James Gunn, emeritus professor of English at the University of Kansas, has published 36 books and nearly 100 short stories. His novels include The Immortals, The Joy Makers, The Listeners, and The Dreamers. He has published seven collections of short stories, including Future Imperfect and Breaking Point. As a professor, he taught fiction writing and science fiction, including a long-running intensive Writers Workshop in Science Fiction. His books about science fiction include Alternate Worlds: The Illustrated History of Science Fiction, Isaac Asimov: The Foundations of Science Fiction, Inside Science Fiction, and the six-volume The Road to Science Fiction. He has now pulled together his experience in writing science fiction and helping others write fiction into The Science of Science-Fiction Writing. Gunn is the 24th writer recognized by the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America as a Grand Master.
"I've shared the annual Lawrence Writer's Workship with Jim Gunn on
and off for nearly thirty years—and many other workshops with many
other leaders as well—and I've come to one simple conclusion. He's
the best."
*Frederik Pohl, Author of The Space Merchants,
Gateway, and Man Plus, former president of The
Science Fiction Writers of Ameri*
This pragmatic overview covers virtually every important aspect of
writing science fiction. A valuable tool for aspiring SF authors,
and a treat for fans with an appreciation for literary history and
theory.
*Kirkus*
Practical advice for anyone who aspires to write popular fiction,
this clear-sighted guide is a must.
*Publishers Weekly*
James Gunn (born 1923) is certainly a vastly experienced sf
writer..he is also a well-known anthologist, so his advice here may
be sager tan that to be found in most books of this type.
*Interzone*
...he [Gunn] clearly and comprehensively explains distinctive
characteristics of SF...any wannabe writer could learn a lot from
this readable and well-organized guide...
*Sfra Review*
The Science of Science-Fiction Writing is a course packet for a
writing course in sf, except that it is bound, cheaper than most
course packets, far better proofread, scrupulous in observing
copyright — and it is by James Gunn...Gunn's advice is classical,
conservative, sensible, stressing character and emotional
appeal...He pushes writers toward disciplined service to their
audience...he should be learned from, and, if one can't go to one
of his workshops, The Science of Science Fiction Writing is a fine
place to study what he has to teach.
*Science Fiction Studies*
...the number one reason to pick up The Science of Science-Fiction
Writing is a most invaluable section that one wonders why more
books on writing haven't included something similiar: an outline of
all the advice Gunn gave during a workshop in 1998 — likely, if a
writer subjected his story to the rigorous distillations here, his
story would sell somewhere...It introduces and offers morsels of
advice that won't be found elsewhere...you could benefit from the
sagacity of Gunn's sixty-plus years of experience.
*Sf Site*
Gunn takes the reader through a careful process of writing SF...The
book is very well organized...anyone with an interest in writing SF
will find this book of considerable value as Gunn shares his
exceptional insight into the world of SF writing.
*Extrapolation*
Science fiction has often been criticized, especially in its early
days, for an alleged tendency to neglect characterization and
character development. There has been some basis in truth for this,
though anyone who thinks is has always been true or always an
intrinsic fault should read the chapter on characters...
*Stanley Schmidt*
The best introduction in print not only to writing but also to
reading science fiction....All SF teachers, indeed any teacher of
literature, will benefit from the chapters devoted to the reasons
people read fiction, the anatomy of the short story, and the
creation of believable characters. Gunn blends his expertise as
both teacher and writer to fashion a work of value to any teacher
or reader of science fiction.
*Anatomy of Wonder, 5th Edition*
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