posted
Ran into problems with my initial planned novel for novel-writing month. I had thoughts of doing a Tom Holtish modern mythology novel, but when I started plotting out events I realized that there was no way I could complete it in 30 days and still avoid the themes already raised by Terry Pratchett in Small Gods and Neil Gaiman in American Gods, among others. So it's back to the ideas chest for another plot. I have one I've wanted to do for awhile, but I wanted to see if anyone here recognized it as possibly having been done already. Here goes:
A scientist, working on his own, discovers a universal panacea, a cure for everything. I'll work out details to make it sound possible, maybe with nanobots and dna rebooting. But he'll run into the problems of a single person getting a drug through the Food and Drug Administration's approval process, namely that it isn't possible. Current estimates put the price of getting a new drug through at $231 million, plus six or seven years of testing. Besides, the FDA requires a separate application for every condition the drug can be used for, and this is a total cure, for everything. However, it works on skin contact, and his brother-in-law has a failing shampoo company...
As magical healings spring up everywhere - they donate shampoo to shelters and orphanages - the lawsuits also begin. A top supermodel who wakes up to find her body has rejected her implants, and she has the same nose she was born with, that kind of thing. And the pharmaceutical companies won't be happy to hear about it. Nor will the doctor's lobbyists, funeral homes, etc.
And how would society change if disease were eliminated? Talk about universal health care...
Seen anything like it? I don't mind if the idea's been used, I just want to make sure my version isn't too close to anyone else's. Readers? Little help?
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posted
Greg Bear's Blood Music has some similarities. A mad scientist invents nano-sized Von Neumann devices (any machine that can reproduce itself) then injects himself for plot purposes. They turn into a beneficial plague of sorts and soon everyone has the little boogers crawling in their bloodstreams. They make people infected smarter and healthier. The end is really weird and unpredictable though.
posted
I like the idea, actually. It sounds like something you could have a lot of fun with and ask some pretty serious questions, too. In that respect, it reminds me of the Gospel According to Biff. But no, I haven't heard of anything quite like that before.
I'd also like to voluteer to be a reader should you want random feedback as the month progresses - unless you're one who doesn't unveil till the 50k+ and Nov. 30 are well behind. ^_~
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