Eyes On The Stars: Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy

by Sean Williams

"I'm not going to lie to you. There are no secret handshakes or rules that will get you on your particular dream-path. If there was, we'd all be on our own already. If you want to be a successful writer, be prepared to have to make up most of it as you go along."
In these essays, Sean Williams-the best-selling author of over 120 short stories and fifty novels-shares his thoughts on the aspects of writing craft and the publishing business that young authors should know.
Drawn from essays, keynotes, and presentations delivered over a decades-long career, Eyes on the Writing Science Fiction & Fantasy features Williams' thoughts on balancing passion and professionalism, understanding the new writer's career path, embracing the delicate art of writing media tie-ins, and reaching for the stars with your writerly ambitions.
Whether you're looking for writing advice from one of the preeminent writers of Science Fiction and Fantasy working in Australia today, or you're a fan of Williams' work who'd like to capture a slice of his creative philosophies, this chapbook is chock full of advice from a veteran of the Australian genre scene.

50 pages, Paperback

Published February 8, 2021

About the author

#1 New York Times bestselling Sean Williams lives with his family in Adelaide, South Australia. He’s written some books--forty-two at last count--including the Philip K. Dick-nominated Saturn Returns, several Star Wars novels and the Troubletwister series with Garth Nix. Twinmaker is a YA SF series that takes his love affair with the matter transmitter to a whole new level. You can find some related short stories over at Lightspeed Magazine and elsewhere. Thanks for reading.

Reviews

[Lucas Mattila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good stuff, but a lot of it is really general -- things that I wouldn't expect to need to be said by anyone who's as much as googled how to be a writer. The style of writing and some of the tips are good though, so I would still recommend it.

[Jason Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative read. If you are thinking of trying to make a career as a writer, this book provides invaluable advice.

[Sheriden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small volume full of excellently practical advice for writers of any persuasion, but especially science fiction and fantasy. Sean Williams writes with humour and wit that cuts to the essence of the writers experience and the challenges of trying to make a loving from writing. He draws on his own experience to share some harsh truths and uplifting inspiration in equal measure.