How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy

by Orson Scott Card

Book Overview

Learn to write science fiction and fantasy from a master You've always dreamed of writing science fiction and fantasy tales that pull readers into extraordinary new worlds and fantastic conflicts.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898794161
• ISBN13: 9780898794168
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
• Length: 140 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Didn't like it, but not BAD

I've been doing a ton of research for the story that I'm developing, and since it is a fantasy story, I thought this would be a wonderful guide. I felt that it was dated (it is), making it pretty limited on the information that I wanted from it. I stopped reading a few chapters in because it felt more weighed on the Sci-Fi side, as well as the history of the genres and such- it just wasn't information that I wanted and when I did skim through to the parts that I thought would help, it didn't give me any nuggets I hadn't read in other fiction books. My story, however, is a love story set in a fantasy world, and the themes are much more about human experiences and learning how to believe in oneself- I'm finding that these genre-focused guide books aren't helping me like I was hoping they might. I'm gaining a lot more insight and crafting development from other resources that are for general fiction and character trait books- as well as psychology books for further development! I think a more gung-ho sci-fi or fantasy fan would enjoy this book and the references and tips given would be helpful if you're staying true to either of these genres. Me? I'm just writing my story because my DND character deserved to end up with his crush at the end of our campaign, so I'm taking matters into my own hands to do just that (lol). I'm more serious about the emotional, relationship, and healing arcs than fitting my worlds and themes into a specific genre.

NOT Just for SF/F Writers...

Only the first two of Card's five chapters deal exclusively with SF & F. The other three apply to all genres. Card spends the first chapter defining just what is SF, what is F and how to tell the difference. SF & F have many sub-genres (space opera, hard SF, cyperpunk, sword & sorcery, etc.) and Card shows the reader that they all have several elements in common. The second chapter focuses on creating believable worlds that readers will want to explore. SF & F is not an "anything goes" genre; you must have rules and follow them, especially with regard to time, space, and magic. You also have to work out problems in your world's history, language, geography, and of course science. Chapter 3, Story Construction, has already opened up new worlds for me (no pun intended). Almost every story, no matter what your genre, falls into one of four categories: milieu (the time or place of the story is the most important element), idea, character, and event. Knowing which your story is will help you write it better. Very helpful examples are given. Chapter 4, Writing Well, shows how to unfold your story. True, this chapter is geared to the specifics of SF & F, but contains extremely valuable information. How much information should you share with the reader early on? How much is too much? Have you dropped enough clues or interesting pieces of information early on to keep the pages turning? This chapter answers those questions and more.Chapter 5, The Life and Business of Writing, is probably the most honest look at the writer's life that I've ever read. Not only does Card offer advice on how to get your stories published, he also covers the pros and cons of conventions, classes, workshops, conferences, contests, handling your finances, and a subject that doesn't get addressed enough: balancing your writing life with your home life. How to Write SF & F is a book written by an author that cares about the genre and cares about writers. He doesn't pull any punches, but you come away with the sense that Card wants (and expects) you to succeed as a writer. I was extremely impressed with the way he uses examples from other writers' work and not his own. I've read so many books and articles in which the author cites, "In my book 'Pluto Goes to Town with Gorfzork,' I deal with the problem of faster-than-light travel in a new and fascinating way." Not Card. He praises others instead of himself. Again, this is a book for ALL writers. The book has already made me re-examine several of my own stories. Now I can look at them and say, "I knew something was wrong with it...NOW I know what it is." 137 pages

Paperback motivation

This book alone constituted more useful information than the past six books I've read combined. Short and to the point, but written in a way where it's actually interesting, not some third-person, ambiguous lecture. This book talks about following certain "galactic" rules so you're story won't come off as fruity, creating a world with plausible rules that you stick to, using different methods of plot structure in order to keep your book from becoming boring and confusing, maintaining the same level of diction and story flow, avoiding ruining the climax or ending of the story (or overkilling either one), getting your book published, and maintaining your health and sanity. Whether you be young or old, if you have a desire to write science-fiction, but find yourself at a major block, I guarantee this book will give you new insight and rekindle your old ideas. I think a couple of bucks is worth the motivation to get started again.

The best writing book I have seen yet!

This is a great book for both beginning and experienced sf & f writers. Orson Scott Card focuses on Science fiction mostly, but showes distinct differences between the TWO genres. I would have liked a separate book for fantasy, instead of both tegether, but Card does not add Fantasy as an afterthought. He explains both in detail, and shows how to write well for both audiences. He uses a small assortment of books as examples, including J.R.R. Tolkein's "The Lord of the Rings", and Octavia Butler's "Wild Seed." Over all I would definitely recommend this book to writers of either genre.

If you want to write SF...

When I advise people on how to get published in the SF/Fantasy genre, I always recommend this book. Generally I object to "how-to-write" books for a variety of reasons, but this is a book that breaks my general rule. Card gives general sound advice with examples, lists the biggest "do nots" that he's run into, sets some straight-forward methods of submissions -- and most importantly gives some honest encouragement for new writers. If your book is good enough, it will get published. The proof is in the pudding -- I sold my very first book after reading this one, which is, after all, the true test of books on writing.

Wonderful reading

I am not biased for or against Orson Card. I simply own the book, and I have the right to say that there is nothing wrong with it. I've noticed people complaining that the author doesn't keep up with science, is biased against Star Trek, gives nonsemsial info in order to confuse you, etc.This is not true. Moreover, that is not what the book is for. The author encourages you, gives you examples, and makes you comfortable with writing fiction. Card doesn't give you specific advice ( insert character A here). He gives you examples of tone. He doesn't give you a compendium of data on the medieval world. He shows you what it feels like to write about it. He points you in the right direction, gives personal pointers, uses fine humor. You supply your own storylines. Enjoy this book.