Reseach on an uncommon topic - Writers Forum

GhostingReality101 · 06-01-2007, 03:46 AM

I am in the process of writing a science fiction book series that starts off before humanity, earth, and the milky way galaxy came into existance.Does any know of any books or short stories which are set in the past but don't earth or humanity?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Mike C · 06-01-2007, 05:05 AM

you mean pre- big bang? Or not that long ago?

Aldiss's 'Hothouse' deals with the dawn of humanity.

Beardedtroll · 06-01-2007, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhostingReality101

I am in the process of writing a science fiction book series that starts off before humanity, earth, and the milky way galaxy came into existance.

Setting a story prior to the formation of the Milky Way might prove tricky. It's old. Really old.

And "Star Wars," although it's a valid question if that really counts.

GhostingReality101 · 06-01-2007, 01:03 PM

The story im writing starts out in a time before the big bang happend creating what we commonly know as the universe. So really it starts out in a different universe.

Star Wars counts in that its set a long time ago in a galaxy far far away...but since its a story where humans exist it does not count. Humanity does show up in the series im writing but not until half way through the series.

mammamaia · 06-01-2007, 07:38 PM

sounds intriguing... and i can't say i've ever come across the concept before, even though i've read the best of sci-fi since i first picked up a 'thick' book...

let me know if you need any help on this, since you've really tickled my curiosity bone...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

neuro_jones · 06-24-2007, 02:10 AM

Douglas Adam's five-book Hitchhiker's Guide trilogy. It goes everywhere through time and space. Probably didn't help at all, I just like giving the greatest British author ever some cred. May he RIP.

Hayden · 06-24-2007, 07:00 AM

I'm writing a similar story, but its set on the verge of the big bang. In it a black cloud enshrouds entire planets and when it evaporates, the planet is gone and the cloud moves on to another planet. And when it reaches the sun it reacts and causes what we see as the big bang, which rebirths(Not sure if that's the right word, need to study up on such things) the planets and restarts the cycle.

So, if you find any good references report back here.

Hayden · 06-24-2007, 07:03 AM

I'm writing a similar story, but its set on the verge of the big bang. In it a black cloud enshrouds entire planets and when it evaporates, the planet is gone and the cloud moves on to another planet. And when it reaches the sun it reacts and causes what we see as the big bang, which rebirths(Not sure if that's the right word, need to study up on such things) the planets and restarts the cycle.

So, if you find any good references report back here.

Quote:

even though i've read the best of sci-fi since i first picked up a 'thick' book...

Mammamaia, could you recommend some of the good ones?

Shawn · 06-24-2007, 07:27 AM

Like a universe before this one? Like the big bang before the BIG BANG?

Hayden · 06-24-2007, 09:09 AM

Yeah, kind of.

lin · 06-24-2007, 11:07 AM

Cool idea.
You might find Italo Calvino's "Cosmicomics" interesting.

And FLATLAND !!!! A question of dimensions and nobody makes it as simple ABC as this book does. Pass a sphere through a plane. The two dimensional inhabitants of the plane will see a point appear, then expand into an ever larger circle, the shrink back and disappear.

Now pass a 4D hypersphere through a 3D world. What will people see?

Pre big-bang freaks out people who think there is a scientific answer to causes and are starting to figure out that Big Bang causes can't be determined.

Some helpful concepts:

"Image of universes appearing in the infinite sea" form Order of the Universe

"The universe is an idea in the mind of God" Einstein, I beleive. One of those big name physics eggheads.

Mallignamius · 06-24-2007, 11:23 AM

This is obvious, but be sure you have a fair grasp of the meanings associated with the Big Bang.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bang

Reading through that is bound to give you some ideas, too.

lin · 06-25-2007, 02:21 AM

Not really necessary.

The assumption that the only thing that preceeded the formation of galaxies and stuff was the Big Bang begs a lot of scientific theories (of which it is only one of many) but also leads into a dead end as far as to possible antecedents.
Coming out of a Steady State sort of thinking would be trickier yet.
There are a lot of ways to go on this thing and if he's got a good imagination he'll pull it off.

Mike C · 06-25-2007, 03:46 AM

One theory is that the big bang is a cyclical thing. Bang - expanding universe - contracting universe - whole universe compressed to an impossibly dense mass - bang - repeat ad infinitum.

Within each cycle you have infinite possibilities.

lin · 06-25-2007, 03:59 AM

That was pretty much the vision I got of it on an acid trip years ago.

There are a lot of interesting theories (most supported with some really boring math).

Bringing up the question: if theories are "facts" how can there be several competing ones? This is more prominent in the social "sciences" or course, in which there is generally no central, generally accepted theorie at all, but dozens of competing "facts".