Books: Worlds of Wonder

Worlds of Wonder

My Verdict: Skim It

Worlds of Wonder: How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by David Gerrold is a good book for those debating about writing in science fiction for the first time.

In the first 88 pages Gerrold easily describes science fiction step by step and defines where it crosses in to fantasy. You must have:

• A sense of wonder
• A what if scenario
• Adhere firmly to the scientific method and the currently known rules of our universe
• Science is about always asking questions and discarding disproven theories
• The adventure of discovery

While he refers to all science fiction, some might argue that his view leans more to Hard Science Fiction because of his focus on real technology instead of bolognium (made-up technology).

The fantasy chapters did not have clear structure to them or go in depth. Fantasy usually makes its own rules, so he cautions wisely that you understand the newly invented rules of your universe and stick to them for the whole story. He best explains this with, "The reader will suspend disbelief - he won't suspend common sense." (P29).

The other 148 pages of the book are filled with chapters on writing, such as: theme, style, first lines, last lines, simile, metric prose, dialogue and many more. The examples are all science fiction and fantasy, but mostly well known if you've been formally educated in writing.

Throughout the book he refers to and lists a large number of authors. If you are just getting into science fiction and fantasy or want to re-read some of the staples the following list is a good place to start.

Alfred Bester
Marion Zimmer Bradley
CJ Cherryh
Arthur C. Clarke
Harlan Ellison
Jack Finney
Robert A. Heinlein
Zenna Henderson
Ursula K. LeGuin
Richard Matheson
Anne McCaffrey
Judith Merrill
Larry Niven
Frederik Pohl
Ayn Rand
Spider Robinson
Joanna Russ
Theodore Sturgeon
J.R.R. Tolkien - just Fantasy
Jack Vance
A.E. Van Vogt
Kate Wilhelm
Connie Willis
Roger Zelazny

The chapters are mostly concise and for those wondering if they want to write science fiction this might be a good place to start your decision. If you're looking for fantasy - skip this book.

Your Homework: Pick the three authors in your current genre that made you want to write in the same field and read them again to confirm why they impress you.

Rating Scale: Keep On Desk, Own It, Read It, Skim It, Don't Bother