get started in writing science fiction and fantasy

• Writing, Research & Publishing Guides

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Buy new: .savingPriceOverride { color:#CC0C39!important; font-weight: 300!important; } .reinventMobileHeaderPrice { font-weight: 400; } #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPriceSavingsPercentageMargin, #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPricePriceToPayMargin { margin-right: 4px; } $16.99 $ 16 . 99 FREE delivery Thursday, June 6 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35 Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

Return this item for free.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select your preferred free shipping option
• Drop off and leave!

Save with Used - Good .savingPriceOverride { color:#CC0C39!important; font-weight: 300!important; } .reinventMobileHeaderPrice { font-weight: 400; } #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPriceSavingsPercentageMargin, #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPricePriceToPayMargin { margin-right: 4px; } $9.68 $ 9 . 68 FREE delivery June 10 - 14 Ships from: ThriftBooks-Atlanta Sold by: ThriftBooks-Atlanta

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Get Started in: Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy (Teach Yourself) Paperback – June 27, 2014

Purchase options and add-ons.

• Part of series Teach Yourself: Writing
• Print length 256 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Teach Yourself
• Publication date June 27, 2014
• Dimensions 5.13 x 0.63 x 7.83 inches
• ISBN-10 1444795651
• ISBN-13 978-1444795653
• See all details

Frequently bought together

Customers who bought this item also bought

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Teach Yourself; 1st edition (June 27, 2014)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1444795651
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444795653
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.6 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.63 x 7.83 inches
• #126 in Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing
• #2,208 in Fiction Writing Reference (Books)
• #44,261 in Science Fiction (Books)

About the author

Adam roberts.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

We will keep fighting for all libraries - stand with us!

Internet Archive Audio

• This Just In
• Grateful Dead
• Old Time Radio
• 78 RPMs and Cylinder Recordings
• Audio Books & Poetry
• Computers, Technology and Science
• Music, Arts & Culture
• News & Public Affairs
• Spirituality & Religion
• Radio News Archive

• Flickr Commons
• Occupy Wall Street Flickr
• NASA Images
• Solar System Collection
• Ames Research Center

• All Software
• Old School Emulation
• MS-DOS Games
• Historical Software
• Classic PC Games
• Software Library
• Kodi Archive and Support File
• Vintage Software
• CD-ROM Software
• CD-ROM Software Library
• Software Sites
• Tucows Software Library
• Shareware CD-ROMs
• Software Capsules Compilation
• CD-ROM Images
• ZX Spectrum
• DOOM Level CD

• Smithsonian Libraries
• FEDLINK (US)
• Lincoln Collection
• American Libraries
• Canadian Libraries
• Universal Library
• Project Gutenberg
• Children's Library
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Books by Language
• Additional Collections

• Prelinger Archives
• Democracy Now!
• Occupy Wall Street
• TV NSA Clip Library
• Animation & Cartoons
• Arts & Music
• Computers & Technology
• Cultural & Academic Films
• Ephemeral Films
• Sports Videos
• Videogame Videos
• Youth Media

Search the history of over 866 billion web pages on the Internet.

Mobile Apps

• Wayback Machine (iOS)
• Wayback Machine (Android)

Browser Extensions

Archive-it subscription.

• Explore the Collections
• Build Collections

Save Page Now

Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future.

Please enter a valid web address

• Donate Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape

Get started in writing science fiction and fantasy

Bookreader item preview, share or embed this item, flag this item for.

• Graphic Violence
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Hate Speech
• Misinformation/Disinformation
• Marketing/Phishing/Advertising
• Misleading/Inaccurate/Missing Metadata

Obscured text on front and back cover due to sticker attached.

plus-circle Add Review comment Reviews

100 Previews

12 Favorites

Better World Books

DOWNLOAD OPTIONS

No suitable files to display here.

PDF access not available for this item.

IN COLLECTIONS

Uploaded by station63.cebu on August 12, 2022

SIMILAR ITEMS (based on metadata)

• Words, Language & Grammar
• Handwriting

Buy new: .savingPriceOverride { color:#CC0C39!important; font-weight: 300!important; } .reinventMobileHeaderPrice { font-weight: 400; } #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPriceSavingsPercentageMargin, #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPricePriceToPayMargin { margin-right: 4px; } -23% £9.99 £ 9 . 99 FREE delivery Tuesday, 4 June on your first order to UK or Ireland Dispatches from: Amazon Sold by: Amazon

Return this item for free.

Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. For a full refund with no deduction for return shipping, you can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition.

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select the return method

Save with Used - Good .savingPriceOverride { color:#CC0C39!important; font-weight: 300!important; } .reinventMobileHeaderPrice { font-weight: 400; } #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPriceSavingsPercentageMargin, #apex_offerDisplay_mobile_feature_div .reinventPricePriceToPayMargin { margin-right: 4px; } £4.33 £ 4 . 33 FREE delivery 5 - 7 June Dispatches from: Goldstone-Books Sold by: Goldstone-Books

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Get Started in Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy: How to write compelling and imaginative sci-fi and fantasy fiction (Teach Yourself) Paperback – 28 Nov. 2014

Purchase options and add-ons.

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING AWESOME AND AMAZING FICTION FROM ANOTHER DIMENSION. This is an authoritative and engaging introduction to writing science fiction and fantasy for the complete beginner. This book provides all the information, guidance, and advice you need to write great science fiction to captivate your readers. It will help you understand how the genre works, the big dos and don'ts - as well as giving you the inspiration and motivation you actually need to write. Written by a leading science fiction novelist and a Professor in Creative Writing at the University of London - you'll discover how to let your creativity flow, create incredible worlds, and get your novel finished. ABOUT THE SERIES The Teach Yourself Creative Writing series helps aspiring authors tell their story. Covering a range of genres from science fiction and romantic novels, to illustrated children's books and comedy, this series is packed with advice, exercises and tips for unlocking creativity and improving your writing. And because we know how daunting the blank page can be, we set up the Just Write online community at tyjustwrite, for budding authors and successful writers to connect and share.

• ISBN-10 1444795651
• ISBN-13 978-1444795653
• Publisher Teach Yourself
• Publication date 28 Nov. 2014
• Part of series Teach Yourself: Writing
• Language English
• Dimensions 13.02 x 1.59 x 19.88 cm
• Print length 224 pages
• See all details

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Product description

Book description.

LEARN HOW TO WRITE REALITY-BENDING FICTION WITH CONFIDENCE AND FLAIR. The ultimate guide to writing science fiction and fantasy. Set your imagination free!

About the Author

Product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Teach Yourself (28 Nov. 2014)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1444795651
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444795653
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.02 x 1.59 x 19.88 cm

About the author

Adam roberts.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings, help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from United Kingdom

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• UK Modern Slavery Statement
• Sustainability
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell on Amazon Handmade
• Sell on Amazon Launchpad
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect and build your brand
• Associates Programme
• Fulfilment by Amazon
• Seller Fulfilled Prime
• Advertise Your Products
• Independently Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Instalments by Barclays
• Amazon Platinum Mastercard
• Amazon Classic Mastercard
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Payment Methods Help
• Shop with Points
• Top Up Your Account
• Top Up Your Account in Store
• COVID-19 and Amazon
• Track Packages or View Orders
• Delivery Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Amazon Mobile App
• Customer Service
• Accessibility
• Conditions of Use & Sale
• Privacy Notice
• Cookies Notice
• Interest-Based Ads Notice

• Education & Reference
• Writing, Research & Publishing Guides

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera, scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video, download Flash Player

Follow the author

Get Started in: Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy Paperback – June 27 2014

Purchase options and add-ons.

• ISBN-10 1444795651
• ISBN-13 978-1444795653
• Edition 1st
• Publisher Quercus
• Publication date June 27 2014
• Part of series Teach Yourself: Writing
• Language English
• Dimensions 13.02 x 1.59 x 19.88 cm
• Print length 256 pages
• See all details

Frequently bought together

Popular titles by this author

Product description

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quercus; 1st edition (June 27 2014)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1444795651
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1444795653
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 188 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.02 x 1.59 x 19.88 cm
• #34 in Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing
• #312 in Creative Writing & Composition Textbooks

About the author

Adam roberts.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from Canada

Top reviews from other countries.

• Amazon and Our Planet
• Investor Relations
• Press Releases
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Sell on Amazon Handmade
• Advertise Your Products
• Independently Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon Cash
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns Are Easy
• Manage your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Customer Service
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Interest-Based Ads
• Amazon.com.ca ULC | 40 King Street W 47th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 3Y2 |1-877-586-3230

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

with Elisa Bonnin

$ 645.00

Text and Live Video

Have you always wanted to get into writing science fiction and fantasy, but you don’t know where to start? Maybe you’re a long-time speculative fiction reader, or maybe you’re new to the genre, but have an idea you can’t quite let go of? Whatever the case, this course is for you. In 10 weeks, you will learn all about speculative fiction genre conventions through lectures, class discussions, and writing exercises geared toward helping you develop your sci-fi or fantasy novel or short story idea into something you can start writing from the moment the course is done.

As part of this course, you will learn about the different sub-genres of speculative fiction and about writing techniques specific to sci-fi and fantasy, like worldbuilding, magic systems, and using advanced technology. But you will also learn tools and techniques that can be applied to all genres of fiction, like plot structure, character development, and pacing. All of these elements will be taught through a sci-fi and fantasy lens, so that you can directly apply them to your idea.

Each week, you will have a writing assignment geared toward developing your own story idea. You will get weekly feedback from your instructor, and will have the opportunity to get feedback from your peers in a small group setting. Come prepared to suspend your disbelief and geek out about alternate worlds and new, untouched horizons, because this is the one genre where no idea is too absurd as long as it’s written well.

By the end of this course, you will have written two 3,500 word short stories or the first 3 chapters and an outline of your novel. And if finishing that novel is your goal, at the end of the course, you will be given resources to get through your outline and get to the end of your first draft.

Learning and Writing Goals

By the end of this course, students will:

• Have a thorough understanding of what makes speculative fiction different from other fiction genres, and have a good overview of the subgenres of speculative fiction.
• Learn how to apply essential craft elements such as character, plot, setting, pacing, and structure to the specific subgenre of speculative fiction that the student wishes to write.
• Have an understanding of genre conventions unique to speculative fiction, like technology or magic systems.

Students will complete and receive feedback on one of the following items:

• Two complete short stories
• One short story with significant revision
• The first 3 chapters of a novel or novella and a completed outline

Students will also generate new writing each week through weekly writing assignments, and will receive feedback on these assignments from the instructor and some of their peers.

Zoom Schedule

This class will meet once a week on Fridays from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Zoom meetings will be used to discuss the topic of the week, with about half the meeting time set aside for lectures and the remainder of the time given to lecture discussion and Q&A.

Attendance at the weekly lecture session is not mandatory, and lectures will be recorded.

There will be another 60 minute long Zoom meeting each week for group writing and workshopping in small groups, with time to be determined based on students’ availability. Attendance at this session is highly recommended. Whenever possible, students with similar schedule availability will be placed in the same critique groups.

Weekly Syllabus

Week 1: through the looking glass.

This week, we’ll introduce the speculative fiction genre and discuss different subgenres. By the end of the week, you’ll be able to define what makes your story idea speculative fiction, and start thinking about your story’s core concept, the unique aspect that makes your world different from reality.

Writing Goals:

• Short Story & Novel(la) Tracks: Identify the genre and core conceit of either your novel project or your first short story

Week 2: Where No One Has Gone Before

Worldbuilding is important in all forms of fiction, but in speculative fiction, which often relies on strange and wondrous settings, worldbuilding is absolutely necessary. This week, we’ll work on all the basics of building a world, beginning with the core concept you identified last week.

• Short Story & Novel(la) Tracks: Write a short (~500 word) scene from the point of view of an ordinary person in the world your story will be set in

Week 3: You All Meet at an Inn

All stories require characters, and speculative fiction stories are no different. This week, we’ll talk about characters, the role they occupy in the story, and how to build them. We will also talk about how the speculative fiction genre allows us to push characters in ways more realistic stories can’t. At the end of this week, students should be able to identify the protagonist of their story.

• Short Story & Novel(la) Tracks: Identify your main character, and write a short (~500 word) scene from their perspective, before the start of the story.

Week 4: Sufficiently Advanced Technology

Arthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” This week, we’ll discuss the basics of building a good technology or magic system, depending on what your story needs.

• Short Story & Novel(la) Tracks: Fill out a worksheet outlining the importance of technology or magic systems on your story and setting. Build your magic system or core technology

Week 5: The Hero’s Journey and Beyond

As fun as it is to imagine fantastical worlds, we do need to at some point write the story. This week, we’ll talk about plot and structure, including common frameworks for story structure like the three act story, and deviations from that structure. For aspiring novelists, this week will also have a discussion on word count expectations across age groups.

• Short Story Track: Outline your first short story
• Novel(la) Track: Outline the first act (or first third, if not using the three act structure) of your novel(la)

Week 6: Avoiding the Infodump and Other Pitfalls

You’ve developed your own unique world, or have introduced fantastical elements into our world, but how do you show all that to the reader while still maintaining good pacing and avoiding the dreaded “infodump”? This week, we’ll discuss pacing and exposition, giving you the tools you need to finally begin putting words on the page.

• Short Story Track: Write the first half of your first short story
• Novel(la) Track: Write the first chapter of your novel(la)

Week 7: Fight Scenes and Other Genre Conventions

Chosen ones? Epic battles? High councils? This week is all about tropes. We’ll tackle how to write action sequences, which are common in the genre, but also talk about how to put a fresh spin on old ideas for those of us who aren’t writing action-packed sword and sorcery adventures. Tropes are not bad, as long as they’re used well!

• Short Story Track: Finish your first short story
• Novel(la) Track:Write the second chapter of your novel(la)

Week 8: How to Hit the Books (And Know When You Need Help)

If you’re writing hard science fiction, you’re going to need to do some research. But even the most medieval of medieval fantasy writers can’t escape occasionally hitting the books (just how far can a horse travel in one day, anyway?). This week is all about where to go for information and how to incorporate that information into the world.

This week we will also talk about sensitivity readers, and the importance of being critical with your own sources, to avoid stereotyping other cultures.

• Short Story Revision Track: Read through comments and begin revision of your first story
• Second Short Story Track: Outline your second short story
• Novel Track: Write the third chapter of your novel(la)

Week 9: More than Escapism

Fantasy and science fiction allow us to explore impossible scenarios, but that doesn’t mean that these stories have to purely be about escaping the real world. This week, we’ll talk about how these genres can be used to shine spotlights on human nature or society. We’ll tackle themes and how to find out what you are trying to say in your own story.

• Short Story Revision Track: Finish your first revision and submit your story for feedback
• Second Short Story Track: Write half of your second short story
• Novel Track: Outline the second act (or second third) of your novel(la)

Week 10: What Comes After the Ending?

For our last week, we’ll go back to the business of writing. We’ll talk about strategies for finishing a long project after the initial inspiration has worn off, and how to start revising. This week will introduce the concepts of alpha and beta readers, and talk about next steps for those with publishing goals, including finding markets for short fiction, finding editors for self-publishing, and querying agents for traditional publishing.

• Short Story Revision Track: Complete line edits of your short story
• Second Short Story Track: Complete your second short story
• Novel Track: Outline the final act (or final third) of your novel(la)

Student Feedback for Elisa Bonnin:

About Elisa Bonnin

Elisa A. Bonnin was born and raised in the Philippines, after which she moved to the United States to study chemistry and later oceanography. After completing her doctorate, she moved to Germany to work as a postdoctoral scientist. A lifelong learner, Elisa is always convinced that she should “maybe take a class in something” and as a result, has amassed an eclectic collection of hobbies. But writing will always be her true love. Publishing a book has been her dream since she was eight years old, and she is thrilled to finally be able to share her stories. She is the author of  Dauntless  and  Stolen City.

Elisa's Courses

Battling the Blank Page: Writing the First Third of Your Novel Untie the Tropes: Write In-Depth YA Protagonists De Novo: How to Build Your Own Fantasy or Sci-Fi World The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

• Name * First Last
• Classes You're Interested In

• Features for Creative Writers
• Features for Work
• Features for Higher Education
• Features for Teachers
• Features for Non-Native Speakers
• Learn Blog Grammar Guide Community Events FAQ
• Grammar Guide

Writing Science Fiction: The Ultimate Guide

Krystal N. Craiker

Writing science fiction can feel a lot like exploring the expanse of the universe. It’s a big undertaking in a big genre.

It’s hard to boil down exactly what science fiction is. In fact, the definition of sci-fi is hotly debated among experts and genre enthusiasts. Is it the campy creature features of early cinema or the esoteric, philosophical stories of classic literature?

One thing is certain: science fiction involves scientific elements or principles that are central to the plot of the story.

Whether you’re writing hard science fiction, pulp sci-fi, or something in between, we have everything you need to know to begin writing a great science fiction story.

7 Steps for How to Write a Sci-Fi Novel

5 tips for writing science fiction, how to write a science fiction story.

Writing science fiction doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. If you want to write science fiction but don’t know where to start, try these seven steps for how to write a good science fiction story.

Ask a Question

Every great story starts with a question, and that’s especially true of science fiction. Science fiction novels usually ask some big “what if” question. In fact, it’s this question that drives the entire genre.

Science fiction stories have an element of novum . Science fiction scholar Darko Suvin coined the term “novum,” which is Latin for “new thing,” as a defining element of science fiction.

In essence, novum is a new, fictional idea that is grounded in or reconcilable with reality. It’s the difference between sci-fi and fantasy, and it’s crucial that you find the novum within your story.

Writing Youtube Channel Tale Foundry gives the example of vampires. Vampires as a mythological creature are fantasy.

But what if a virus causes people to need to suck blood to survive? Viruses are real science, so they’re grounded in reality. This is novum.

Ask a big question and answer it with novum. This will give you the most important foundations for your plot.

Decide on Your Themes

Every great science fiction novel explores heavy themes. Many touch on race, gender, and class.

Some explore what it means to be human or the indomitable human spirit. Dangers of technology, surveillance, and fascism are other major themes. The possibilities are endless.

Once you have a big question and your science element, ask yourself what themes make sense to explore. A compelling sci-fi story will often tackle a few major themes.

Find themes that work well together.

For example, the themes us vs them and exploration can make for a great space odyssey book full of aliens. Androids and robots are a fun way to tie together what it means to be human with the dangers of technology.

Start in the Past

By this point, you probably have a world and plot forming. But another important part of world building is creating the history or backstory.

Whether your world is about to encounter aliens, or it’s an advanced space-faring civilization, or a virus wiped out most of Earth’s inhabitants, you need to start in the past.

How did your world get to the point it’s at when your science fiction novel begins?

Working backward is the best way to explore this. What did the world look like a year or five years before? A decade before? A century? You’re essentially looking for the causes after knowing the effects.

This information is crucial for establishing a well-developed science fiction world within your story. As you explore this, you may also uncover new themes or plot points to explore.

Plan Your Societies

Now you have the foundation for the world you’ve built, you can start planning the details of your novel’s societies and social structures. The more detail you plan in advance, the easier constructing the plot will become.

Be sure that you keep science and your novum in the forefront as you develop societies for your science fiction book.

Some books are science fiction–adjacent. Perhaps they take place in a dystopian or apocalyptic Earth or a futuristic society in space. But if science is not a guiding force in the world and the story, it is not true science fiction.

Develop Your Technology

For some science fiction writers, developing sci-fi technology is the most enjoyable part of the process. It’s time to turn on your geek mode and create an exciting new reality for your story.

Here are some questions to consider as you develop your science fiction tech:

• Does this technology help or hurt people?
• Who in society has access to the technology?
• How was the tech created? Why?
• How is the tech powered?
• What are the dangers associated with the technology?
• What current, real-world examples are related to the tech?
• How does this technology serve the story themes?

As you answer these questions and others, you may find new plot conflicts or storylines to explore. Let your imagination run wild.

Craft Your Characters

There’s a good chance you have an idea of your protagonist by this point in the writing process. But now that you have an amazing science fiction world built, it’s time to fill it with the rest of your characters.

When you create your protagonists and antagonists, keep your story’s themes in mind. How will their character developments, traits, and flaws help you explore the themes?

Characters are often symbols for themes as well. This is true for both main characters and background characters.

Every character should have goals and motivations that make sense within the framework of the world you’ve built. They should also have relatable flaws that often cause conflict within the story.

Solve (or Cause) a Problem with Science

Your character has a problem. They need to reach their goal and something is in their way. This is where the major conflicts of your science fiction novel lie.

Your plot is how your main characters move toward their goal. When you’re writing a science fiction story, how your characters fail and succeed depends on science.

They may solve problems with a science element. Or the science in your story may be causing their problem or hindering them from achieving their goal. Science can be both, too!

By the time you’ve figured out what role science plays in character development and story arc, you’re ready to write!

Now you know the steps to writing a science fiction story, you’re off to a great start. But there is always more to know!

We’ve gathered five tips for writing science fiction to help you turn your story idea into the next great sci-fi novel.

Be Mindful of Negative Tropes

Science fiction has a long history, and not all of it is positive. There are many harmful tropes in science fiction writing , and writers should all strive to avoid doing damage to marginalized people.

Racism is prevalent in both old science fiction and modern works. Many alien race storylines are rooted in racism.

It doesn’t matter if it’s green skin or three eyes: when any race with physical differences is written as more evil, uncivilized, or less intelligent than humans, it’s racist.

Likewise, depictions of oppression—whether aliens, androids, or robots—can also be damaging.

Sexism is also common. Breeder classes or aliens who implant eggs in humans without consent is an outdated and sexist trope.

Likewise, if all the military leaders or scientists are male, you’re alienating a large group of readers.

This is not an exhaustive list. Negative tropes also involve other marginalized communities. We always recommend hiring sensitivity readers to avoid accidentally offending your audience.

Do Your Research

Because science features so heavily in the plot of these stories, science fiction authors must become semi-experts in certain parts of science.

Science is an ever-evolving discipline. To understand how your sci-fi technology exists, you must understand what science currently says about that field.

If you’re writing about genetic engineering, you need a solid understanding of the field of genetics and what genetic engineering is presently capable of. If you’re writing about a virus, you will need to heavily research biology and virology.

Sci-fi readers are often science nerds, and they can tell when your science doesn’t feel plausible.

Keep a Book Bible

With all the research and world building you’ll need to do, it’s easy to lose track of details. This is especially true if you’re planning on writing a science fiction series.

When you’re creating new technologies, species, or classes, you need a reference.

A book bible is a living document full of the details of your world and your characters. You’ll keep track of research notes and backstory elements here. You can also keep character profiles in your book bible.

There are softwares like Campfire and World Anvil that will help you build a book bible.

You can also create a series of documents in a word processor. Note-taking apps and organizational apps can also be customized for book bibles. Find what system works for you.

Ask What If?

Story inspiration for science fiction writing lies in the “what if?”

What if there were genetically modified super-soldiers?

What if you fell into a parallel universe?

What if aliens are terrified of human beings?

Every “what if” question is a plot idea. It might turn into a whole novel, a plot detail, or a supporting storyline.

If you’re looking for inspiration, read about new science discoveries and ask questions. What if? What’s next? What dangers could come from this?

You can ask these questions as you’re world building, too. If you get stuck when creating a new planet or a new technology, start asking yourself what would happen if... ?

When you write science fiction, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. The best questions will lead you down a never-ending rabbit hole of ideas.

Read in Your Genre

Our last tip goes for sci-fi or any genre. The best way to learn how to write science fiction is to read science fiction.

Read hard and soft science fiction. Read classic and modern sci-fi. Pick up books from authors who come from a different background than you.

You should read stories within your subgenre, but you should also read in other subgenres. Science fiction has dozens of subgenres, from space odyssey to robots to weird sci-fi.

Reading in your genre will help you understand genre expectations, norms, and tropes. It will also let you know what is already out there so you can create a fresh, original idea.

Writing science fiction is a fun way to explore big ideas in a new world. Sci-fi remains a popular genre because readers are always looking for new realities to escape into.

Use these tips for writing science fiction to help you turn your novum into an incredible story. You can also use ProWritingAid to turn your sci-fi story into a masterpiece. Our Style Report will flag non-inclusive language, so you can avoid harmful stereotypes in your characters. Learn more about our inclusive language suggestions .

You can also use our Sensory Report to improve your sensory details. Premium users can compare their science fiction writing against the works of bestselling sci-fi authors like Madeleine L'Engle, Michael Crichton, and Arthur C. Clarke.

Write like a bestselling author

Love writing? ProWritingAid will help you improve the style, strength, and clarity of your stories.

Krystal N. Craiker is the Writing Pirate, an indie romance author and blog manager at ProWritingAid. She sails the seven internet seas, breaking tropes and bending genres. She has a background in anthropology and education, which brings fresh perspectives to her romance novels. When she’s not daydreaming about her next book or article, you can find her cooking gourmet gluten-free cuisine, laughing at memes, and playing board games. Krystal lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, child, and basset hound.

Get started with ProWritingAid

Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via :

• Search Results

How to write science fiction and fantasy

Want to get started on writing your fantasy novel? Or finessing your science fiction story? We're here to help

Fantasy and science fiction are two of the most exciting genres in publishing at the moment. Here, two Penguin editors break down the 'SFF' genre and give their top tips for writers looking to publish their novels.

What makes a book science fiction or fantasy?  

“Fantasy books have a fantastical element incorporated in some way – whether it’s an alternate world, or the real world but with a fantastical creature or a touch of magic,” explains Carmen McCullough, Publisher at Penguin Random House Children’s.

'The two categories often overlap.”'

“Science fiction sits in a slightly different space as it doesn’t necessarily have to feature magic or fantastical spaces – it creatively depicts the impact of imagined or real science on our world or alternate worlds. This could be anything from a romance set in space to a thriller set against the backdrop of a climate change apocalypse. And of course, the two categories often overlap.”

These categories are vast, with a huge range of sub-genres falling under them. “I’m working on a really varied range of titles, from a gorgeous gothic fairytale romance inspired by Polish folklore, Where the Dark Stands Still , by A. B. Poranek to an accessible and epic new romantasy series, Heir of Storms , and a high concept love story that defies the boundaries of time and space – Our Infinite Fates , by Laura Steven.”

'The world is so big, which serves as a real plus to you as a writer'

“The world is so big, which serves as a real plus to you as a writer,” adds Jorgie Bain, Assistant Editor at Penguin Michael Joseph. “When it comes to sub-genres, fantasy has so many that the possibilities feel endless. We have the newly named 'romantasy' that has always been around but found its spotlight recently, and 'epic fantasy' where books can feel more classically written, grander in the adventure scale, or the world building is very intricate. We have magical realism which literary fantasy and urban fantasy fall under – something that's drawing from the real world but putting a magical spin on it. And then, of course, we have science fiction and horror that have a whole array of sub-genres falling under them.”

What about writing for younger readers?

'It’s an interesting time in the YA market as the lines are increasingly blurring between YA and adult titles'

“Middle-grade titles tend to be for readers aged 8-12. The protagonists are of a similar age or slightly older as there is an aspirational quality to reading fiction, particularly as a child where you might be keen to read about a character a little older than yourself,” explains Carmen. “Young adult (YA) protagonists tend to be late teens and whilst there might be some adults in the story, they don’t usually take centre stage.”

“It’s an interesting time in the YA market as the lines are increasingly blurring between YA and adult titles. Many titles now occupy what we call the 'crossover area' of the market, where the story could potentially sit in either category depending on the vision of the editor and the direction of the editorial work.”

What are editors looking for in a debut novelist?  

'It's important to remember that when reading a lot of pitches per day, having that key distinguisher is vital'

“We look for the selling point by asking: what marks is it hitting? Where will it be positioned? What other books are they similar to while also doing something different?” shares Jorgie. “And then beyond that, a well thought out plot and character development is important, alongside great world-building, if that's applicable. It's important to remember that when reading a lot of pitches per day, having that key distinguisher is vital. And of course, the writing is something that everyone looks at, no matter the genre.” 

Books that Carmen and Jorgie have worked on...

What advice would you give to unpublished writers working on books in this space  .

'As readers, it’s important that we feel the excitement of the author come through in the writing'

“Read widely within the genre to familiarise yourself with what people are enjoying and what stories engage you the most. As readers, it’s important that we feel the excitement of the author come through in the writing,” advises Carmen. If you're creating an alternate fantasy world, pay attention to world-building as well: “Readers want to feel as if they’ve been transported into the story, so making the world feel believable is key. Without that foundation, it’s hard for them to feel invested in the characters and the plot.”

'Establish your audience, be bold in the route you want to go down and be completely open to the editorial process.'

“As mentioned, the world of SFFH (science fiction, fantasy, horror) is vast, so knowing where you want your book to sit can be helpful in the writing process,” says Jorgie. “Establish your audience, be bold in the route you want to go down and be completely open to the editorial process. You’re creating a whole world with your words, so be creative and have fun!”

Networking can be a good way to develop your writing too. “The authors I work with benefit massively from networking with other authors that are both published and not yet published. Go to author events and join networks!”

Feeling ready to start writing your own fantasy or science fiction novel, or finesse work you’ve already started? Head over to WriteNow to submit your book before midnight on Sunday 16 June.   

Get started in writing science fiction and fantasy

By adam roberts.

• 4 Want to read
• 1 Currently reading
• 0 Have read

Preview Book

My Reading Lists:

Use this Work

Create a new list

My book notes.

My private notes about this edition:

Check nearby libraries

• Library.link

Buy this book

Roberts explains how science fiction and fantasy can vary from standard fiction, and introduces you to the seven key science fiction and fantasy tropes. He shows you how to access and develop stories that will captivate readers, and help you generate original ideas.

Previews available in: English

Showing 1 featured edition. View all 1 editions?

Add another edition?

Book Details

Table of contents, edition notes.

Includes index.

"Create fantastic worlds and stories" --cover.

"Featuring the new Workshop Method" --cover.

Classifications

The physical object, community reviews (0).

• Created July 18, 2019
• 9 revisions

Wikipedia citation

Copy and paste this code into your Wikipedia page. Need help?