Did you know that Sci-Fi Romance is a genre? It is! I’d like to thank
for designing my header.
Back At It
Thanks for all who voted in that last poll. It looks like Tesla is the man to beat or should I say date? And I do want one of those Tesla cars!
We’re back in lab this week and kind of glad to be back at it. It might surprise people to know that working in a lab is both social and peaceful. The data is what it is and nature takes quite a lot out of your hands. It’s a place where you can control the variables. I can’t say that I enjoy the safety eye-wear but of course, it’s important that a lab be totally safe as well. We got some nice results too.
Poll: who would you go on a date with?
I’ve written two stories where people go on dates with fictional scientists. If you could date a scientist, real or fictional, who would you chose?
Update: read the result here.
Science and Creativity
I’m honored to have been interviewed by author Amy Sue Nation. She wondered when I decided to combine science and fiction. Here’s my response. I also touch on a worry of mine, that with all this STEM emphasis, the right side of our brains and our empathy will shrivel.
Women in Science: crafting an honest character
If you ask readers what they require from a fictional scientist they’ll say she should first of all be a problem solver, bursting with intelligence and curiosity. Beyond this, there aren’t many expectations. Of course, one-dimensional characters are no fun and when an author builds a whole new world, it’s nice if the people who live in it are believable. What does it take to craft a multidimensional, realistic female scientist?
I surveyed female scientists about their defining traits and two rose to the top: passion and curiosity. And the scientists had other suggestions. I’ve combined their responses into the following twelve tips to help authors create an authentic female scientist:
- Passion runs more deeply than just for science. Because of the high correlation between a scientific personality and curiosity and openness, it’s unlikely for a scientist to be buttoned up and cautious when it comes to romance, no matter what the stereotypes might be. Some readers may expect the scientist to not be sexy but it’s just not true! (Although she’ll be skeptical and won’t jeopardize her safety.)
- She’ll be multidimensional. The scientist will most likely be passionate about life in general so give her a side interest. Many scientists like the arts, enjoy working with their hands, and find similarities between the lab and the studio. Others enjoy sports and fitness. She likes to defy expectations.
- Readers these days are so over Frankenstein and Dr. Evil. They don’t anticipate their scientists to be driven into madness by their creations, nor do they relate to evil intentions. Scientists combine passion and compassion. They see science as being a not just fascinating but a benefit to society.
- Balancing career and family is an important aspect of a female scientist’s life. Scientists would love to see more fictional characters who have kidsand to an extent, so would readers. Don’t be afraid to make her life way more complicated by adding family to the mix. Studies have shown that motherhood enhances problem solving ability.
- Readers are correct–problem solving is essential to scientists, but keep in mind that a scientist today will be highly specialized. She won’t know everything. She’s more likely to work as part of a team, too. The idea of one lonely genius working in solitude is outdated. In fact, working alone in lab is a violation of lab safety rules.
- She’s overcome a lot to get where she is. Prejudice, harassment, exclusion— these women are tenacious and they do overcome, often by cultivating a healthy sense of humor.
- Yes, she was a good student. Intelligence is a common trait among scientists. But it takes more than smarts to be a scientist. She probably had something driving her–the need to please a parent, to prove herself, or to overcome poverty or prejudice. Like many high achievers, reaching a goal brings pleasure, so much so that she could let relationships fall into disrepair if not careful.
- She might have her favorite jargon and readers expect it. Scientists have their words. It’s part of being in the club. But there’s an even better reason for science speak—it’s precise. Why say carbohydrate when you can say maltodextrin?
- MacGyver anyone? Yes, it’s true. Scientists fix things with duct tape and paper clips or a twist of copper wire. Scientists don’t mind improvising. And they like their scientific equipment.
- Power suit? It’s a lab coat. Studies have shown that those white coats make people perform better and make fewer errors.
- Under scrutiny. Peer review means that her work is critiqued by other scientists—a humbling experience and one that will keep her honest.
- Yes, she will be curious and find wonder in the natural world. Isaac Newton said that being a scientist is like picking up pebbles and shells on a beach beside the “vast ocean of truth.” Your scientist should be always questioning, always curious, with one foot in the future, her eyes on the stars or peeking through a microscope, and her passionate heart here on earth.
Yes, for the most part, reader expectations meet reality. However, realistic details can strengthen your story and gain female scientists as readers.
Catherine Haustein is the author of Natural Attraction, a Victorian Scifi Romance and Mixed In, a futuristic dystopia.
Hello!
Thank you for your interest in my titles! I appreciate you stopping by to take a look. I have a variety of novels with a whimsical and scientific twist along with a dash of romance.
Most of my novels can be found at this site, which supports local bookstores. But shop around. There are plenty of places to find them.
What do I have to offer?
My latest–Snakes in the Class.
At Manster College, monster professors guide students in the fine art of fitting into human society—easier said than done.
Professor Gormley Grimn didn’t choose the Gorgon life—the Gorgon life chose her…sort of. When she was cursed by the jealous fiancée of her study partner, Gormley fled, leaving those she loved behind to become a professor of chemistry at Manster College.
It’s a safely secluded life, devoid of sex—until she falls into a lusty affair with Dean Ormr Snaakemon, a half smooth-skinned man, half smooth-scaled snake, and one hundred percent hottie. Life as a cursed Gorgon finally doesn’t seem so bad. But Gormley’s a lover, not a killer.
When the local Purity League vows to stamp out all monsters, she’s pushed to a decision. Should she and her students stick with her no-killing principles, or join forces with the anti-Purity League Knobbers—a group of demigods, including the woman who cursed her?
When all you need is love and a college education, does anything make fighting worth it?
Snakes in the Class is a monster romance novel featuring steamy snakes and a touching HEA. It is the first book in the Monster College Chronicles series.
Here’s the link.
You can buy Snakes in the Class at the following bookstores:
My dystopian satire series, Unstable States, follows three scientists in an agriculturally based authoritarian regime.
Mixed In, a novel where chemistry meets condoms in a place in the near future where technology rules but all fun is banned can be found here:
Lost in Waste: when the only thing standing between you and true love is a sewage lagoon filled with agricultural waste. Here is a universal link.
The final book in the Trilogy Is Wrinkles in Spacetime. When the only thing standing between you and authoritarianism is alchemy. Here’s a link.
Here is a link for Wrinkles in Spacetime.
Here’s an interview about Wrinkles in Spacetime.
Here is a Universal Link for Mixed In.
Here is a Universal Link for Lost in Waste.
Live near Des Moines? Head to Beaverdale Books to find all of my titles.
You can find them at Pella Books in Pella.
Or stop by the City Owl Press Website. Here it is!
Wolves and Deer: A tale based on fact, a regency romance with a twist, can be purchased here.
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Dutch Treats
I live in a small town with a strong Dutch heritage. Some of that heritage, as far as I can tell, is a fondness for baked goods and sweets–heavy on the almonds. As your average Pella citizen, I’m most likely to stop into the bakery for the bread and rolls. If calories and health didn’t matter and I could eat these treats without consequence, my favorite would have to be Stroopwafles, those molasses cookies shown in the photo, and the Dutch letter’s fat cousin, an almond blanket. Family members swear by the sugar bismarks. Any other thoughts on what to get when visiting Pella?
Monarch Caterpillar
A few weeks ago I wrote about my milkweed. It’s attracted many butterflies including some monarchs. Around that time one of my grandsons found this little caterpillar.
Today we found one this size!
This site has a lot of information about monarchs. Did you know that they usually only lay a single egg? It takes about a month to go from egg to butterfly. I do hope this little critter makes it to the butterfly stage. A July monarch, it won’t migrate and will live a few weeks to a month. Her offspring will be the ones migrating in September.
A review
A great read, engrossing and exciting — perfect summertime reading material. I really like the combination of adventure, romance, science and historical fiction this story offers. The author does a wonderful job of bringing serious questions on several issues (gender, religion and science among them) to light while keeping things entertaining.
Catherine Haustein 