SCIENCE FICTION and the Master of Imagined Reality

There was a time when I had little respect for science fiction stories. Even at an early age, I didn't enjoy programs such as Flash Gordon. I didn't appreciate the entertainment value. Space ships suspended by visible string? Harumph! It didn't spark my imagination, it offended my sensibilities.

I held firm to my belief that science fiction was nothing more than mystical vapor from the imagination of the writer until a friend gave me a copy of "Dune." Before I was halfway through the book, I changed my mind and couldn't wait to read "Dune Messiah." I had walked through the arch of the impossible, stared at the improbable, and realized, I'd been bewitched into believing in worlds yet seen!

Then in 1982 my hubby and I stood in line with half of America to see Steven Spielberg's ET. To this day, I laugh out loud when I think of the closet scene where ET is hidden between the stuffed toys . . . or the epic moment when he mimicked the scream of five-year-old Gertie (Drew Barrymore) as she first realized a real alien invaded her home. But then they lost me with the communicator; ET's (crafted from recycled trash) sci-fi telecommunication device used to phone home. I felt betrayed by theatrics. Duped.

"Did you know Bell Labs helped build the communicator?" my hubby asked as we drove home that evening.

"No, I didn't," I responded knowing I'd have to find out more. And through the years, I did.

It seems Spielberg approached AT&T's Bell Labs asking for help to devise a machine that could actually send a signal into space. They turned him down, according to an article written by Jennifer V. Hughes (a freelance journalist from New York) in an article for the North Jersey News Nov. 11, 2012. However, the company asked if there was any scientist willing to work on the project on their own time. Henry Feinberg, Bell Labs' National Exhibits Manager (now retired) took the challenge.

What you see on screen is based in possibility. Hughes described it this way: the Speak and Spell made writing a message possible; the rope tied around a turntable harnessed the wind to power the machine; and a tinfoil lined golf umbrella formed a reflector capable of sending signals into space. Suddenly, memories of my grandfather, a furniture designer and inventor, and his studio shelves lined with prototypes formed from the darndest items came flooding back. I realized studios and labs (all across America) are the birthplace of possibility for scientists, inventors and writers. They hold the trays of new ideas. It's up to us to feed from these platters of knowledge. To think. To dream, To build.

For the writers who read my posts, there are several reasons I wanted to share this story:

1. To reinforce how important it is for key elements in a story line to be grounded in reality. Remember, Spielberg could have made something up but knowing that he took extra steps shows his enthusiasm and belief in his craft and brought a new level of respect from the audience for him and his body of work.
2. By involving a scientist from one of America's most prestigious labs and having him achieve a working model reveals the everlasting bond between science and science fiction. As a writer, we must always be mindful that words have the ability to capture and release the soul of the reader. Make sure your work takes them on that special journey.
3. To encourage you to reach beyond your comfort level. Ask for help. Research and enjoy the experience unfolding around you. As an aside: In another scene when ET was sick and near death, Spielberg didn't ask actors to play the part of the health professionals, he hired nurses and doctors to do what they do best, save lives. A brilliant move on his part. One that added to the depth of the story when he could have just written, "Dr., you're needed in the tent, stat."  

I wish you well in your writing goals. I hope this post encourages you to think like Spielberg.

***MARK YOUR CALENDAR:***
I'll be on CL GAMMON'S blog talk radio program Saturday morning April 25th from 10-10:30am (eastern) 9-9:30am (central) talking about my book "Begotten With Love." Feel free to write in questions or comments to clgammon@hotmail.com or call him during the show at 1 646-564-9980. We'd love to hear from you.

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