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Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror Writing

Arranged alphabetically by author; click on title for more information.

How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy
Orson Scott Card

Card provides invaluable advice for every science fiction and fantasy writer interested in constructing stories about people, worlds and events that stretch the boundaries of the possible...and the magical. They'll learn: * what is and isn't science fiction and fantasy, and where their story fits in the mix * how to build, populate, and dramatize a credible, inviting world readers will want to explore * how to use the MICE quotient--milieu, idea, character and event--to structure a successful story * where the markets are, how to reach them and get published There's no better source of information for writers working in these genres. This book will help them effectively produce exciting stories that are both fascinating and market-ready.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Science Fiction
by Cory Doctorow & Karl Schroeder
When it first came out in mid-2000, folks probably why Doctorow (a writer with only 15 or so short story credits at the time) and Schroeder (who had an even less spectacular bibliography) were authoring a such a book. Since then Doctorow's become one of the hottest SF authors around with his novels Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom and Eastern Standard Tribe. Schroeder made a critical splash with novels Ventus (2000), Permanence (2002), and, most recently, Lady of Mazes. Both these dudes know the sf-world and produced a great overall guide for the beginning spec fic writer. (Yes, it is applicable to fantasy, too.) As the title says, this is a guide to "publishing," not a "how-to-write" tome, and that's what makes it of particular value -- the authors love the field, love the fans, understand both, and can clearly communicate that knowledge to the reader.

The Science of Science Fiction
James Gunn
Gives an overview of the science fiction field, a detailed history, and personally profiles some of the biggest names in the genre. While this in itself would be sufficient, more than half the book is dedicated to the writing of science fiction (or any type of fiction). Unlike most books of this type, Gunn is remarkably entertaining in his teachings, and his enthusiasm for the subject richly shines through on every page. From a writer/teacher/historian with 30 years in the SF field.

Creating Short Fiction
Damon Knight

The late legendary Knight offers no-nonsense instructions on structure, pacing, dialogue, and working with the unconscious, including excellent examples and effective exercises. Updated for the 1990s, this book is a timeless classic that brims with priceless advice for anyone interested in writing short stories -- not just SF.

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