Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #634614 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 246 pages

Synopsis
Offers advice for would-be science fiction writers, covering such topics as setting, plot, character, and dialogue, as well as the mechanics of grammar, tense, sentence structure, and paragraph transition.

Customer Reviews

Great Book
I find this book wonderful, it has some interesting hints and tips. I like the way the author presents his ideas and theories on writing.

In my opinion it is leaning towards helping Sci-Fi writers more then Fantasy writers. To be honest though I think this would be a useful book to writers from other genres. It is an intelligent book with helpful suggestions.

Expertly crafter, ingenious, and absorbing
When did the bright eyed kid from Van Nuys-obsessed with Heinlein, Sturgeon, Van Voght, and the worse B movies of all time-become such a major talent that he has joined his boyhood hero's ranks? Only after 3 decades of writing over 40 books, winning numerous awards, and creating the most beloved televison shows of all time.

And David Gerrold has done it again.

Worlds of Wonder is an truly exceptional 'how to write' book. Gerrold is at the top of his form in this work, taking the reader through all the gritty details of writing science fiction and fantasy. Except, like his fiction, Gerrold's writing is irresistible, and his instructions and exercises are more of a pleasure than a chore. Each chapter is littered with complex ideas and fascinating tales. Be prepared for detailed tours of Tatooine, the bridge of The Enterprise, and Middle Earth. Gerrold tells aspiring writers what works; and more importantly what doesn't. And what other writer do you know that can make a chapter on 'metric prose' not only entertaining, but desirable.

Of course the best thing about this book is the inclusion of some of Gerrold's best fiction. Used to illustrate specific points, it is an extra treat to read how it is done correctly but one of the genre's major talents.

In his first book published way back in 1973, Gerrold described how the science fiction writers he worshiped were 'special dreamers', and how he longed to be one of the dreamers. It would be great to hand that teenage boy a copy of WORLDS OF WONDER, written by his future self. WORLDS OF WONDER would be an excellent capstone to Gerrold's career, except if you have read his most recent books, you know he is just getting started.