Rick Dakan - Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies

Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies

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Copyright 2022 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2021953552

ISBN: 978-1-119-83909-5 (pbk); ISBN: 978-1-119-84167-8 (ebk); ISBN: 978-1-119-83910-1 (ebk)

1. Chapter 25

1. Chapter 3
2. Chapter 8

You can discover many available books on the craft of writing, including specialty writing books that focus on works of science fiction, fantasy, and/or horror. Some of those books pick one of these genres, and many of these books are excellent. So why would anyone feel the need to buy and read yet another one? Well, let me tell you why. Writing Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Horror For Dummies is different from all the rest in a few different ways:

Firstly, this book tackles all these genres at once. Oftentimes there is a crossover or melding of these genres, and so having a book that directly speaks to each of these genres individually as well as collectively can only benefit you, the writer.

Secondly, this book explores many other ways of creating beyond short stories and novels. Here you can find out more about writing a screenplay, collaborating on graphic novels, designing video games and/or tabletop games, and even creating a real physical haunted house. You can express science fiction, fantasy, and horror in many ways, and this book takes you on all these journeys.

Furthermore, this book provides brilliant examples in all these genres when exploring characterization, plotting, setting, and worldbuilding. Included are discussions on how to imagine monsters, aliens, other worlds and magic systems. Clear and precise examples help illustrate how you can do it effectively. Indeed, the examples are clever and imaginative and very entertaining!

You receive advice on seeking and receiving feedback and the editing process as well as the best use of subject experts and sensitivity readers. The book also offers information on the business of writing and creating, including how to submit your work, how to pitch a story idea, and the what the pros and cons of self-publishing are. Sections throughout deal with methods to overcome writers block and how to jump-start the creative process.

In addition, you have the benefit of all of the real-world experiences of Ryan Van Cleave and Rick Dakan, who have spent years helping writers navigate the waters of creativity. They also have plenty of writing credits, so they clearly know what theyre talking about.

I first became acquainted with Ryan and Rick when I was asked to speak at a Visiting Writers Forum virtual event with the creative writing department at Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida. I was honored to be asked and immediately said yes. This invitation came to me in 2020, when we were all staying home during the pandemic but still trying to move forward artistically and keep our sanity and sense of humor.

I had a blast during this event. Typically, these programs feature a writer, so as an editor, I was doubly honored to be asked. Presenting the editors point of view to up-and-coming writers was important because too often they havent had much experience with the editorial or publishing process. Ryan and Rick asked thoughtful and engaging questions, and I was struck by the depth of their knowledge, not just for my own books, but for the wide range of interest they have all over the writing spectrum. You can tell they have a pure love for all speculative genres, but more importantly, theyre knowledgeable about things outside of genre as well. And clearly, theyre passionate about sharing their knowledge and nurturing other writers. This only serves to improve the guidance they present in this book. More importantly, although the business of writing is serious, Ryan and Rick approach it from a more playful place, which makes this book such a pleasure to read and enjoy.