How I made a slime mould the protagonist of my new sci-fi novel

Annalee Newitz, a well‑known science‑fiction columnist and author, has made a name for herself by insisting that her stories be scientifically credible. In a recent feature she explained that her research process begins with a broad survey of experts—from physicists to biologists—asking them a series of unconventional questions designed to probe the limits of current knowledge. “I want to know what’s possible and what’s not,” Newitz said, noting that the odd queries often reveal overlooked nuances that can shape plot details.

The most surprising outcome of this method was her growing fascination with slime moulds. While consulting a mycologist, Newitz discovered the organism’s remarkable problem‑solving abilities and network‑forming behavior, which she has since incorporated into her narrative world‑building. The collaboration not only added a layer of realism to her work but also highlighted the creative potential of interdisciplinary research in speculative fiction. Newitz’s approach underscores how rigorous scientific inquiry can coexist with imaginative storytelling, offering readers both plausibility and intrigue.