Fantasy and Science Fiction Writing Group

Here is the home page of the Fantasy and Science Fiction Group, part of the Writing Center of the Wikiversity School of Language and Literature! Glad you found us. Here we have resources for experienced or amateur, serious or hobbyist fantasy and science fiction writers; including suggested reading lists, links to helpful sites, unconventional courses, and more.

Here is a list of some of the best science fiction and fantasy books for a writer to read. Please feel free to add your own favorites to this section, but make sure that you list why you liked the book and why it is a good study for science fiction and fantasy writers to read.

• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien: Arguably one of the best fantasy worlds ever created, with a comprehensive history and mythology and several invented languages. There is also a significant amount of original poetry and wonderful prose.

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: prequel to The Lord of the Rings mentioned above; in the same world. It is generally easier to read than the Lord of the Rings on multiple levels.

• Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix: Consisting of Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen; this series for young adults is arguably Nix's best work. A very interesting, highly original fantasy world that mixes traditional fantasy elements such as magic, with non-traditional ones, such as the zombie-like Dead, and some contemporary, historical and scientific ingredients as well.

• Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer: an arguably poorly written, far too wordy series for teens; the books nevertheless a valuable read for an aspiring or established fantasy or science fiction writer. If nothing else, the reader will probably take away some awareness of the pitfalls Meyer has regrettably fallen into and possibly some idea of how to write a novel as compulsively readable. The saga consists of Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn in that order.

• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: many of you would have already read this series. Mainly intended for children and teens. But, can be read by all. The set books, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages, also give the fantasy learners a short but arguably wonderful course on fantasy writing, not to mention the knowledge of various fantastical creatures.

www.writesf.com Jeffrey A. Carver's Science Fiction & Fantasy writing course