Course Description

Welcome to a NEW WORLD...

Write Bestselling Science Fiction With This Unique Online Course!

Created and Presented by Rob Parnell


Let's get one thing straight - Science Fiction is NOT just about SPACE! 

In fact, SF covers many topics and story ideas, probably a lot more than you realize - like Marvel and DC superhero stuff, zombie stories, disaster movies, films like Jurassic Park, Westworld, books like The Hunger Games and Maze Runner, and sure, all those future-based stories about aliens, starships and okay, a little bit of space... 

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to imagine whole new worlds and write about things and people and technologies that don't exist? Or have you wondered whether certain inventions are good for us - or perhaps bad?

In this unique online course, the likes of which have really not been available before, we look at the greats: Arthur C Clarke, Heinlein, HG Wells, Jules Verne, Philip K Dick, Frank Herbert and EE Doc Smith, to name but a few - and ask: What is science fiction? And what makes it so compelling to readers? Then we ask, Can we do this ourselves? And if you know me at all, you'll know the answer to the question is that, with my help, your success is assured, whatever your previous experience or interests.

If you have an enquiring mind, you'll LOVE Science Fiction writing.You could be writing Science Fiction bestsellers in no time!


Here's what you'll learn in this brand new course from Rob Parnell, the world's foremost writing guru:

Introduction to Science Fiction
The definition of science fiction, followed by an explanation as to why this is essentially a new, manufactured genre. A history of SF is presented, from the early days to now, tracing the elements that characterize this unique discipline. Why Fantasy is NOT Science Fiction. The crucial importance of influential authors in the development of the genre. Why you should write - and make money - from this extraordinary writing arena. Suggestions as to which great science fiction novels to read first.

Lesson One - Ideas and Where to Find Them
We look at the birth of modern science and speculative fiction. For background and fun, we embark on a journey through the genre - for context on how ideas and stories in science fiction work.  Important observations on the relevance of SF to successive generations. How to easily find subject matter. What to do with your SF ideas. The balance between logic and emotion. The modern way to develop your story, plot and science fiction ideas. The importance of the "geek" market.

Lesson Two - Characters and Their Plots
The genre conventions and how to break them. Why writing solely for "geeks" is NOT a good idea! How to create the right characters. How to begin plotting effectively. Message versus execution. Getting the context perfect. The importance of the angle. How relevance to the modern world and its problems makes a huge difference to the marketability of your work. Thinking through the practicalities - how to turn your "fantastic worlds" into realistic environments your audience will warm to. Show don't tell. Writing a space opera. The secret to plotting - and what the acronym I.T.C.H. stands for...

Lesson Three - The Writing and The Templates
Planning and the "formula" I use for working out writing time. Tips on writing techniques and tactics. Thoughts on exposition, description and story point of view. Using your outline to help you with your story thread. The Ultimate Science Fiction Story Template - for use by you. Or not, as you see fit! Recommended SF themes, more advice on structure, plotting and character arc. The 8-point hero's journey. More tips on message and point of view. Self-editing tactics, the 5-point short story formula. The secret way in - submitting to SF short story markets.

Lesson Four - Advice and Markets
The reality of the SF marketplace. Info you need to know. How to use a blog to propel your science fiction stories and profile - nine crucial tips. Markets for science fiction, split into three categories: pro paying, semi-pro, and no pay. Then useful links for SF publishers, agents and the Science Fiction Writer's Association.

There's never been a more mammoth and comprehensive course like this about writing science fiction.

And if the amazingly helpful and detailed course isn't enough, there are these priceless bonus items to go with your dashboard. Imagine having these brilliant resources at your fingertips:

1. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction
Yes, the entire 545-page monster of a reference guide. Written by Don D'Ammassa and published by Facts On File, this is the go-to book for every SF aficionado. Highly recommended by industry professionals.

2.  The History of Science Fiction
Written by Adam Roberts and published by Palgrave Macmillan, this 387-page masterpiece takes you on a journey of discovery like no other. Beautifully written and presented, it's considered the definitive guide to the history of the genre.

3. The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
The full-on original classic. Discover for yourself what all the fuss is about. This 485-page manuscript contains the complete unabridged magnum opus, including extras from Asimov himself.

4. Dune by Frank Herbert
Another total classic for you - and forever in your dashboard or for you to download and read on your PC, mobile or laptop. This is the entire 345-page novel that changed the way SF was perceived forever. Read it at your leisure.

5. Triplanetary by E E "Doc" Smith
Another classic text from the original master of the space opera. This 266-page volume covers the entire alternate history of the world, seen through the eyes of this pioneering SF writer. 

6. 2001, A Space Odyssey by Arthur C Clarke
In case you never read it - or saw the classic movie, here's the story that inspired the 21st century. Discover for yourself just how great science fiction can be when handled by the right authors.

Honestly these items are fabulous pieces of writing that you MUST have - and they're all part of this UNIQUE course that is going for an amazingly low PRE-SALE price, but only until tomorrow.

Click above to join me in class. 
Just one fee, never any more to pay, and everything is yours - forever!


Your Personal Instructor

Rob Parnell

Rob Parnell has been teaching online since 2002, specifically helping writers earn money from their passion. He is the proud founder of The Writing Academy, an online school dedicated to student success and authorial excellence.Rob has published over thirty number-one best-selling books on genre fiction authorship, freelance writing, motivation, productivity; getting rich, staying thin and healthy. When it comes to making a living from writing, composing music, and creating film projects, Rob is a man who knows what he's talking about! You'll enjoy his down-to-earth style and the feeling Rob somehow knows you like a friend! Rob has been writing since he was five years old. He writes every day without fail - it's a compulsion. His preferred genre is the thriller - sometimes with a supernatural edge - in which he writes short stories, novels, screenplays, and adult thrillers - including his Purge detective novels and the popular Sherlock Holmes: Zombie Slayer series. Also a musician and composer, an accomplished singer, media producer and budding movie maker, Rob is ecstatically happy to be married to Robyn Opie Parnell, his savior, and the popular best-selling children's author.They live miles from anywhere in their beautiful country farmhouse, its eleven acres tucked within inches of the stunning Flinders Ranges, with their beloved pets, Wally the dog and the cats: Jessie, and Iggy (because he's The Wild One.)

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Introduction to Science Fiction Writing

  • 2

    The Science Fiction Course

    • Lesson One - Ideas and Where to Find Them

    • Lesson Two - SF Characters & Their Plots

    • Lesson Three - The Writing & The Template

    • Lesson Four - Advice & Markets for Science Fiction

  • 3

    Bonus Items

    • The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction

    • The History of Science Fiction

    • Foundation by Isaac Asimov

    • Dune by Frank Herbert

    • Triplanetary by E. E. "Doc" Smith

    • 2001 - A Space Odyssey by Arthur C Clarke

Reviews

5 star rating

Writing Science Fiction

Janice Kaat

I thought the Writing Science Fiction for Fun and Profit was very interesting. It was shorter than some of Rob's courses, but yet he covered every aspect of ...

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I thought the Writing Science Fiction for Fun and Profit was very interesting. It was shorter than some of Rob's courses, but yet he covered every aspect of the topic. I have enjoyed Star Trek, especially the original version. I let myself go along for the ride and believe things that I normally wouldn't believe. I'm glad Rob included the bonus materials. They will help give me a better idea of some of the other sci-fi I haven't visited before. Another job well done, Rob.

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