Write a Dystopian Novel: 99 Writing Prompts to Craft a Tale of Ruin and Rebellion

by Erik Patterson

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 25, 2025

Reviews

[Martin Maenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adams Media provided an early galley for review.

This is not a genre of storytelling I have had a lot experience playing with so far. My hope that this guide would provide some nuggets of wisdom or inspiration to play in this sandbox at some point was easily met. After some brief tables on character creation and worldbuilding, the bulk is a collection of ninety-nine prompts to get writers thinking about and writing in these types of situations.

This is one of those writing guides that I will revisit from time to time down the road.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is your New Year’s Resolution this year to finally start writing that book idling in your brain for years? If so, Write a Dystopian Novel may just be the push you need to begin.

The book starts with a brief description of the traditional structure of a dystopian novel and how to create your own original world and plot within that format. The bulk of the book contains creative prompts meant to get your creative juices flowing, or to push past a particularly difficult part of your book’s outline.

While the format of the book follows the concepts of a typical writing class, it differs from that in two main ways. First, the author is very encouraging. His words feel like they are speaking directly to you the reader like a close friend. Second, the author uses the reader’s love of dystopian fiction to throw in a multitude of Easter eggs to classic books of the genre. It is a humorous approach to lighten the mood. Bottom line, Write a Dystopian Novel is a surprisingly fun way to explore writing your new novel. And no one judges your work but you! 4 utopian stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Adams Media for providing me with an advanced review copy.

[Jai K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erik has been a driving force in my motivation to write. I was gifted this book to help deal with how to write different situations and it is amazing for getting the creative juices flowing! I honestly struggle so much at writing conflict, this book helped me write conflict from multiple perspectives. If you are a serious writer or aspire to become a novelist, or even if you just want a creative outlet, this book is for you! So many different tropes to explore, there is something for everyone.

Just get it, you know you wanna. The author is also such a sweetie and offers so much encouragement to emerging writers. A+ all around.

[Randal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, all right!!! I have read so many dystopian/time travel/post apocalyptic novels that I find myself thinking, 'I could write that'. But I didn't have any idea of how to get started. Then along came this book, as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and voila, I now have a starting point. The tips/tricks/procedures are great, the writing prompts really helpful. I think that with a little brainstorming and some hard work, I will soon be casting movie stars in the film version of my first series of novels! Thanks to the author, you have been a huge help!

[Tia Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect was struggling with my ideas for my first project. The prompts help the words come to my mind. Will definitely keep this for future reference and will recommend to anyone ready start your Dystopian project. thank you to Erik Patterson and NetGalley for this Reader Copy all opinions are my own.

[Courtney Niblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful to my writing process! These prompts really help me get in my character's head. I use it when I get stuck or when I just want something to play around with.