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.
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.
Drawing Board to Writing Desk: The Transition from Writing Comics to Writing Novels
Are you trying a format you're unfamiliar with? When Michael Moreci went from writing comics to writing novels, one simple realization—and a few basic truths—carried him from one medium to the other.
200 Years Later: Things You Might Not Know About Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
January 1, 2018 is the 200th anniversary of the publication of Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley in 1818. At the time of its publication, Shelley was only 20 years old. Discover more interesting facts about her iconic novel in this video.
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.
Interplanetary Relations
This week's writing prompt is inspired by the 50th anniversary of the day the United Nations' Outer Space Treaty went into effect.
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...
7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Eric Scott Fischl
“7 Things I’ve Learned So Far” (this installment written by Eric Scott Fischl, author of Dr. Potter’s Medicine Show) is a recurring column where writers at any stage of their career can talk about writing advice and instruction as well as how they possibly got their literary agent—by sharing seven things they’ve learned...
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....
7 Things I’ve Learned so Far, by S.B. Divya
You reap what you sow, and while it's true that we're all competing for market share, there are plenty of readers out there. Give supportive critiques to others. Cheer their successes and commiserate over their rejections. Support projects like anthologies or new magazines by contributing to and promoting their efforts.
New Literary Agent Alert: Serene Hakim of Ayesha Pande Literary
Serene is actively seeking YA (all genres but in particular: sci-fi and fantasy with a unique hook, realistic YA with diverse characters), upmarket women's fiction, and anything that gives voice to those whose voices are underrepresented and/or marginalized.
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...
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...
Author Interview: K.C. Alexander, author of Transhumanist Sci-Fi novel, NECROTECH
Today, we’re featuring another debut author interview. These interviews are an amazing resource for writers, because they allow you to hear the story of a successful writer and determine what did or didn’t work for them. K. C. Alexander, author of NECROTECH (Sept 2016, Angry Robot), is mostly human and occasional Outer God. Previous writing...
Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards: Behind the Scenes of a Writing Competition with Science Fiction Judge Philip Athans
Today, as part of our Behind the Scenes of a Writing Competition series, science fiction judge Philip Athans discusses how important first sentences are, what makes a good short story and more. NOTE: The deadline for the Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards has been extended to October 14! Enter here! Meet...
12 Literary Agents Seeking Science Fiction NOW
Sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint which agents are open to submissions at any given time. So with that in mind, I’m creating some new vertical lists of agents seeking queries right now, as of summer 2016. This list is for science fiction. All the agents listed below personally confirmed to me as...
How I Got My Literary Agent: Parker Peevyhouse
Parker Peevyhouse, author of WHERE FUTURES END (Feb. 2016, Kathy Dawson Books), shares the steps she took to obtaining representation.
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...
3 Things I Learned About Writing: Analyzing Andy Weir’s THE MARTIAN
2. When writing suspense, write good comedy.
Log Entry: Sol 61
How come Aquaman can control whales? They’re mammals! Makes no sense.
How to Become a Kick-Ass Writer
If you haven’t yet read, met, or followed the career of Chuck Wendig, you’re in for a treat. I’ve had the great pleasure of following Chuck’s blog at terribleminds.com for a couple of years now, and the writing advice he offers is some of the best—as well as some of the...
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...
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...
Science-Fiction Author John Scalzi Explains How Not to Be Boring
JOHN SCALZI is the author of several science fiction novels, including the bestselling Old Man’s War series, comprising Old Man’s War, The Ghost Brigades, and The Last Colony. He is a winner of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, and he won the Hugo Award for Your Hate...