Richard V. Hirst – författare

For as long as humans have existed, they have asked: What if?Science fiction was a defining genre of the postwar era, and its current boom across books, film and TV shows no sign of slowing. Space ships, time travel, aliens and artificial intelligence continue to obsess us, and dreams of the apocalypse haunt our own post-pandemic age. But what is it that compels writers to imagine the future?Writing the Future gathers some of the best contemporary writers of science fiction, speculative fiction, dystopia and eco-fiction to explain their craft and explore the many worlds upon which our imaginations might land. Authors such as Toby Litt, Nina Allan, Adam Roberts and Una McCormack reveal how to balance scientific research with creative freedom, examine the different forms the written text might evolve into, and offer practical advice on giving life to your own vision of the future.Whether you're a reader, a seasoned writer looking to hone your skills, or a beginner who's just starting out, Writing the Future provides valuable insights into the craft of imagining the worlds of tomorrow.

'A perceptive guide to the ploys and pleasures of writing and reading crime fiction thatwill appeal to novices and nerds alike.'Mark Sanderson, author of the Snow Hill trilogy and reviewer for The Times'Not just a dry or academic 'how to' but a provocative collection of varied essaysand revelations about what makes crime and mystery authors tick and what attractsotherwise normal human beings to a life of crime on the page. Informative, witty andfull of valuable insights, one of the best genre reference titles in ages.'Maxim Jakubowski'A fascinating collection of essays with an insight into some of the origins of thegenre, an examination of the current landscape and an intriguing glimpse of where thisendlessly adaptive genre may take us in the future. Highly recommended for all loversof crime fiction.'Bridget Walsh, author of The Tumbling GirlThere's been a murder...From the macabre tales of Edgar Allan Poe through to the locked-room mysteries ofthe Golden Age, to the many faces of modern crime fiction and the explosion of truecrime, writers have always explored the most taboo of human transgressions: thetaking of a life. What is it about murder that has fascinated us for so long? And whatis it about crimes of this nature that make for such compelling fiction?Gathering an impressive line-up of suspects, Writing the Murder asks some of thefinest contemporary writers to dissect their craft and analyse the place of murderin fiction. Authors such as Charlie Higson, Louise Welsh, Jessie Greengrass and TomMead interrogate what it means to write about this most illicit of acts, the lastingappeal of crime fiction, and offer practical advice for those looking to write seriouslyand convincingly about crime.An essential tool for the grizzled veteran and the fresh-faced rookie alike, Writingthe Murder gives you the motive and the means to write your own tales of murderand intrigue.

From Lord of the Rings to Game of Thrones, over the last hundred years few genres have captured the public imagination as powerfully as fantasy. Whether it's epic quests of dwarves and elves, wizards and paladins, or the influential childhood classics of Alan Garner and C.S. Lewis, the appetite among readers for all things magical seems insatiable.Pulling together a fellowship of some of the best writers of modern fantasy fiction, Writing the Magic invites you to step through the portal and discover what gives these tales such enduring appeal. Writers such as Jeff Noon, Hannah Kaner, RJ Barker and Jen Williams pull back the curtain on how they write fantasy, demystifying topics such as worldbuilding, sources of magic, creating authenticity, and how best to deploy your dragons.An essential map for anyone wanting to write their own world into being, Writing the Magic explores the perilous realms of fantasy fiction – and arms novice writers with everything they need to embark on their own adventure. Featuring essays from: Francesco Dimitri, Hannah Kaner, RJ Barker, Kritika H. Rao, Juliet E. McKenna, Jen Williams, Jeff Noon, Alex Pheby, J.L. Worrad, Richard Strachan, Charlotte Bond Katherine Langrish and Lucy Holland.

What does it mean to write about the real world? The creative nonfiction writer faces a daunting task. They must sculpt their experiences into captivating narratives, ensuring that their writing is both accessible and devoid of self-indulgence. They have the memories and the material, but telling their story effectively requires more than simply laying these out on the page. In Writing the Real, a selection of the best creative nonfiction writers explore the craft in all its forms. From memoir and personal essays to place-based writing and autofiction, writers such as Nikesh Shukla, Kirsty Logan, Kit de Waal and Tom Lee examine how we shape our own experiences on the page, and how the ambiguity of 'reality' can become a source of creative energy. Each writer follows their own path into the real, but taken together these essays show the myriad ways in which lived experience can become a compelling story. Writing the Real is essential reading for anyone interested in creative nonfiction - whether as a writer, a reader, or someone drawn to the art of making meaning from the world as it is. Featuring essays from: Jenn Ashworth, Marie Crook, Dan Dixon, Kit de Waal, Kristie De Garis, Adam Farrer, Tracy King, Tom Lee, Kirsty Logan, Noreen Masud, Gareth E Rees, Adam Scovell and Nikesh Shukla.