Writing Science Fiction: How to Approach Exposition in Sci-Fi Novels
In this excerpt from the book Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction, Orson Scott Card explains why exposition can present particular challenges when you're writing science fiction, and tips for overcoming those challenges.
5 Tips on World-Building Through Collaboration
Sometimes, working closely with a friend means that you’ll see both their genius and their foibles more distinctly. With all that in mind, here are five tips for world-building collaboratively and successfully.
Putting the Science in Fiction: Expert Advice for Writing with Authenticity in Science Fiction, Fantasy & Other Genres
Collecting articles from editor Dan Koboldt’s popular blog series for writers and fans of speculative fiction—plus a foreword by Chuck Wendig and a collection of never-before-published articles—Putting the Science in Fiction connects you to experts in a broad range of fields.
Writing a Trilogy: Essential Tips for Crafting a Three-Part Series
Declaring that you’re planning on writing a trilogy and crafting a successful one are not quite the same thing. Having just completed his own fantasy trilogy, Dan Koboldt shares what he learned in the process, book by book.
A 2001 Conversation with Sci-Fi and Fantasy Titan Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-2018)
Ursula K. Le Guin passed away on January 22, 2018 at the age of 88. In May 2001 2001, Writer's Digest had the honor of speaking with Le Guin about her process, her inspiration and her impressive body of work. Read the story here.
Video: The Idea that Inspired The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Today is the anniversary of J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday in 1892. Watch this video to learn what inspired the creation of his iconic novel The Hobbit.
The Difference Between Science Fiction and Fantasy: What Every Screenwriter Needs to Know
Jeremy Robinson examines the differences between the genres of science fiction and fantasy. Knowing these differences is critical for any screenwriter or author in these genres.
5 Tips on Writing About the Afterlife
Here's how to create great characters and setting in your book when writing about the afterlife (from bestselling author Gena Showalter).
New Literary Agent Alert: Justin Wells of Corvisiero Literary
Justin is looking to represent middle grade, young adult, new adult, and adult novels. For middle grade, he is actively seeking fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, adventure, and historical fiction. In young adult, he is seeking fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, adventure, historical fiction, contemporary, and dystopian. For new adult, he is seeking...
New Literary Agent Alert: Quressa Robinson of D4EO Literary
Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Quressa Robinson of D4EO Literary) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list. About Quressa: Quressa Robinson joined the D4EO Literary Agency in 2016 and is actively building her client list. Quressa was...
Meet the Agent: Paul Lucas, Janklow & Nesbit Associates
Paul Lucas came to Janklow & Nesbit in 2007 not as an agent, but as a paralegal who’d been working in the corporate division of a large law firm. A longtime book lover, he soon gave up legal texts for queried manuscripts, officially donning the agent hat at Janklow in 2011....
New Literary Agent Alert: Jennifer Wills of The Seymour Agency
Reminder: New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Jennifer Wills of The Seymour Agency) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list. About Jennifer: Jennifer has five years of experience in some of the publishing industry’s leading literary agencies. She worked...
New Literary Agent Alert: Kira Watson of Emma Sweeney Agency, LLC
She is Seeking: Kira is particularly interested in Children's Literature (YA & MG) with a strong narrative voice, well-crafted storylines, and memorable characters. Within YA & MG, Kira is actively seeking Realistic Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Magic Realism, Thriller/Mystery, Horror, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction. Stories with folklore elements, complex villains, morally...
New Literary Agent Alert: Melissa Nasson of Rubin Pfeffer Content
Melissa is seeking middle-grade and young adult fiction and nonfiction, and she is also accepting picture book queries. She is open to all genres, but has a special love for fantasy and sci-fi. She enjoys unexpected settings and loves a good romantic angle. For nonfiction, she'd love to see manuscripts that...
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Margo Kelly
This is a recurring column I’m calling “7 Things I’ve Learned So Far,” where writers (this installment written by Margo Kelly, author of UNLOCKED) at any stage of their career can talk about writing advice and instruction as well as how they possibly got their book agent — by sharing seven things they’ve learned along their writing...
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Mitchell Hogan
Mitchell Hogan, author of A CRUCIBLE OF SOULS (Sept. 2015, Harper Voyager), shares the 7 most important things he's learned through the publishing process.
June 25-26: WD’s Sci-Fi & Fantasy Online Conference
Don’t miss your chance to attend WD’s one-of-a-kind Science Fiction & Fantasy Online Writing Conference! On June 25 and 26, Writer’s Digest University will provide expert insights from SEVEN award-winning and best-selling authors on the finer points of how to write within the science fiction and fantasy genres. Spend the weekend learning...
How and Why to Write Like a Pachyderm
To be a writer, we must have a thick skin, thick as a pachyderm, gray and wrinkly and drooping off of our limbs like armor. Unless you plan to be a secret writer who never tells a single soul about how you stay up late when everyone is asleep to scribble...
How I Got My Agent: Camille Griep
Camille Griep, author of LETTERS TO ZELL, shares her quest to obtain an agent and get published.
Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction: An Interview with Philip Athans
With the release of our updated edition of Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction, I figured it was the perfect time to catch up with one of our newest contributors to this classic tome from Writer’s Digest Books—the right honorable Philip Athans. Phil was one of the first people we reached out...
Your Book, Your Rules: Advice from an Agent (Guest Blog)
Who better to ask for advice on how to keep an agent’s attention than an agent? Carlie Webber of CK Webber Associates maintains an excellent blog on all kinds of writing and publishing topics, from how to keep YA novels realistic and interesting to advice on how to make sure your...
Create Structure in Your Fiction Using Index Cards
I was reading through some of our older science fiction titles, and I came upon Worlds of Wonder by David Gerrold (published in 2001). As I was flipping through the book, I read an opening line that intrigued me: “All writing is list-making. Nothing more. The trick is knowing what to...
Writer’s Digest Annual Competition
For 80 years, the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition has rewarded writers just like you for their finest work. We continue the tradition by giving away more than $30,000 in cash and prizes! Win a trip to the Writer's Digest Conference in New York City !
3 Ways to Know When to End Your Chapters
At some point in writing your novel, you have to start thinking about “chaptering,” the process of deciding exactly when and where your chapter breaks will go. Here are three simple, essential techniques that can help you make effective chapter pauses.
by Aaron Elkins
by Aaron Elkins