Science Fiction/Fantasy
The Writer's Digest Interview: Marlon James
Booker Prize–winning author Marlon James talks about mythology and world-building in his character-driven epic Moon Witch, Spider King, the second book in his Dark Star Trilogy in this interview from the March/April 2022 issue of Writer's Digest.
Jennifer Estep: On the Ever-Evolving Industry of Publishing
Internationally bestselling author Jennifer Estep discusses what she learned in publishing her newest epic fantasy novel, Tear Down the Throne.
21 Popular Science Fiction Tropes for Writers
Here are 21 examples of science fiction tropes for writers to consider and subvert when writing their space age, futuristic, and technological science and fiction.
A Conversation With J.T. Ellison on Voice: Hamburgers or Coq au Vin (Killer Writers)
Killer Nashville founder Clay Stafford kicks off a series of interviews with mystery, thriller, and suspense authors. Here he has a conversation with J.T. Ellison, the bestselling author of over 25 novels.
The Writer's Digest Interview: Maggie Stiefvater
New York Times-bestselling YA author Maggie Stiefvater discusses the boundaries between truthfulness and lies when it comes to myths, narrators, and her latest release, Mister Impossible.
An Idiot's Tale: Or How One Writer Found Publishing Success
Debut novelist Adam Oyebanji shares how the narrative arc of a writer's life can often resemble a tale told by an idiot, even when the ultimate result is publishing success.
F.T. Lukens: On When the Writing Flows
Award-winning novelist F.T. Lukens discusses the process of writing their new YA fantasy and romance novel, So This Is Ever After.
Christopher Ruocchio: On the Natural Growth in Writing a Series
Author Christopher Ruocchio discusses the process of writing his new science fiction novel, Kingdoms of Death.
The Rewards of Writing Epic Fantasy Fiction (After Writing in Another Genre)
In this piece, G.R. Macallister shares her experience of transitioning from bestselling historical fiction author Greer Macallister to debut fantasy novelist, including the mental steps needed to switch the writing gears and aspects to consider from a publishing perspective.
How to Write Telepathic Characters in Fiction
Author Brendan P. Bellecourt discusses how the use of telepathy in fiction can produce a greater emotional impact and can deepen the personal experience we have reading books.
Michael Wisehart: On the Epic Process of Writing Epic Fantasy
Multiple award-winner Michael Wisehart discusses the community of writers that has helped him along his writing journey, including his new fantasy fiction novel, The Four-Part Key.
10 Things Writers Should Know About the Universe
The sky's the limit when writing about the universe, but it's important to get a few things straight. Dr. Matt Bothwell offers 10 things every writer should know about the universe, and how getting it wrong isn't always bad.
Brendan P. Bellecourt: On Scaling Back to Give the Reader More
Author Brendan P. Bellecourt discusses how combining characters offered more time to get to know them in his new science fiction novel, Absynthe.
Ian Douglas: On Telling the Truth in Science Fiction
New York Times bestselling author Ian Douglas discusses how he incorporated implausible conspiracy theories to uncover the truth in his new science fiction novel, Alien Hostiles.
6 Tips for Developing an Exciting Fantasy Adventure Premise
Feeling overwhelmed with putting together your fantasy fiction novel? Author Marshall Ryan Maresca comes to the rescue with 6 tips for developing an exciting fantasy adventure premise.
Writer's Digest November/December 2021 Cover Reveal
Revealing the November/December 2021 issue of Writer's Digest: Magical Writing. Featuring advice from R.F. Kuang, Alix E. Harrow, Maggie Stiefvater, Tobias Buckell, Ran Walker, and many more.
What Is a Cli-Fi Novel and What Are Some Examples?
The literary landscape is as changing as our physical landscape—and one genre gaining momentum is looking to start conversations around that change. Author Marjorie B. Kellogg defines what climate fiction is, and offers some examples that suggests the cli-fi novel has been around for decades.
Marjorie B. Kellogg: On Climate Fiction as Its Own Genre
Author Marjorie B. Kellogg discusses the decade-long process of writing her new science fiction/climate fiction novel, Glimmer.
The One Rule of (Writing) Witchcraft
When writing about witches and witchcraft, explaining too much may take away from the magic. Writer Fire Lyte discusses how to write about witchcraft.
FightWrite™: Fighting Monsters
Trained fighter and author Carla Hoch walks us through how best to tackle fight scenes when our opponent isn't human—or, at least, isn't anymore.
Plot Twist Story Prompts: Time Travel
Every good story needs a nice (or not so nice) turn or two to keep it interesting. This week, have your characters travel through time, whether they're jumping forward, backward, or attempting some combination.
Cait Stevenson: On Bringing the Middle Ages to Life
Debut author Cait Stevenson discusses how regret led her to write her debut historical fantasy novel, How to Slay a Dragon, and what she hopes readers learn about the Middle Ages.
R.A. Salvatore: On Building Worlds in Fantasy Fiction
New York Times bestseller R.A. Salvatore discusses the process of writing his new fantasy novel, Starlight Enclave.
4 Tips for Writing Fantasy Romance
If you're struggling to incorporate romance into your fantasy story, let author Jennifer Estep guide you.