Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction

This all-in-one comprehensive guide will show you how to write the next great fantasy or science fiction story.

In Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction, master authors offer advice on world building, character creation, and storytelling techniques in speculative fiction.

Combining two Writer's Digest classics, Orson Scott Card's How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy and The Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference, along with two new selections from award-winning science fiction and fantasy authors Philip Athans and Jay Lake, this book provides the best of all worlds. You'll discover:

• How to build, populate, and dramatize fantastic new worlds.
• How to develop dynamic and meaningful themes that will expand the cannon of sci-fi and fantasy storytelling.
• Exciting subgenres such as steampunk, as well as new developments in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.
• How to imbue your tales with historically accurate information about world cultures, legends, folklore, and religions.
• Detailed descriptions of magic rituals, fantastic weapons of war, clothing and armor, and otherworldly beasts such as orcs, giants, elves, and more.
• How societies, villages, and castles were constructed and operated on a day-to-day basis.
• Astounding methods of interstellar travel, the rules of starflight, and the realities and myths of scientific exploration.
• How to generate new ideas and graft them to the most popular themes and plot devices in sci-fi and fantasy writing.

To create credible and thrilling fiction, you must ground your stories in rules, facts, and accurate ideas. Writing Fantasy & Science Fiction will guide you through the complex and compelling universe of fantasy and science fiction writing and help you create stories for the next generation of readers and fans.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs