Writing Science Fiction: Getting Started


© Alissa Grosso

You've read Asimov's, Analog, and F&SF religiously for years. You eagerly await the publication of Connie Willis's next novel. You spend your work days dreaming up stories about space aliens and time travel instead of working on that sales report that you are supposed to have done by tomorrow. Face it, you are a science fiction junkie, and it's time you got serious about all those crazy ideas floating around in your head. It's time to put them down on paper.

Where to begin? No matter what you're skill level the web offers many valuable resources for writers. Whether you are a novice writer who wants to learn about the basics of writing fiction or an experienced writer hoping to break into the big leagues, you will find many sites to help you make your dreams of literary success come true. In coming weeks, we will explore a number of these web sites. This week we will take a look at four web sites offering advice on the basics of science fiction.

How to Write Science Fiction http://www.sfwriter.com/owindex.htm Robert J. Sawyer is a successful science fiction writer. He has shared his advice on writing science fiction in his "On Writing" column in the Canadian Magazine On Spec. Now you can have access to past columns at Sawyer's website. Several columns are available on the web including advice on character, dialog, and description. This site offers helpful advice on creating science fiction with specific information on the particular elements of a good story.

Aspiring Writers http://www.starrigger.net/advice.htp Jeffrey A. Carver another successful science fiction writer has a website at starrigger.net with a special page offering advice to aspiring writers. This short article offers a broad overview of the steps that serious writers should take if they want to get published.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Writing SF http://www.sfwa.org/writing The Science Fiction Writers of America web site is by far the best resource for articles on the craft of writing. The site features several articles by top name authors. The articles are organized by skill level, making it very easy to navigate.

How to Prepare Your Manuscript http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/dec9... Have you already written a flawless short story that you are eager to publish? One of the biggest mistakes you can make is submitting sloppy manuscripts or manuscripts that blatantly disregard standard manuscript format. Find out everything you need to know about formatting your manuscript in this writerswrite.com article. Editors immediately discard submissions in non-standard fonts, stapled manuscripts, or submissions lacking an SASE. Don't make these common mistakes. Prove that you are a serious professional by submitting a manuscript that is up to code.

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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

6.   May 13, 2001 8:52 PM
I wanted to thank everyone for their warm and hearty welcome. Suite 101 seems like a great place. I'm so glad I discovered it.

--Alissa Grosso ...


-- posted by alissa23


5.   May 12, 2001 7:43 AM
Hi Alissa,

Your off to a great start with this very informative article. I'm off to follow those links.

Welcome to Suite101!
Tina ...


-- posted by Tina_Coruth


4.   May 11, 2001 3:25 PM
In response to message posted by swest:

Well, this looks like a fun topic! Can't wait to read your next article. Welcome ...

-- posted by AnneWatkins


3.   May 10, 2001 9:30 AM
I enjoyed your article and will check out the websites you listed. I'm looking forward to more.

-- posted by swest


2.   May 10, 2001 5:23 AM
What a well researched article! Good job. I look forward to reading more from you.

-- posted by natalieparker





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