Worlds of Wonder: How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy

This book is a useful and interesting presentation of the many tricks of the trade of writing sci-fi and fantasy. However, since it has no plot, no main character, and no setting, it was hard for me to come away with a lasting memory of all that was said. I remember several excellent tips, but I will have to take them each one at a time and edit my current book from start to finish with that helpful hint in mind. This is a good reference to have, with many goals to aspire to.

It's hard to say whether I should recommend this one or not. On one hand, I was looking for science fiction and fantasy specific advice, and this doesn't have it. It's really just another book on writing, which I've read enough of. There wasn't much here I didn't already know.

On the other hand, I like Gerrold's style of writing. This was definitely better than Bird by Bird and comparable to "On Writing" by Stephen King. He makes the book fun to read.

On the other other hand, the examples that Gerrold cites are all his own works. And they are looooong examples. At a certain point, it makes me wonder whether this volume was as self-promotional as it was self-help.

For some odd reason, I picked up this book and started to read it although I really have little desire to write a book, or the talent necessary to do so. But David Gerrold's writing is inherently interesting, and I breezed through this book in several hours.

It was ok, like I said, interesting - but more interesting from a standpoint of knowing the thoughts that go through his head as he writes, rather than useful information on how someone else could write Science Fiction. Most of the information might be interesting to someone that has just started out writing, but anyone that has given more than two thoughts about it probably won't find the book all that useful.

Some interesting new ideas or ways of looking at writing. But a lot of it is a rehash of things you already know if you read or write science fiction and fantasy extensively. Or if you've read other books about writing science fiction and fantasy. World-building, etc. He also uses a fair amount of excerpts from his own writing. Which is useful in a way, but also annoying, especially when the excerpt goes on and on, as one sex/love scene example does.Though I'll admit he did say some things about some of his books that intrigued me. I really should read some more of his novels.

A really good resource for those wanting to write science fiction. David Gerrold presents the information in an informal way that still manages to be helpful in pursuing this genre. Besides, how can you dislike the man who wrote the famous "The Trouble with Tribbles" episode of the original Star Trek?

Excellent book, lots of "Aha!" moments while reading it.