Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #79176 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-22
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Synopsis
The Definitive Introduction to Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy. Worlds of Wonder: How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy is a step-by-step guide for budding sci-fi and fantasy writers, showing them how to turn their words into works of wonder. With the help of Nebula and Hugo award-winning Star Trek author David Gerrold, they'll gain insight into the craft as well as practise techniques that will immediately improve their writing. Drawing on a career spanning three decades of writing and teaching, Gerrold also uses examples from numerous classic books and films to support their growth within the genre. Fun, accessible, and sparked by Gerrold's infectious enthusiasm for his craft and profession, Worlds of Wonder is a must for SF and fantasy fans as well as those who wish to succeed in these flourishing publishing genres.

From the Back Cover
The definitive introduction to writing science fiction and fantasy.

Worlds of Wonder: How to write Science Fiction and Fantasy is a step-by-step guide for budding sci-fi and fantasy writers, showing them how to turn their words into works of wonder. With the help of Nebula and Hugo award-winning Star Trek author David Gerrold, they'll gain insight into the craft as well as practise techniques that will immediately improve their writing. Drawing on a career spanning three decades of writing and teaching, Gerrold also uses examples from numerous classic books and films to support their growth withing the genre.

Fun, accessible, and sparked by Gerrold's infectious enthusiasm for his craft and profession, Worlds of Wonder is a must for SF and Fantasy fans as well as those who wish to succeed in these flourishing publishing genres.

Customer Reviews

What can I say...phenomenal is the word that spings to mind!
'Worlds of wonder' is certainly an apt title. This book in itself is a work of wonder! If you're an aspiring writer, or perhaps you want to get a better grade on that essay you have to hand in soon, this book has to be at the top of your priority list.
I can firmly say that this book is the most comprehensive, thorough, and generally brilliant book I've read on this subject, and if you are into the writings of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, or maybee you want to see behing the scenes of writing in general, you'll adore this masterpiece.
David Gerrold takes the reader through all the vital points of Sci-Fi Writing, such as character creation, and refers to the human imagination as a, 'Star Drive' which anybody can harness, and let it envelop them in a fog of imagination...if there is only one book you intend to buy this Christmas, let it be this.
Inspiring for all, and a dream come true for lovers of Sci-Fi everywhere.

Excellent introduction to writing
As my first introduction to writing fiction, and science fiction in particular, I found this book very well worth the money and time I spent on it.

In just 246 pages, the book covers a lot of ground, and is an excellent starting place for the aspiring science fiction/fantasy writer. Most important of all, it is written in such a way that it gives you plenty of encouragement to write, and to continue writing, and to keep writing after that. In other words, even if you are struggling, keep writing and you will get better. It dispels the common myth that the ability to write is something that you are born with and cannot learn.

There are plenty of exercises that allow you to flex and improve your creative muscles. The most important topics covered include defining a story, building a world, designing aliens, characters, plot and dialogue, and making the whole thing believable. Many classic SF stories are scrutinized and the reader begins to see what makes a successful novel, and what doesn't.

Additionally, several sections concentrate on simile, metaphor, writing styles, metric prose and E-prime, which albeit short are invaluable in bringing these to the reader's attention. It is also remarkable that much of what the author has written applies not only science fiction, but to all forms of fiction.

A very well written, entertaining and invaluable introduction to writing science fiction novels.