I've been trying to figure out how my mermaids really speak... when they talk to each other using English works fine... but when they start talking to humans I need to show the difference. I've been thinking "mermaid" is a cross between whale song and dolphin chatter.
It's a fun dilemma to have, I think. The wonderful thing about fiction is creating something new - either in the way it is seen or felt. As a scientist, first I lean toward basing my fantastical ideas on what we have already seen glimpses of in real life or in 'evidence-based speculation' ... so long as I get to define my 'evidence'. :-)
Thank you so much for participating in the conversation.
When a budding author wants to write something 'science fiction-y' and ensure it's reasonably grounded in reality, how much research is enough? For example, I'd love to dive into the idea of me adventuring with Whale-SETI. Should one take courses online or in person? How much research—reading, watching, or otherwise—does it take to be credible? Clearly, a single TikTok video won't cut it, but pursuing an advanced degree seems like overkill. ~the reluctant writer.
Thank you for asking such a great question—one I’ve wrestled with myself! The research rabbit holes can be so tempting. But here’s the short answer: you don’t need a degree, just curiosity and a handful of credible sources.
In fact, this question is such a good one that I’ll be sharing a new post soon to dive into it more fully. For now, I’d say it’s totally reasonable to start with 3–5 solid articles or talks, and aim to understand the questions scientists are asking—not memorize their answers.
And here’s the biggie: when you find yourself forming your own “what-ifs,” you’ve probably done enough research.
Thank you, Melvin, for asking this—and kudos to you! I look forward to sharing a fuller breakdown soon for you and anyone else who wants to explore further.
What a dream to talk with a whale! I recently read, Starter Villain, by John Scalzi and communication with spy cats, defense dolphins, and intruding whales is a wonderful element of the story.
I think we may have too much chatter in our brains to hear other frequencies coming from the cosmos - I wonder if the great meditators have had any contact with the beyond.
I agree that we have too much chatter in our brains at times. I would believe we have missed out on much - whether from the cosmos or across the table - by not listening as well as we are surely capable.
Yes. Maybe even thinking that there is something to “hear.” For example, I was at Hatcher a couple years back, when “I” had the thought “take a picture.” I argued with the thoughtn but it insisted. All I saw was two bushes. When I got home and edited my photos, there was a brown water snake up in the bush. So did I “hear” it?
Another time I "heard" a comment: "How do you like it when we look at you?" There was a small black snake looking in my loving room window. I don't speak Parseltongue, but I might understand it.
I've been trying to figure out how my mermaids really speak... when they talk to each other using English works fine... but when they start talking to humans I need to show the difference. I've been thinking "mermaid" is a cross between whale song and dolphin chatter.
It's a fun dilemma to have, I think. The wonderful thing about fiction is creating something new - either in the way it is seen or felt. As a scientist, first I lean toward basing my fantastical ideas on what we have already seen glimpses of in real life or in 'evidence-based speculation' ... so long as I get to define my 'evidence'. :-)
Thank you so much for participating in the conversation.
When I had a water nix to talk to a cat, she put an air bubble around the cat and took it under water so the cat could hear her talk under water.
Lovely image!
Thank you! And thank you for joining the conversation at Wander Words ... it means the universe to me.
When a budding author wants to write something 'science fiction-y' and ensure it's reasonably grounded in reality, how much research is enough? For example, I'd love to dive into the idea of me adventuring with Whale-SETI. Should one take courses online or in person? How much research—reading, watching, or otherwise—does it take to be credible? Clearly, a single TikTok video won't cut it, but pursuing an advanced degree seems like overkill. ~the reluctant writer.
Thank you for asking such a great question—one I’ve wrestled with myself! The research rabbit holes can be so tempting. But here’s the short answer: you don’t need a degree, just curiosity and a handful of credible sources.
In fact, this question is such a good one that I’ll be sharing a new post soon to dive into it more fully. For now, I’d say it’s totally reasonable to start with 3–5 solid articles or talks, and aim to understand the questions scientists are asking—not memorize their answers.
And here’s the biggie: when you find yourself forming your own “what-ifs,” you’ve probably done enough research.
Thank you, Melvin, for asking this—and kudos to you! I look forward to sharing a fuller breakdown soon for you and anyone else who wants to explore further.
It’s true! A tough skill for humans
What a dream to talk with a whale! I recently read, Starter Villain, by John Scalzi and communication with spy cats, defense dolphins, and intruding whales is a wonderful element of the story.
I think we may have too much chatter in our brains to hear other frequencies coming from the cosmos - I wonder if the great meditators have had any contact with the beyond.
I agree that we have too much chatter in our brains at times. I would believe we have missed out on much - whether from the cosmos or across the table - by not listening as well as we are surely capable.
Considering how difficult conmunication is between people who speak the same language, I wonder how we will imagine that others are "speaking" to us?
First step might be ... learning to listen. Maybe?
Yes. Maybe even thinking that there is something to “hear.” For example, I was at Hatcher a couple years back, when “I” had the thought “take a picture.” I argued with the thoughtn but it insisted. All I saw was two bushes. When I got home and edited my photos, there was a brown water snake up in the bush. So did I “hear” it?
LOL. My vote is yes. Did your subconscious see it and not want to say it aloud? So many questions ...
Another time I "heard" a comment: "How do you like it when we look at you?" There was a small black snake looking in my loving room window. I don't speak Parseltongue, but I might understand it.