Writing Speculative Fiction

Defining Genre And Useful Tips For The Novice

Jun 4, 2008 Lynne Jamneck

So you want to write Speculative Fiction? Don't call it Sci-Fi. Know who you're writing for, and what to write about.

Writing is a difficult profession. Wanting to be a published, successful writer is even more challenging. It takes consistent and constant hard work, total commitment and a fighting attitude. But if a writer works hard at the craft and is determined, they are bound to succeed.

Genre

Often, writers choose a specific field or genre, that their work will be categorized under. If Speculative Fiction is your chosen field you might be put off by the idea that it is a niche field as opposed to, for instance, crime fiction, a field that produce many of the contemporary fiction market's top sellers worldwide. Take heart, though, because there are several pros involved if your chosen field is that of imaginative fiction.

Write Every Day

Writers get asked many questions about the nature of the publishing industry. How do I get my foot in the door, how do I find a publisher, how do I procure an agent? There are different answers to all of these, but the most important one stays the same: Write. Submit. Write more. Submit again. Write even more. Submit. Following this simple rule will help you hone your skills as a writer, the basic foundation that naturally leads to everything else. Getting published without the necessary exercise (and a few rejection slips) is like wanting to win the Olympics by running around the block a few times a day.

The speculative publishing industry is an umbrella term for a number of smaller, specialised genres, including:

  • · Fantasy
  • · Science Fiction
  • · Magic Realism
  • · Slipstream
  • · Paranormal

The good news is that the speculative publishing industry is perhaps the friendliest, most supportive hub within the publishing industry. Don't be afraid to email an editor or well-known author directly. You are very like to receive a friendly response, and perhaps even a handy tip or word of encouragement. Why are SF and other spec authors so willing to impart wisdom and encouragement?

Because they want to share.

Speculative writing is, after all, about ideas. It's about fostering a dialogue and spreading thoughts.

It is The Asimov Meme--one thought jumps from one speculative brain to another, creating subversive thoughts and ideas, challenging our views of society, technology, and biology—our very notion of what it is to be human.

Like any other genre, a prospective writer should do careful research about the field he/she chooses to write for. Spec fiction is no different. Keep in mind a few basics:

  • Good SF is about People, not technology. lf you write Hard SF that focuses on technology and science, make sure to always reflect back on the human aspect.
  • Fantasy is not only about orcs and elves. Learn about the different arms on the trees. Science Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Contemporary, Urban, Dark Fantasy, Elfpunk, Mythic Fiction, Heroic Fantasy and several others.
  • Refrain from calling science-fiction sci-fi. It is an old, outdated term not used within the SF community. Using proper terms will show that you know what you are talking about, and at the same time make Editors take you more seriously.

There are also a number of organisations focused on speculative writing. Joining these will expose the aspiring writer to others in the community and be of enormous value in terms of networking.

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America

The Speculative Literature Foundation

The copyright of the article Writing Speculative Fiction in Writing Fiction is owned by Lynne Jamneck. Permission to republish Writing Speculative Fiction in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Asimov's Meme, J. Gavin Asimov's Meme
   
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