Writing Speculative Fiction: Creative and Critical Approaches

by Eugen Bacon

In this engaging and accessible guide, Eugen Bacon explores writing speculative fiction as a creative practice, drawing from her own work, and the work of other writers and theorists, to interrogate its various subgenres. Through analysis of writers such as Stephen King, J.R.R. Tolkien and J. K. Rowling, this book scrutinises the characteristics of speculative fiction, considers the potential of writing cross genre and covers the challenges of targeting young adults. It connects critical and cultural theories to the practice of creative writing, examining how they might apply to the process of writing speculative fiction. Both practical and critical in its evaluative gaze, it also looks at e-publishing as a promising publishing medium for speculative fiction.

This is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of creative writing, looking to develop a critical awareness of, and practical skills for, the writing of speculative fiction. It is also a valuable resource for creators, commentators and consumers of contemporary speculative fiction. Chapter 8, 'Horror and the Paranormal' was shortlisted for the Australasian Horror Writers Association (AHWA)'s 2019 Australian Shadows Awards.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

196 pages, Paperback

Published May 3, 2019

Reviews

[Clare Rhoden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure trove of essential information, inspiration, and writing practice that will jump-start your appreciation and creation of speculative fiction: you know - fantasy (yum), sci-fi (delicious), horror (eeeeek), and all the bitty little sorts under them (space opera, sword-and-sorcery, grunge...) You get the picture. Great examples from important texts and brilliant exercises for us writers and emerging/aspirational writers...

[Alexandra M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eugen Bacon provides an intriguing insight into the process of writing speculatice fiction. It is an easy read, but provides valuable exercises, and is a practical exploration of a genre that is difficult to pinpoint. It weaves together a narrative, definitions, anecdotes, and emotive writing in a way not previously seen.

[Louisa John-Krol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I have provided a passionate, detailed appraisal at Australian Fairy Review (my personal blog) and frequently consult my copy of this inspiring book as a guide. In particular, I endorse Eugen's open minded approach to genre-bending, which sometimes defies the marketing categories of commercial publishers or retailers. Further, I recommend Eugen's own fiction, such as her new novel Claiming T-Mo (Meerkat Press), her poetry and Thirteen Wicked Tales!

[K.C. Grifant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and a great resource for writers!

[Lor · Rating 5 out of 5]

My professor suggested I keep an eye out for this since March-ish and it was definitely what I've been needing for a while. Offers so much towards the writing of spec fic, and has been hugely helpful even in my analysis work, plus helped bring me back to some 'basics' that were getting away from me. It returns again and again to the definition - or rather the difficulty or impossibility of truly finding a clear definition - of speculative fiction and related genres. Outlines how to approach, and what makes up, each kind of story, and finishes each chapter with really helpful writing exercises.

[Eugen Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Various reviews as published on the book page on the Macmillan site:

This is an exciting book from a writer who knows how to enliven her prose with ideas, analysis, anecdotes and stunning quotations from her deep and wide reading. The compelling beauty of this book is the way it moves between ideas and stories, between analysis and narrative. – Kevin Brophy, University of Melbourne, Australia

The insights are often provocative and always useful. It sensibly focuses on how a writer can approach the idea of speculative fiction, and then brings in a critical perspective. – George Green, Lancaster University, UK

As a book it is quite comfortable setting the writing of speculative fiction within the broader approaches to writing and linking those back to the giants of speculative writing over the last half-century or more. It is a concise and well-structured book that gently leads readers through the basics, while at every stage addressing its topic with appropriate examples, and exercises. – Shane Strange, University of Canberra, Australia

[Maddison Stoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive introduction to the universe of speculative fiction which blurs the line between narrative and critercism, with endless interesting references to novels and writers for readers to explore.

[Lyn Haines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eugen Bacon has delivered a fantastic resource for writers, teachers, readers and students of speculative fiction.

My personal favourite was Chapter 3 Vogler's hero/ine's journey with it's wonderful discussion on character archetypes and plots.

There is also a great deal of interesting material on sub-genres and wise words from the likes of Stephen King, Christopher Vogler and Ursula Le Guin.

Highly recommend to those who wish to improve their storytelling or simply enjoy speculative fiction.

[Veronica Strachan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fabulous material in these pages. A thoughtful and well structured combination of theory, examples, and practical exercises to stretch your writerly brain. Bacon critically breaks down the classics, the current, and more to explore speculative fiction in all its chaotic and polemic wonder, and opens your mind to a world of possibilities.
A great read for anyone interested in speculative fiction.

[Paul Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, easy-to-read and practical guide to improving one's writing. A lot of useful information and clear insights, using examples to demonstrate points and illustrate approaches and techniques.


Disclosure: One of my short fiction works is reviewed in this book