Tips for Successful Spec Fiction

by Jess Evander, @authorkeller

When most people think spec fiction they picture four-hundred page tomes that have made-up languages, names the reader can’t pronounce, and are heavy on world building. But spec fiction doesn’t have to get bogged down in the details, even when you’re writing complex layers, intersecting plot lines, and many locations.

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Tips for Writing Speculative Fiction

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. After twenty-five years of marriage, she and her hunky hero husband have a full life with their children, a Maltese Menace, and a retired military working dog in Northern Virginia. She can be found at:
     www.roniekendig.com
     Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction)
     Twitter (@roniekendig)
     Goodreads (www.goodreads.com/RonieK)
     Instagram (@kendigronie)
     Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/roniek/)!

Reviewers call Ronie's newest release, EMBERS, "Simply amazing!" 

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For some, the term "speculative" fiction may be new. For others, it's an all-inclusive term indicating stories that are fantasy, science fiction, supernatural/paranormal, etc. I've written twelve novels and nearly a half-dozen novellas in the last five years since my first title debuted, but now I'm also delighted for my speculative novels see the ink of publication. In doing so, I've become more aware than ever that there is always something new to learn. 

So, I invited several friends, who are writing or have written speculative fiction, to share a tip for writing in this unique genre. It's kind of interesting, seeing their answers. None of them knew what the other would write, and it might appear that some contradict each other  But I say--Not so!! For each writer, there is a "perfect" way to write. Hopefully some of these tips will resonate with your style and give you a boost. They sure helped me! 

Speculative Writing Tips

Tosca Lee - New York Times Best-Selling author

Here’s the thing about this genre. It’s so easy to get lost in world-building and research (and don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t research in speculative fiction!). But at some point, it has to stop. Give yourself a time limit and stick to it. Go absolutely crazy crafting your world’s culture, technology, history and language—but stop at the end of the allotted time. Setting the stage is vitally important—but it’s what happens on that stage that counts.

R.J. Anderson - YA Fiction
Author of Rebel

My tip for spec fic writers would be that in all the big sweeping, epic events of your story, don't forget the small, everyday details -- the food your characters eat, the clothes they wear, the way they squabble with other family members or banter with friends, and so on. Because it's those little things that convince readers to suspend their disbelief, and make your characters' lives and experiences feel real. Even in books as tightly written as C.S. Lewis's series, for instance, which are a lot shorter than most modern fantasy, we have descriptions of the miserable tedious hotness of crossing a desert on foot, the squelchy way packets of freshly cut up bear meat feel in one's pockets (Prince Caspian), and a lesson in the importance of cleaning your sword after a battle (The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe). Those moments may not seem to advance the story, but they anchor it and ground it for the reader. An ounce of reality is worth a pound of made-up technobabble.

Joseph Bentz - Fantasy 
Author of Dreams of Caladria

Each type of speculative fiction has its own challenges, but when it comes to fantasy, which is the category in which my novel, Dreams of Caladria (Enclave, 2015) fits, the first tip I would give is to not let the world you create get out of control. Rather than telling a story set within a world that already exists, most fantasy writers are creating a new world from the ground up, and the temptation is to want to tell everything about that world and to let the story sprawl. The first draft of my novel was more than 1,200 pages long, not because the story itself needed to be that long, but because I loved this world and wanted to immerse myself and the reader in it in every way possible. I took those 1,200 pages and rewrote the story from scratch, focusing the plot much more carefully. The shorter version made a much better book. The leftover material is not wasted. It’s still there for use—or at least inspiration—for future books.  

J. Wesley Bush - Science Fiction 

Author of Knox's Irregulars

I think one key to writing speculative fiction, particularly fantasy, urban fantasy, or superheroic fiction, is to strike a balance between the classic and the new. If a novel relies too much on standard tropes, it feels stale, but if nothing is familiar, the reader can easily grow disoriented and frustrated. In my latest fantasy novel, I've included a fair number of classic fantasy creatures, and elements of ancient and medieval cultures, but with a strict rule: any genre tropes have to be given a fresh, creative twist. My dwarves are 'dweorgs,' a cursed race devoid of music or joy and covered in rocky exoskeletons. My hero belongs to a nation of horse lords, but they roam a savanna rather than the steppe. It's great to build your world with classic parts, but be sure to give them a fresh polishing first.

Morgan Busse - Fantasy
Author of the Follower of the Word series

Enjoy “imagining” when writing your speculative novel. That is one of things I love best about writing fantasy or steampunk or even science fiction: asking "what if?" and then placing it in my story. What if there was a race of people who could feel the moods of the ocean and their eyes changed color? What if you could visit other people’s dreams? What if you were the last unicorn? It doesn’t have to be the main part of the plot, it can just be a small aspect of your novel. Maybe dogs can talk in your otherwise contemporary romance novella. Whatever the case, don’t be afraid to open yourself to your imagination and dream!

Serena Chase - Fantasy 
Author of The Sunken Realm

No matter how far “out-there” we go with our settings, characters, and plots, our wild and wily weirdness has to be countered by something relatable to the reader’s concrete reality. This is most easily done relationally, but for a story to satisfy in an emotive and reader-inclusive way, a reader’s known reality also needs to be revisited in moments—in beats and pauses—in which the establishing of daily habits and rituals within the characters’ (or the world’s) reality identify a slightly displaced or mirrored “normal” the reader already knows. Even hardcore high-spec readers who easily adapt to strange spellings and all manner of otherworldliness will abandon a series if they can’t find a familiar door by which they can enter the heart of the world and its main characters. Balancing the far-reaches of imagination with the at-home reality of habit and ritual invites readers into your world.

Shannon Dittemore - YA Fiction
Author of Dark Halo  

When you feel like the least creative soul on the planet, when sitting and writing feel like a waste, give your fingers a chance to prove you wrong. 
We absorb so many moments in our day-to-day living and when filtered through the unique sieve we each carry between our ears, it's often the simple commitment of time that proves we do, in fact, have a little magic stored up inside.

Sharon Hinck - Contemporary Fantasy
Author of The Deliverer

Writers of historical fiction are familiar with the hazards of gathering piles of fascinating research -- so fascinating that they want to include it all in the novel. The best writers are careful to ration the details to those that directly enrich the story without bogging down the pace or showing off the research. Speculative fiction has a similar hazard. We create complex worlds with their own geography, politics, science, and cultures. We draw maps for ourselves, develop richly woven histories. But if we include too much of that detail in the story we can lose the engagement with characters and the emotional impact of the story. It's wonderful for the author to create reams of detailed information--and then NOT include it all in the book. Include only the details that serve the story and the reader.

Ronie Kendig - Speculative Fiction 
Author of Embers

RULES. It might seem counter-intuitive, but make sure you have rules to the unique world you're building. For example, in Embers, my characters can harness and wield heat/fire, but there are rules that guide their wielding, both how and where. I confess when I first starting writing this story, I simply wanted to enjoy the story, so much of the editing process with my amazing editor (waving to Reagan!!) was pushing me to define the rules of the world my characters live in. So, now, I encourage writers to define those as you go and save yourself heartache (and desperate need for chocolate and Starbucks) later! 

Sarah E. Morin
Author of Waking Beauty

Draw maps. I resisted the urge for years, even though many fantasy novels I read began with gorgeous, oldey-timey maps. Why? It felt – pretentious? Maybe I was simply intimidated. But building your world includes geography. My two main kingdoms were at war over an enchanted forest. Well, what stopped the mightier one from simply invading? A mountain range? Lack of seaports? A cold climate could affect what plants and animals thrived there, therefore what they wore, ate, their houses. Midway through writing Waking Beauty, I slapped together a map with purple triangles for mountains and green circles for trees, and slid the shapes around until the plot points meshed. Would my map ever appear in a book? No. But the exercise made me rewrite some key details. You don’t have to be a cartographer to benefit from this exercise. And don’t forget to throw in the occasional, “Here there be dragons.”

John Otte - Science Fiction
Author of The Hive

When you’re writing a speculative fiction story, you’re going to create a fantastical world filled with wonder and awesomeness. If you’ve done your world-building right, you’ll want to share your incredible creation with your readers, every single little corner of it. In a word, don’t. Resist the urge to explain every little facet of your magic system, world history, culture and language. Let the readers explore it on their own and figure out how it works. Brandon Sanderson did this in his Mistborn trilogy. He showed us mistborn and metalminds at work before he gave us any sort of explanation. Do the same thing. Let your readers go on a journey with your characters and discover the world you’ve created with them.

Paul Regnier - Science Fiction 
Author of Space Drifters - The Emerald Enigma

Instructional books on speculative fiction writing can be a valuable step in your writing journey. However, sometimes all the “rules” can leave you a little dizzy. If you’ve ever tried to implement the litany of techniques needed for a perfect baseball or golf swing and ended up with a rigid, mechanical effort, you know the feeling. 

Sometimes writers have that same rigid feeling with their stories. The desire to follow all the recommended techniques is daunting and leaves the stories sounding a bit too assembled. 

When that kind of “writer’s stiffness” sets in, I recommend returning to that state of mind you had when you first started writing. The pure joy of diving into a story before you knew all the rules.

I’m not suggesting discarding the guidelines for proper and powerful fiction. Just don’t forget to stick close to the reason you started writing in the first place.

Jill Williamson - Fantasy 
Author of Darkness Reigns (free e-book)

The point of writing fiction is to entertain. Readers won’t care much for your amazing storyworld if you don’t have interesting characters and an engaging plot. So build storyworld elements around plot and characters, and write your story as if your reader already knows your world. This should keep you from info-dumping storyworld elements. You might have to add some details here and there during the rewrite stage, but starting with less should keep you from overdoing it. 

When you rewrite, make a list of elements that still need to be added in, then brainstorm ways that each might tie in with characters, the overall plot, or subplots, then work in those that feel natural. But keep in mind that some elements might not find a place. And that’s okay. Use what fits naturally and doesn’t feel forced. Leave the rest out.

Are you a speculative author and have a tip? Please share in the comments!

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What I learned About Writing at Disney World by DiAnn Mills

What I learned About Writing at Disney World
by DiAnn Mills

The imagination has no boundaries at Disney World. From Epcot to Magic Kingdom, you can experience one thrill after another. The imagineers refuse to limit their minds to logic and reason. They dream first, knowing if an idea bursts into the mind, a means to make it happen is there also. Color, sound, fantasy, and animation combine to entertain and establish memories long after the visitor returns to reality.

Dream on!

Some of the visitors never want to return to the real world. They much prefer the one where love and laughter rule the day.

Isn’t that what we want to provide for the readers? Don’t we long for them to close our books but never close their minds to the delight of the adventure?

Our goal is for our readers to root themselves in our story world and never leave.

Disney’s Mission statement as of 2013 shows their commitment to creativity and quality: “The Walt Disney Company's objective is to be one of the world's leading producers and providers of entertainment and information, using its portfolio of brands to differentiate its content, services and consumer products….”

Garbage Band Rhythm - Who would ever think?

Here is what I learned about story after visiting Disney World.

1. Characters come to life with smiles, gestures, and personality.
2. Characters are timeless. We remember each one and how they touched our hearts.
3. A story world is painted on a canvas with a setting that enhances every   moment of the story.
4. Content is king. Every word must be bathed in gold then polished and put on display for the world to admire.
5. Experience is the takeaway. Writers succeed when the reader closes the door to the outside world—repeatedly.
6. Disney holds the keys to the kingdom of marketing and promotion. Lovers of the magic are free to maintain the enjoyment with reminders they can hold, sing, view, wear, dance to, and even eat! Writers too must develop ways for readers to find full satisfaction in story.
7. Writers always have room to grow and expand story techniques. Each new set of characters and plot are stronger and more defined. Stronger dialogue and deeper emotion draws the reader into critical situations. Setting enhances a richer theme.

Walt Disney’s philosophy is an inspiration for all of us. “All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them." 

Think about your current story. Can you incorporate the Disney philosophy into your adventure? Do you have the courage to pursue the world of story?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an

adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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Hit and Run Emotions by DiAnn Mills

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

While driving back from the grocery store, I was hit by a truck and the driver took off. The emotions I experienced were shock, anger, and a twinge of fear. The latter one was probably because I write suspense, and my mind always goes into story mode. But the truth is, fear often results from the unpredictable and suspicions from those who harm us.

Are you guilty of hit and run emotions?

The same applies to the characters in our stories. What happens when a writer has a character encounter a traumatic incident and there’s no reaction? Or what happens when a character responds to a minor incident with drama-queen emotion?

Both scenarios can destroy a reader’s reality check and toss the reader out of the story. Future purchases from that writer are nil. Sad, but true. Not much opportunity for a second chance when there are so many writers competing for our attention.

To avoid hit and run emotion in our stories, we can take steps to ensure our characters’ reactions to events are met with responses that are in character, realistic, and slide into genre.

In Character
For credible emotion, we writers must thoroughly understand our POV characters. This means taking time to develop their personality, unique traits, and backstory. A character who handles anger by stuffing it may logically end up with an ulcer. A character who deals with anger by breaking noses may need anger management classes. The first key to overcoming inappropriate reactions lies in characterization.

Realistic
Many writers keep a journal of the happenings in their lives and how they reacted. It’s been said that if a writer is unwilling to seek resolution to life’s explosions, then the writer will never be able to write about those same emotions effectively.

Dramatic reactions to small incidents initiates skepticism in the reader, unless the writer is gifted in humor. Even those stories must be crafted with care. When a hero or heroine appears callused to tragedy, displays an absence of wit or logic, or is over-the-top in dialogue, readers no longer care about the character or the story.

Don't hit the reader with a drama queen!

Genre 
The many genres provide us an opportunity to show our stories through a variety of techniques. The criterion dictates the story world’s dialogue, culture, goals, setting, and symbolism. The seven universal emotions stated in Tonya Reiman’s,The Power of Body Language are surprise, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, happiness, and contempt. Every POV character experiences these emotions according to genre guidelines. Here are a few examples:

Contemporary: Today’s world is filled with instant information from various communication devices. Problems arise from dealing in a world where change is the norm. A character is continuously assaulted with situations that involve coping devices according to traits and backstory. Contemporary characters filter a whirl of happenings through their personal data bank of their past.

Historical: The past is known for its slower pace of living. Communication from local,
national, and worldwide events shape the future many times before the character learns about them. Culture and gender often dictate how a character receives and processes emotion.

Romance: Romance is an emotional adventure. This aspect of novel writing can be woven into any genre. A thread of romance invites a reader into a dreamlike world of fresh and breathless love.

Create emotions for your fantasy world.

Speculative:This genre has a broad range of categories from fantasy to sci-fi. Here the setting and culture blends with character to show how emotion is received and processed. Because the story world is unusual, how a character views emotion is according to the writer’s discretion.


Suspense: Suspense can be written into any genre, much like romance, but the character’s reaction to a state of anxiousness or uncertainty with a blanket of fear leads the character down a path of uneasiness and often apprehension. Heroes and heroines walking through suspense are survivors who have learned to manage and compartmentalize their emotions in a way that is healthy and believable.

Hit and run emotions. We writers don’t have to be labeled with this criticism because we understand the power of character, reality, and genre.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure.
She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

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Fantasy Meets Romance

Michelle Griep here to introduce you to a new author buddy of mine, Angie Brashear. Grab a cup o' joe and put your feet up for a few minutes for a fun interview . . .

I see you're a speculative fiction fan, so it makes sense your debut novel would be a young adult fantasy. . . which can be a tough sell. So, why fantasy? What's the attraction?

I am a huge fan of speculative fiction. I write fantasy with a strong thread of romance. My debut novel, previously retitled from Never Let Go to Of the Persecuted, has undergone some unexpected but exciting changes – a new title and cover, as well as a new release date of May 27th. Ultimately, my goal is to reach young adult females much like the lost, lonely girl I once was. As a nonbeliever for the majority of my life, I enjoyed reading speculative fiction and it was the The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis which ultimately opened my eyes to Christ. My prayer is that my stories will do the same for others. I also hope believers will enjoy the Christian undertones of my work. So, while fantasy is…well, fantastical, the genre makes the most sense to me.

Your book comes out May 27th. What are some marketing techniques you're employing to get the word out?

My schedule surrounding the release is hectic, but also fun. In the midst of working full-time outside of my home and raising three great kiddos, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time working with a new cover designer, editor, and formatter to finalize many necessary details to prepare for the release. As to marketing, I’m a new author and have much to learn. Due to the graciousness of fellow authors, I have nearly fifty blog appearances scheduled, which has been my main marketing focus at this point. I’ve also focused efforts on building a platform for my blog, as well as my Facebook page.

Are you a pantser or a plotter? How did you pull together OF THE PERSECUTED?

Panster, definitely. And sometimes I wonder if that is good or bad for my writing endeavors. As I write, I know exactly where I want to start and finish, but I fly by the seat of my pants when writing all of the details in between. In some ways, it’s a fun approach because my own characters surprise me with their decisions. LOL!

What's surprised you most about this writing journey?

While I shouldn’t be at surprised at all, the fact that God is truly in control never ceases to amaze me. The publishing world has a lot of ups and downs. But God’s will is always done. For that, I am forever grateful.

What authors have influenced you and how?

C.S. Lewis. He opened the door to my personal speculation, which eventually led to my salvation.

I’ve also had the opportunity to get to know several authors through ACFW. While I cannot name all of them in one interview, Nadine Brandes, an author with Marcher Lord Press, has been invaluable to my entire writing journey. Whether critiquing my manuscript, sharing marketing strategies, or praying for my endeavors, she’s been a rock since the first day I joined ACFW. I encourage fans of speculative fiction to look for her debut novel, A Time to Die, in fall 2014.

Tell us about your process of writing. What does a "normal" writing day look like in your life? Okay, so who's got normal days? Just tell us about what your most recent writing day looked like.

I write…well, slow. I tend to over analyze every sentence and scene rather than just accepting the flaws of a first draft. While this makes the completion of the first draft a bit tedious, it makes the rewrites a little less stressful (or so I’ve convinced myself). And I long for a normal writing day. As a mother of three active kids and a job outside of my home, I stay quite busy. I basically write whenever I can, often stopping in the middle of tasks to jot notes and ideas in my journal, but the majority of my writing is completed during late night hours while my family sleeps.

What's one word of writerly advice you'd give a newbie writer?

Pray. If Christian writers are to glorify the Lord with our endeavors, we must pray that His will is done with our efforts.

About OF THE PERSECUTED

Laila Pennedy awaits death by hanging. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands Region, aiming to slaughter the Faithful. And she deserves to die. But Lars Landre, the man destined to lead the Faithful out of persecution, has other plans hidden behind his rare and mysterious blue eyes. Rescue.

Following the daring escape, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Rendow Clan. She embarks on a dangerous journey with Lars, one in which they endeavor to reach the promised safety of a magical village, to train for battle, and to ultimately assure freedom for those with faith in the Maker.

Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?

About ANGIE BRASHEAR

When Angie Brashear isn’t working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She’s a fan of speculative fiction and an avid runner, both of which perplex her nonfiction-reading, football-loving husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord’s presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children. 

Follow her at her website, Facebook, or Twitter  

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Supernatural Fiction — The Next Big Wave?

Allen Arnold loves great stories, passionate conversations and authentic living. As Senior Vice-President and Fiction Publisher at Thomas Nelson, he spends his days acquiring, reading and publishing world-class adult and young adult fiction written from a Christian worldview. Allen’s favorite way to spend the day is with his family – preferably with a C.S. Lewis book or Superman comic close at hand.

Retailers and the media regularly ask what the next hot trend will be in Christian Fiction.

Is supernatural fiction the next big wave? Fair question.


One of the most important skills a Publisher has is the ability to anticipate trends in the marketplace. No one bats 1,000 on this front. At the same time, no Publisher survives long if they have more misses than hits in this essential area.

In my recent post “What do Christian Fiction Fans Want to Read Next”, I focused on our research and ways to deliver fresh content rather than rear-view mirror publishing. More the “how” than the “what’s next”.

Now let’s focus on a type of novel that I believe is gaining heat – and will only gain more in the coming years. Supernatural Fiction.

True – this may not be an “official” genre, but I believe it’s an apt descriptor for many future best-selling novels. In recent Focus Groups and in-depth research, we continue to hear buzz about this desire from the most passionate Christian Fiction fans. In fact, there’s currently more buzz than best-sellers in this area…but not for long!

Within Christian Fiction, I describe Supernatural as stories that delve into the thin places between the seen and the unseen. Where the natural is intruded upon by “super” natural forces that often include angels and demons. There can be prophecies, visions and dreams. 


The challenges are more vertical than horizontal (between humans). The territory is more unknown and mysterious, yet never counter to biblical truth. In the past few decades, Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness is probably the best example of the type of novel I’m referring to.

Hmmm. So if this will be a growing trend in the coming years, should you write Supernatural stories if that isn’t what you are personally drawn to as an author?

No way. That would be chasing a trend rather than writing what’s authentic to you. Avoid that temptation.

But Thomas Nelson Fiction is drawn to these stories. We don’t want to ride this wave or trend. As one of the world’s largest publishing houses, we aim to fuel this coming wave. We’ve already released several  major Supernatural novels in the past few months (Waking Hours by Lis Wiehl with Pete Nelson, The Baker’s Wife by Erin Healy, The Promise of an Angel by Ruth Reid) and many others – including Young Adult titles – will ship in the coming year.


 At the same time, we’ll continue to publish a rich mix of Contemporary Romance, Amish, Legal Thrillers, Sci-fi / Fantasy, Young Adult, Suspense, Historical, Mystery, Movie Novelizations and Biblical Fiction. We love having such a diverse roster that satisfies such a wide reading audience.

In future posts, I’ll share additional trends and findings from our in-depth Christian Fiction research.

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