Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror

   Ideas may be the most difficult part of writing. Whether due to a lack of them, or an intimidating surplus, it is all too common for our internal writing engines to seize up and sputter before they have even churned out a single sentence. Many burgeoning creative writers find this especially true when trying to dream up stories set in the realms of science fiction, fantasy, or horror – that’s where this book comes in!

   Featuring dozens of accomplished authors from across the “speculative fiction” spectrum, this collection of advice, inspiration, and writing exercises is an excellent resource. A significant range of topics are covered: generating ideas; story plotting; worldbuilding; memorable heroes, villains, and monsters; and so much more. Several authors contribute to each section, each providing a few pages of insight and practical advice from their unique perspective. Some provide very concrete exercises, like “eavesdropping on conversations” to turn overheard snippets into a short story, or very intentionally reading an art book for inspiration. Others are geared around imagination and stream-of-consciousness brainstorming, such as asking readers to “Wake up. Do not think. Grab a pencil. Do not think. Write for 12 minutes without stopping.”

   While not all advice or exercises will resonate, it may be the perfect antidote for students trapped in an endless cycle of seemingly random, uninspiring “creative prompts” from their English textbooks. As a writer, I personally find the content much more approachable than most writing advice I’ve seen. So, regardless of where in the writing process the reader may find themselves, consider this book an excellent resource to oil those writing gears! ~ Stephen