Science Fiction

First Lines Friday Salute

Lynette M Burrows

 This month it’s a First Lines Friday Salute in science fiction and fantasy novels. In these stories, the heroines battle to save the day. And this post is intended to allow you to find fun fiction to read. But in the real world, Wednesday, November 11, 2020 is Veterans Day. A day to salute, to honor, our veterans. The real men and women—mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters and sons—who fought in World War I and all wars—made real-life sacrifices. Salute to you—one and all. First Lines in Military SF&F If you enjoy strong female characters AND a science fiction or fantasy story about military folk, take a gander. You’re sure to find one or two titles to your liking. (Note: these posts never have any affiliate links. They are for your convenience and pleasure.) “Where do you think you’re going, little green man?” The Dark of Light: Epic Interstellar Adventure (Starhawke Rising Book 1) by Audrey Sharpe  The flight attendant stepped up to her seat—4E—which had never been her favorite on a 767-300.  Drone: an NTSB / military technothriller (Miranda Chase Book 1)  by M. L. Buchman  Book 1 of 4 “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Yulda grumbled.  Pain of […]

What If Your Child Falls in Love with a Cyborg?

Lynette M Burrows

Imagine it’s 2050, the pandemic is long over. Cyborgs (beings with both organic and biomechatronic body parts) walk the streets of your town. What if your child falls in love with a cyborg? The beau has a brain-computer-interface (BCI). Maybe he or she has an artificial limb or two. Cyborgs common enough your child or grandchild could befriend or fall in love with one? Seriously? That’s what some forward-looking companies think might happen. But before we consider the future, let’s look at the development of BCI. Discovery of Brain Waves Brain-computer-interfaces, also known as brain-machine-interfaces (BMI), begins their story in 1875. Richard Canton discovered electrical signals in animal brains. His discovery inspired Hans Berger to discover the human electroencephalogram (EEG) on July 6, 1924. The EEG measures brainwaves. Today it is invaluable. Its used to diagnose and treat neurological diseases (seizures, brain tumors, etc.) Computers and Imagination Konrad Zuse, a German, created the first programmable computer between 1936-1938. It was also in the 1930s when science fiction authors such as John C. Campbell (John Scott Campbell) and Edmond Hamilton wrote and published stories about transferring memories and personalities into computers. Tommy Flowers developed and demonstrated the first electric programmable computer, […]

Sneak Peek: If I Should Die, Chapter 6

Lynette M Burrows

Welcome to sneak peek, If I Should Die, Chapter 6. This is the sixth (Duh) installment of sneak peeks at my WIP (work-in-progress). If you’ve already read chapters 1-5, skip the synopsis and recap and go to the section labeled chapter 6. If I Should Die is book two in The Fellowship Dystopia Series (formerly called the My Soul to Keep series.) It’s the continuation of Miranda’s story (book one, My Soul to Keep). Miranda has built a successful Safe Harbor rescue system across the inland waters of the United States. Refugees from the religious oppression of the Fellowship find safety and freedom aboard the Safe Harbor boats. But now her brother needs rescued so he can complete his mission. She’s committed to helping him, but she’s a peace-loving woman. Will she resort to violence and save lives or stick to her principles and sacrifice many? ReCap Chapter One: Miranda pilots her yacht, the Lady Angelfish, up the Missouri River to rescue her brother, but the U.S. Coast Guard and a Second Sphere agent stop her for a “routine” inspection. You can read a brief sample or watch me read the entire Chapter One. Chapter Two: Irene, Miranda’s sister, can’t believe she’s the wife of the newly appointed […]