Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy summary
Brief summary
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card provides valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring writers looking to craft compelling and immersive speculative fiction stories.
Topics
Table of Contents
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
Summary of key ideas
Mastering the Art of World-Building
In How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy, Orson Scott Card begins by emphasizing the importance of creating a believable and immersive world for your readers. He advises writers to establish the rules of their world early on, including its physical laws, social structures, and technological limits. Card stresses the significance of consistency in world-building, noting that the more detailed and logical your world is, the more your readers will be drawn into it.
Card also discusses the role of characters in world-building, suggesting that their beliefs, desires, and actions should be consistent with the rules of the world they inhabit. He encourages writers to consider how their characters interact with their surroundings and how their unique perspectives can reveal different aspects of the world to the reader.
Plotting and Storytelling in Speculative Fiction
After establishing the world, Card moves on to discuss the importance of plot and storytelling in speculative fiction. He explains that while the setting may be fantastical, the story itself should be grounded in relatable human experiences. To this end, he suggests that writers focus on the emotional journey of their characters, as well as the moral and ethical dilemmas they face.
Card also addresses the concept of "the MICE quotient" – a framework he developed to categorize different types of stories: milieu, idea, character, and event. He argues that understanding the primary focus of your story – whether it's the world, the concept, the characters, or the events – can help you structure your plot and develop your narrative more effectively.
Character Development and Dialogue
Card then delves deeper into character development, emphasizing the importance of creating complex and relatable characters. He advises writers to consider their characters' backstories, motivations, and goals, as well as their relationships with other characters in the story. Card also provides practical techniques for developing well-rounded characters, including character questionnaires and exercises designed to explore their inner lives.
In addition, Card offers insights into writing convincing dialogue, highlighting the importance of subtext, voice, and authenticity. He provides guidance on how to use dialogue to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and create tension and conflict within the story.
Polishing Your Manuscript and Getting Published
In the latter part of How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy, Card offers advice on revising and polishing your manuscript. He encourages writers to seek feedback from trusted readers and to approach the revision process with a critical eye, focusing on improving clarity, coherence, and pacing.
Finally, Card discusses the process of getting published in the speculative fiction market. He provides an overview of the publishing industry, including the roles of agents, editors, and publishers, and offers practical tips for submitting your work and navigating the business side of writing.
Conclusion: Embracing the Imagination
In conclusion, How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring writers in the speculative fiction genre. Orson Scott Card's insights and advice cover every aspect of the writing process, from world-building and plot development to character creation and the path to publication. Above all, Card encourages writers to embrace their imagination and to use the unique tools of speculative fiction to explore the depths of the human experience.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy about?
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card is a comprehensive guide that delves into the intricacies of crafting compelling speculative fiction. From world-building to creating unique characters, Card offers invaluable insights and practical advice for aspiring writers. Whether you're a fan of the genre or an aspiring author, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of storytelling.
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy Review
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card (1990) is a valuable resource for aspiring writers delving into the realms of speculative fiction. Here's why this book is definitely worth a read:
- Offers insightful guidance on world-building and crafting believable, immersive universes.
- Includes practical tips on plot development and character creation specific to the science fiction and fantasy genres.
- Provides insider knowledge from a seasoned author to help aspiring writers navigate the complexities of speculative fiction writing.
Who should read How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy?
Aspiring writers who want to learn how to craft compelling science fiction and fantasy stories
Those who are passionate about world-building and creating unique and immersive fictional universes
Readers who are interested in understanding the conventions and tropes of the speculative fiction genres
Categories with How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book summaries like How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy FAQs
What is the main message of How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy?
The main message of How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy is to guide aspiring writers in crafting compelling speculative fiction.
How long does it take to read How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy?
Reading time for How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy varies, but expect several hours. Blinkist summary takes just a few minutes.
Is How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy a good book? Is it worth reading?
How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy is a valuable resource for writers wanting to delve into sci-fi and fantasy. It offers practical insights for aspiring authors.
Who is the author of How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy?
The author of How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy is Orson Scott Card.
What to read after How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy?
If you're wondering what to read next after How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau