How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy - Orson Scott Card

[Memnoch]

How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy - Orson Scott Card


Has anyone read this and if so, is it a beneficial instrument to the betterment of works by aspiring writers of this genre, or has it assisted published authors?

Just happened across it on Amazon, with very little written about it I thought I'd seek feedback.

 

[Commonmind]

I happen to have read it, and reread it frequently from time to time. I found, as is the case with On-Writing by Stephen King, it both helped to teach the art of writing as well as lent some insight into Card himself -- which, being a fan, was well worth the price of admission.

Either way, I quite enjoyed it and I would highly recommend it as there's quite a few gems to be found within.

 

[Memnoch]

I have found a similar thread on his area doh!! (Note to self don't be lazy and check for similar threads before starting one!!)

Thanks CM I will purchase said textbook and delve delve delve. I'm not a big fan of Stephen King, although have only read afew books. Would this detract from his On-Writing?

 

[Mary Hoffman]

I think this is a terrific book and recommend it on my website and also to all writing students.

I actually like it better than the only book I have read by OSC, namely Ender's Game.

Mary

 

[daisybee]

I tend to stay away from how to write books, but have seen this one in a few places now, so its good to know it may be a worthwhile investment after all.

 

[The Pelagic Argosy]

I have it, and it's a really interesting read. I enjoy reading books about the craft of writing, and this was a really good one. There was nothing in there that I didn't already know, but it's nice to have your understanding spelled out and reinforced by such a respected professional.

 

[Commonmind]

I have found a similar thread on his area doh!! (Note to self don't be lazy and check for similar threads before starting one!!)

Thanks CM I will purchase said textbook and delve delve delve. I'm not a big fan of Stephen King, although have only read afew books. Would this detract from his On-Writing?

Coincidentally I'm not a fan of his either, yet I still enjoyed On-Writing a great deal, so I'd have to say it doesn't detract at all. And like you, I have read very few of his books, mainly because I found I didn't like his style. In fact the only books I can truly say I enjoyed by him were Eyes of the Dragon and Bag of Bones.

 

[Troo]

I always reccommend How To Write SF&F for aspiring writers in the genre, but do remember that it's not a cutting-edge book these days.

 

[Steph_JC]

I've read this book and I was pretty surprised at how good it was. Another good how to fantasy book is 'Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy' by Brian Stableford, but it's pretty old.

I rather like flicking through these kind of how to books, but in the end I don't think anyone can tell you how to write. You just have to experiment on paper and find out by yourself!

 

[SeanHannifin]

"How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy" has definitely helped me. I also found Orson Scott Card's other book on writing, "Characters and Viewpoint", extremely helpful.

I tend to stay away from how-to-write books as well, as it's a craft you learn by doing, but there are a few great books on writing out there that, to me, do seem worth the time and money.

 

[Lith]

I've read both Card's and King's books, and recommend them both.

I picked up OSC's book a few years ago, didn't find it interesting, and tossed it back. But read it through this spring- I think it makes more sense once you've been writing for a while already. Same with King- it's not so much a "how-to-write" as it's a biography of his own writing process, the ups and downs, etc. It was interesting reading in its own right, and it's remarkably similar to how I write...

The problem with "how-to-write" books is that they're too often read but not followed. But that's not really a problem on the book's part, is it? The other problem is taking them in slavish fashion, but if you read enough writing books, you'll see there are different methods of getting at the same end goal anyway.

 

[Laerten]

I also have this book and found it really interesting. I don't think it (and similar books) should be followed religiously by anyone who has not yet started to write but it is a help if you've stumbled into a blank spot. Just flicking through when I'm stuck has helped me many times.

 

[chopper]

it's not bad, though a good 80% of it really is just common sense (my opinion - other opinions are available). the tip i've been most impressed by so far (i just borrowed it from the library last month) is that of the Good Reader and setting specific questions for that reader to answer.

 

[KESpires]

Card also has a book on character and viewpoint that is also very good. Card is a good teacher.

On Writing by Stephen King is more like a biography in disguise. It is very good, but it's about 50/50 on writing/biography.

I'd recommend reading Speaker for the Dead by Card too. It is fantastic.