Mike, you’ve asked a major fiction-writing question that’s been the subject of great debate, and for which there is no easy answer. Many articles and writer’s panels have addressed this and related issues. It’s about the role of science in all fiction, detective and crime fiction in particular. I think the key for any medical or science fiction is to respect all the usual protocols of good writing: story, characters, plot, etc. Science may be a necessary element, but it shouldn’t change the basics. Science in fiction must always move the story forward. I use beta readers as a final check on my writing, and I give them a set of specific questions. One question is whether the science is accessible and comprehensible, or dense and overwhelming. Here are a few related references I found helpful on this issue:


http://www.sfcenter.ku.edu/protocol.htm...

http://www.davidmswitzer.com/slonczewski/writer.html...

http://sciencefiction.com/2013/10/29/much-science-science-fiction/...

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ScienceFiction...

H.S. Clark, MD

I teach science in secondary school, and also sponsor a group for creative writing. Maintaining student interest in science class is a formidable task. I believe readers of science fiction desire to be captivated and entertained. One must keep the reader's attention, and only introduce such science facts as are absolutely needed to support the storyline. Otherwise, the reader will quickly lose interest. It’s often a fine line, the references you give are helpful, and a read through with a writing group is a must.

Harmon Duke
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK