First published 2019
Crawford Kilian and Silvia Moreno-Garcia combine nearly five decades of writing experience to guide authors through the craft of speculative fiction. The book addresses the umbrella genre that encompasses both science fiction and fantasy's expanding subgenres. Rather than offering motivational speeches or success anecdotes, the authors deliver practical instruction on genre mechanics, including how to bend and blend different categories effectively. They tackle common writing obstacles like self-editing challenges, character development that feels authentic, and plot construction that avoids formulaic patterns. The authors provide concrete techniques for world-building that readers will find credible and character creation that feels plausible. Their approach emphasizes hands-on application over theory, encouraging writers to pause reading and begin practicing immediately. The book concludes with marketing guidance to help authors position their completed works successfully, while pushing writers to exceed both their own limitations and market expectations to develop distinctive voices within speculative fiction.
Genres: reference, writing, non-fiction, how-to, academic
Vibes: instructional, practical, thought-provoking
Tropes: hands-on-application, practical-instruction
168 pages · Paperback · Self-Counsel Press