Writing Exercise: Word of the Day: Panspermia
A writing exercise for those seeking to write a sci-fi story and in need of a jumping off point.
Word of The Day:
Panspermia
What is this lens?
The lens is part of a series of lenses which I am making for writers, which I call: The Word of the Day Writing Exercise Series.
The goal of this series is to pick a new word each day, and use it to brainstorm ideas for a new story to write about.
This is the first lens in the series and I have no idea how many lenses I will end up building, or how often I will build new ones, but watch for more Word of The Day lenses, and most of all: Have fun!
How to Write Tales of Horror, Fantasy and Science Fiction
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Release Date: 12/31/1969
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Writing Exercise: Word of the Day: Panspermia
Writing Exercise: Word of the Day: Panspermia
Writing exercises come in many forms. Basically anything that can inspire you to write a story, can become a writing exercise. Well, today I came across a word which I had never heard before: Panspermia. I looked at that word and thought: "What the hell?" It wasn't used in a sentence so I had no way to figure out it's meaning. It was part of a True or False quiz, which asked what the meaning of Panspermia was. Of course never hearing the word before, I had no idea what the answer was, so I guessed "False". Turns out I guessed correctly, but still didn't know the true meaning of the word, so it was off to the dictionary for me. Here is what I found:
Panspermia: noun
- Theory that life on earth originated from organisms coming from outer space. According to this theory, the seeds of life were scattered to Earth but could have been distributed to other parts of the universe as well.
Write a story using the word Panspermia as your inspiration. It could be about the begining of life on earth, a sort of creation story, a court room drama about a scientist forced to defend his theory, the discovery of proof, even a fan-fic piece about Fox Mulder! Be imaginative, be creative, but most of all have fun!
~~EK
This article Copyright 2007 Wendy C. Allen
Great Sci-Fi Stuff on CafePress
Link List of Helpful Sites For The Sci-Fi Writer
- Seventh Sanctum
- A site of generators to randomly produce concepts, characters, and descriptions for stories, role-playing games, and art, as well as have fun or combat creative block.
- Science Fiction | National Novel Writing Month
- National Novel Writing Month's forum for sci-fi writers.
- Absolute Write Water Cooler
- Active message board for writers, where you'll find 'writers wanted' ads, bewares, and general discussion about all aspects of the craft and business of writing.
Worlds of Wonder: How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
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How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
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Space: Our Homeland?
Reader Debate: Do you think Sci-Fi books today are as good as they used to be?
I have heard several people complain that the science fiction books and stories being written today, are lame and turning more towards a trend in space fantasy rather than actual hard-core sci-fi. I'd like to hear what you think on this statement. Do you think that hard core sci-fi has become a lost art, swept away by space fantasies? Yes or no? Please explain why you feel the way you do about this. What books or authors would you use to prove or disprove either side of this debate?
I'm opening up this section to anyone who wants to post and share their thoughts on the matter.
Fetching blurbs now... please stand by
EelKat says:
If you say: Yes! Sci-fi today has gone soft! Than place your vote here.
Posted April 25, 2008
spirituality says:
I love current sci-fi as much as old sci-fi. I don't know about hardcore sci-fi though.
Posted April 26, 2008
EelKat says:
I agree!
As long as publishers like Baen Books, TOR, and BBC Books keep on putting out great sci-fi books, it'll keep going strong.
Plus we still got shows like Doctor Who and Torchwood being made.
Sci-fi rocks!
Posted April 25, 2008
Tiddledeewinks says:
I don't read much fiction and I only watched Lost in Space and Star Trek and the like, but I'd say Sci-Fi is probably still going strong. Seems like it will always be around.
Posted April 25, 2008
EelKat says:
If you say: No, hard core sci-fi is still going strong! Than place your vote here.
Posted April 25, 2008
How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy (Genre Writing)
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What is the Best Sci-Fi Book ever written?
This list is reader generated! Add your favorite sci-fi book to this list, by clicking the "add" button below. A pop-up window will open to Amazon.com, asking you to search for a book to add to this list.
Once you are done adding your favorite book (or books, you can add more than one!), don't forget to refresh the list and than vote for which books you think are best! Note: you can vote for as many books on this list as you like!
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In The Beginning . . .
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Reader Feedback
Like this lens? Want to share your feedback, or just give a thumbs up? Tell us what you liked about this article. Think of something we should add? Just want to say hi? Submit a blurb today!
I'm looking for some great on-topic lenses to add to my lensroll on this lens and for the featured lens modules. Have you got a lens about Panspermia or writing science fiction? Feel free to leave a link to it in the comment box. Next time I log-in I'll stop by and check it out. I'll feature the ones that are on-topic for my lens, and lensroll most all lenses related to writing and sci-fi.
PS: Don't forget to leave a star rating too. (See top of page). Thanks!
Want to Link to this Lens?
Here's the HTML code to copy and paste:
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/Panspermia/" title="Panspermia">Panspermia</a>
Link to us from your blog, your MySpace page, your website, your forum sig, and every other place you can think of! Tell your friends about this page, spread the word!
Here is what your link will look like:
Panspermia
Got an idea you'd like to suggest for this lens? I'd love to hear it!
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Reply
- BFuniv.com BFuniv.com Apr 1, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
- I've started a sci-fi novel by creating an online book proposal lens. I would say I've gone soft when compared to the hard science fiction I read as a kid. I look at society change based on technological innovation, but so far it is general. At the rate tech is evolving, any futuristic specifics are likely to be obsolete before I finish the book.
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Reply
- Tiddledeewinks Tiddledeewinks Apr 25, 2008 @ 5:28 pm
- I'm lens rolling this onto my Exploring The Unexplained lens.
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