Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

Mastering the Craft of Speculative Fiction

Whether you're building galactic empires, magical kingdoms, or dystopian futures, this guide will help you bring imagined worlds to life — and keep readers turning pages.

USA Today bestselling author Steve Alcorn has taught more than 100,000 students to structure their novels. In Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy, he breaks down the essential craft of speculative fiction with the same practical, no-nonsense approach that has made his writing courses a favorite at more than 1,500 colleges and universities worldwide.

Inside you'll discover:

• How to build worlds that feel real — from magic systems to future technologies
• Creating compelling characters readers will follow anywhere
• Pacing, suspense, and scene structure that drive your story forward
• Mastering voice, viewpoint, and character arcs
• Genre-specific techniques for time travel, space opera, high fantasy, urban fantasy, and more
• How to edit, publish, and market your speculative fiction

Whether you're drafting your first novel or your tenth, this is your essential companion for navigating the vast terrain of science fiction and fantasy — and turning your ideas into stories that resonate.