I like your thinking. I never thought of working backwards from what I don't want, but trying to eliminate unwanted tech to support the story is often a problem for me. When I read how you approached it, my brain jumped right to some kind of tech nanovirus (low hanging fruit?). BTW, your book Storyteller Tools was one of the best I've ever read on story structure. I've never published, but I've spent hundreds of enjoyable hours planning and writing story drafts using your techniques. Good to see you on Substack. I hope this works out well for you!
I like your thinking. I never thought of working backwards from what I don't want, but trying to eliminate unwanted tech to support the story is often a problem for me. When I read how you approached it, my brain jumped right to some kind of tech nanovirus (low hanging fruit?). BTW, your book Storyteller Tools was one of the best I've ever read on story structure. I've never published, but I've spent hundreds of enjoyable hours planning and writing story drafts using your techniques. Good to see you on Substack. I hope this works out well for you!
Storyteller Tools - I cringe because I feel my credentials have expired. But... THANKS! That's made my day.
Tech nano-virus would work in a more bounded situation, e.g Earth and Solar System. Doesn't really give you Star Wars, though.
The other thing is economy of Stuff Reader Must Remember. Ideally, whatever fritzes the tech should also be the same thing that provides the FTL.