Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy

Find new direction and inspiration with this unique guide to creating original and convincing stories. Written by a successful author of more than ten science fiction and fantasy novels, Writing Science and Fantasy takes an in-depth look at these two best-selling genres.

Whether you are new to the genre or looking for inspiration, this book provides the tools you need to succeed. Develop believable fantasy worldsChallenge your readers’ imaginationsPractical techniques you can apply todayWritten by a successful author of SF and fantasy novelsMaster the craft of magical worldsAre you struggling to get started on your science fiction or fantasy novel? Stuck at chapter two or need a fresh approach? Find new direction and inspiration with this unique guide to creating original and convincing stories. Written by a successful author of more than ten science fiction and fantasy novels, Writing Science and Fantasy takes an in-depth look at these two best-selling genres. Kilian delves into the origins and conventions of science fiction and fantasy and goes over the many subgenres, including nanotechnology, space opera, and sword and sorcery. He forces you to ask yourself crucial questions about your own novel, and also offers practical advice on how to prepare and market your manuscript to publishers, editors, and agents. With this book as a guide, both novice and experienced writers can learn how to make their work both a literary and financial success. Learn about:Constructing a sceneShowing versus tellingAvoiding clichésDeveloping good writing and research habitsCreating plausible fantasy worldsUsing symbolism and imagery effectively

PREFACE viiINTRODUCTION ixThe Challenge of Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy ixThe Evolution of Myths into Stories xiiThe Basic Theme of SF and Fantasy: Power xivPART 1: Knowing Your Genre 11 HARD FACTS FOR FIRST-TIME NOVELISTS 32 THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OFSCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY 10Conventions in Science Fiction and Fantasy 11Where Do We Go from Here? 173 UNDERSTANDING GENRE 20Defining Our Terms 21Understanding the Conventions of Your Genre 22iiiContentsThe Subgenres of Science Fiction 25The Subgenres of Fantasy 41Writing for Young Adults and Children 474 CREATING YOUR FICTIONAL WORLD 50Demonic Worlds and Paradise Worlds 52A Sense of What Is Natural 53Parallel Worlds 55Fantasy Worlds 56PART 2: The Craft of Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy 595 DEVELOPING EFFICIENT WORK HABITS 61Routine 61Using Dead Time Constructively 64How Do You Get Ideas? 656 RESEARCH AND SOUL SEARCH 67Library Research 69Research on the Internet 71From Research to Soul Search 75Getting the Science and Magic Right 77Setting the Limits of Magic 837 ELEMENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL STORY 84Tough Questions to Ask Yourself 85The Opening 85The Body of the Story 89The Conclusion 92Throughout the Story 928 DEVELOPING CHARACTERS 95What Makes a Believable Character? 95The Character Résumé 979 PLOTTING 101Basic Principles of Plotting 102What to Do with Your Plot Elements 10710 CONSTRUCTING A SCENE 112iv Writing science fiction and fantasy11 NARRATIVE VOICE 116First Person Point of View 117Second Person Point of View 119Third Person Point of View 119Hazards of Using Persona 122Verb Tense 12312 EXPOSITION AND DIALOGUE 124Show or Tell: Which Is Better? 124“Let’s Talk about Dialogue,” He Pontificated 12913 SYMBOLISM AND ALL THAT 134The Natural Cycle 136The Natural Versus the Human World 137The Hero’s Quest 138Symbolic Images 140Symbolic Characters 141Developing Your Own Symbols 142PART 3: Getting Published 14514 THE MECHANICS OFMANUSCRIPT PRODUCTION 147Exploiting Your Word Processor 147Basic Manuscript Copyediting Principles 153Manuscript Format 16315 SELLING YOUR STORY 167The Query Letter 167Will They Steal Your Idea? 171The Story Synopsis 17116 RESEARCHING PUBLISHERS AND AGENTS 178Finding the Right Publisher 179Finding an Agent 18017 THE PUBLISHING CONTRACT 183Delivery of Satisfactory Copy 184Permission for Use of Copyrighted Material 184Grant of Rights 185Proofreading and Author’s Corrections 186Contents vAdvances and Royalties 186Author’s Warranties and Indemnities 188Author’s Copies 188Option Clause 189Going Out of Print 189A Word of Advice 190CONCLUSION 191Is It Worth Doing at All? 191APPENDIX 195An Annotated Work in Progress 195SAMPLES1 Manuscript page 1662 Query letter with plot summary 1733 Features of a story synopsis 176CHECKLISTS1 Style for fiction writers 1432 Copyediting 161WORKSHEETS1 Character Résumé 98vi Writing science fiction and fantasy