The Craft of Writing Science Fiction That Sells [Hardcover]

Ben Bova (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0898796008 | ISBN-13: 978-0898796001 | Publication Date: February 1994 | Edition: 1st

Guides writers step by step through the major elements of SF storytelling, showing how to construct strong, editor-attracting stories and novels.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ben Nova, best-selling novelist and former editor of Analog and Omni magazines, guides you through the major elements of science-fiction storytelling: character, background, conflict, and plot. Bova has received the Hugo Award for Best Professional Editor six times.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 1st edition (February 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898796008
• ISBN-13: 978-0898796001
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #671,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good advice on the craft of writing, June 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Craft of Writing Science Fiction That Sells (Hardcover)

Though I admit I'm not so keen on Bova's writing style in itself, he offers good advice on the actual mechanics of building a story: character, plot, conflict, etc. He rightfully recognizes that most budding writers have the talent but are rejected because of poor *craft*, which he says can be taught. The book goes a long way in doing so.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this if you're serious about writing Science Fiction, May 13, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Craft of Writing Science Fiction That Sells (Hardcover)

I have read the negative reviews on this site. I'd like to say that those reviewers don't know what they are talking about. Perhaps they are hack writers who think the label "Science Fiction" means there are no rules to follow. If so, they are wrong. There are tons of bad science fiction stories written by people who don't take their craft seriously. Unfortunately, some of the bad stuff winds up getting published. However, if you seriously want to write quality science fiction then you need to read this book.

This book is an excellent guide in how to create stories. It somewhat focuses on short stories, but also has chapters on novels. Ben Bova does cover the special requirements of science fiction and ways to work with them.

This book discusses what good writing actually requires. And Ben Bova is someone who ought to know, given his career. Good writing is good writing, no matter the genre. Ben Bova spells out what is good and what is not. I think this might have bothered some of the other reviewers.

Another review mentioned Orson Scott Card's book on writing Science Fiction, and I suggest reading that one as well. But, Card's book focuses on the special requirements of Science Fiction and Fantasy and does not cover the basics of how to write something that people will actually pay their hard earned money to get a chance to read. Ben Bova's book does cover that.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Short Fiction or Novel, SciFi or Other, Read This Book, December 21, 2004

By 

Greg (Midlothian, VA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Craft of Writing Science Fiction That Sells (Hardcover)

I found this book to be most instructive. It offers practical advice and a checklist of things to look for when writing a novel. In fact, it is valuable advice for any type of novel, not just a Science Fiction novel. But if you are interested in writing Science Fiction, there are valuable details that you won't find in other books. If you want to write either a novel or fictional short story, this is a must-read.