via Goodreads
Gotham, being the awesome writing classes school that it is, sometimes gets sent books! Recently, we received Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror from Penguin books. As soon as it came out of the box, I whipped my head around because I LOVE Science Fiction and Fantasy! I wouldn’t say I’m the most in depth in terms of knowing books and authors, but it’s still the genre I am most attached to, so,–outside of TV writing– it’s the genre I want to write for. The ideas I have in my head are usually of the Speculative Fiction genre. Stories about mermaids and genies and magicians etc. So of course I grabbed on to the book and devoured the advice and exercises. This isn’t any kind of commissioned review, the opinions are certainly my own and I decided to write about it because I actually did use certain techniques and ideas from the book to inspire my work.
Things I gained from the book:
- Even though speculative fiction might feature space or dragons or warlocks, the best way to keep the story (any story) universal is to focus on family. This doesn’t mean blood relations, but the relationships between the characters. Work families, school families, etc. Harry Potter’s friends were his family; we love the magic, but we also love the friendships. The most memorable thing about Star Wars, besides awesome lightsaber battles, is “No, I am your father.” Focusing on relationships between people makes all readers relate to your story, even if they don’t relate to your world. “Human detail in inhuman fantasy” allows the reader to identify with the world.
- Enjoy use of the word “said” as a marker of dialogue. Overusing specific dialogue tags can sometimes bring the reader out of the story or tells rather than shows the reader how a character is feeling. “Said” allows for a faster read, as well. The reader glosses over them, allowing them to move straight through the dialogue. Use the character’s words and vocal/nonverbal attributes of speech to express meaning.
- Stop using “was.” Be active.
- Ruin your villain’s life. Push him too far to get him where he’s truly evil. Does he realize he’s a villain and not care? Is he vindicated by a form of righteousness? How does he achieve his evil? What are his limits and short comings. Why do his henchmen follow him?
- Magic: What is the source of magic? If it’s granted by a higher being, it must be less powerful than that being and probably has conditions. What is he cost of using magic?
I learned a bunch more, but they’re incorporated into questions and ideas about projects I’d like to work on. I’ve got stories in my head featuring genies and mermaids and androids, so this book was perfect for me. Now! Write also does mysteries, I’d love to check that one out next, they’re one of my go-to genres when looking for a book to read (I love Agatha Christie).
Check out Now Write! Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. It just might jump start some of your ideas, it did mine.
Star and Ace 