How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card

From one of the all-time bestselling authors of science fiction and fantasy writing comes an excellent resource for beginners or pros. How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card covers topics such as the creation of worlds and alien societies and the use and rules of magic, topics specific to the genre. Learn creative science fiction and fantasy writing from one of the masters.


I don't know why it took me so long to get to this book. I love to learn more about this craft I've chosen. Card teaches The Mice Quotient: "All stories contain four elements that can determine structure:

Milieu
Idea
Character
Event

While each is present in every story, there is generally one that dominates the others.
Which one dominates? The one that the author cares about most. this is why the process of discovering the structure of a story is usually a process of self-discovery. Which aspect of the story matters most to you? That is the aspect that will give you your story's structure."
Great ideas in this book that will help any writer.

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Card has taken the venerable sf concepts of a superman and an interstellar war against aliens, and, with superb characterization, pacing and language, combined them into a seamless story of compelling power.

I really enjoyed this book. The book was a good study in character development. I didn't like the swearing or the course way some subjects were dealt with or how young boys were treated. It reminded me of 'Maze Runner' or 'Lord of the Flies' in dealing with young boys.
But overall, it was a fascinating book and I had a hard time putting it down.

Taffy's Rating:
PG-PG13
Some swearing, course language, themes of bullying, death, war and aliens.
Boys would like this book.

Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card

This unabridged edition of the New York Times bestseller is the direct sequel to the classic Ender's Game from Orson Scott Card, winner of the Nebula and Hugo Awards. In the aftermath of his terrible war, Ender Wiggin disappeared, and a powerful voice arose: the Speaker for the Dead, who told the true story of the Bugger War. Now, long years later, a second alien race has been discovered by Portuguese colonists on the planet Lusitania. But again the aliens' ways are strange and frightening ... again, humans die. And it is only the Speaker for the Dead, who is also Ender Wiggin the Xenocide, who has the courage to confront the mystery ... and the truth. Orson Scott Card infuses this tale with intellect by casting his characters in social, religious and cultural contexts.
WOW.
That is the only word I can think of to describe my experience while reading 'Speaker for the Dead'.
Mr. Card doesn't waste any words while writing this book. Every word, sentence or person moves the story forward.
Ender Wiggins wants to redeem himself after killing thousands of aliens. Only after killing did he realize the aliens or 'buggers' weren't trying to hurt Earth. And Ender was used as a killing machine to kill them, but he didn't know he was a tool until after. Ironically, most humans hate him, calling him a murderer.
But no one knows that he saved one alien and will make penitance when he is able to find a new home for the bugger queen.
By this time travel among the stars is a way of life. On another planet, a repected scientist is killed by aliens he is studying. Speaker for the Dead is called and Ender responds.
This story has twists and turns and strange worlds to explore. All the characters are flawed which made it easy for me to identify with their stories and love them.
I even cried. A sacrifice made for another was moving.

Taffy's rating:
PG
Death, a few swear words, deep themes, strange words and names