elevator Decapitations and a Deadly Wedgie • Bigfoot, Mermaids, and the Mongolian Death Worm • Dolphins Getting High Off Puffer Fish Toxin • Staggering Feats of Shaolin Monks • The Pentagon’s Weaponized Heat Ray • Flying Cars, Real Telepathy, and Other Breakthroughs of Tomorrow and many more! Open this book and open your mind: You’re about to get Edumacated! “Edumacation is like peeking into Andy’s fact-filled brain–each topic is silo-ed into rough categories packed to the brim with historical and scientific information…He litters the book with his funny banter and crunches large topics into more manageable, bite-sized pieces. Overall, this book reads less like a scientific tome and more like a conversation with your best friend. It’s light, funny and you come out of it feeling good about yourself. You also pick up some neat trivia to share at parties!”—Nerdophiles

Science and technology have starring roles in a wide range of genres--science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, and more. Unfortunately, many depictions of technical subjects in literature, film, and television are pure fiction. A basic understanding of biology, physics, engineering, and medicine will help you create more realistic stories that satisfy discerning readers. This book brings together scientists, physicians, engineers, and other experts to help you: • Understand the basic principles of science, technology, and medicine that are frequently featured in fiction. • Avoid common pitfalls and misconceptions to ensure technical accuracy. • Write realistic and compelling scientific elements that will captivate readers. • Brainstorm and develop new science- and technology-based story ideas. Whether writing about mutant monsters, rogue viruses, giant spaceships, or even murders and espionage, Putting the Science in Fiction will have something to help every writer craft better fiction. Putting the Science in Fiction collects articles from "Science in Sci-fi, Fact in Fantasy," Dan Koboldt's popular blog series for authors and fans of speculative fiction (dankoboldt.com/science-in-scifi). Each article discusses an element of sci-fi or fantasy with an expert in that field. Scientists, engineers, medical professionals, and others share their insights in order to debunk the myths, correct the misconceptions, and offer advice on getting the details right.