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Writer’s Guide to Twine

by Aidan Doyle

Twine was created by Chris Klimas in 2009 and is “an open-source tool for telling interactive, nonlinear stories.” Simply put, it’s a program that makes it easier for writers to make their own “Choose Your Own Adventure” style fiction. There are a number of tools for writing interactive fiction, but Twine is one of the simplest and most popular.

Teaching Stuff: Going Forth

by Richard J. Chwedyk

Writers are often asked to teach. Many writers take to the change of pace with enthusiasm. Many others view this kind of employment with existential dread. Perhaps for good reason. Before you can teach, you need ask yourself what you know.

Odyssey Workshop Open for Applications

News from the nonprofit Odyssey Workshop: ODYSSEY RESIDENTIAL SIX-WEEK WORKSHOP FOR FANTASY, SCIENCE FITCTION, AND HORROR WRITERS NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS Just the facts summary: Who: Writers of Fantasy, SciFi, and Horror who want to improve their skills through in-depth instruction and feedback from Jeanne Cavelos, a bestselling author and a former senior editor at Bantam […]

2016 Andre Norton Award Jury Recommended Reading List

As part of the SFWA Nebula Awards process this year, the Andre Norton Award Jury went to work reading eligible young adult and middle grade fiction. Starting early in 2016, six volunteers had the difficult task of narrowing down a lot of fiction. Through all that reading, they’ve come up with a recommended reading list in addition to the finalists that have already been announced. We hope you enjoy.

Four Strategies to Gain Early Reviews for New Releases

by Intisar Khanani.

Last spring I released my third fantasy novel, after three years between books. Since I indie pub, I decided to take a couple extra months to make sure I planned for early reviews. I’m here today to share why early reviews are important, and the strategies I used to gain those reviews.

In Memoriam: Susan Casper

Susan Casper (b.1947) died on February 24 following a long illness. A member of SFWA throughout her life, her first published story was “Spring-Fingered Jack,” which appeared in the Charles L. Grant anthology, Fears in 1983.  Over the next twenty years, she continued to publish short fiction, usually alone, but occasionally in collaboration with her […]

Overview of Game Production and the Role of Writers

by Monica Valentinelli

When you produce a game, you’re creating the interactive means for players to share a common experience that is often shaped by a story or narrative. The point, or goal, of that interaction will vary by the type of game. In games set in an expansive world like Star Wars, the Forgotten Realms, or Dragon Age, the goals will be present on a macro and micro level. Those goals drive the game design and shape how writers will intersect with the game’s text.