iUniverse advice on creating a Sci-fi/Fantasy World

iUniverse self-publishing asks if you’re going to write a science fiction or a fantasy book. Where will you begin?

Writing a sci-fi or fantasy novel is different from writing regular fiction. You don’t have to be so historically correct about the setting. You can create any kind of world, or worlds, you want.

Start by deciding if your story will take place on a planet or on a space ship. Perhaps your characters are time travelers or maybe they shift effortlessly from one dimension to another by use of an advanced technology.

Your Setting

What planet or planets will your story take place on? It might be real or one that you invent. When creating your new world, consider whether they have seasons and, if they do, what the weather is like and, more importantly, the kind of atmosphere there is. Perhaps there is no atmosphere, or it is toxic to the beings inhabiting the planet, and they live in a sealed environment or under a dome. Is the air polluted or is it a pristine environment? Do they have gravity to a greater or lesser extent than earth? How many moons and suns does your planet have? If your characters are human, it should be a place that’s not too far from Earth, so traveling there won’t take too long, unless they are placed in hibernation.

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iUniverse highlights your character-Heroines

Throughout history there have been female characters that have been immortalized in books for their deeds of courage and spirit; their cruelty and deception; and just being a normal school girl. But what are the traits of these heroines we so loved to read about as a child and still do as adults? iUniverse publishing highlights a few of the female characteristics that can help you build your next books heroine.

Mission Totally Possible – The Crusader

This lady may not be built like an athlete but she is a dedicated fighter in mind and body and when pushed will rush headfirst through whatever is in her way. Headstrong as she commits to everything she does. Our crusader is certainly not a wall flower or a damsel in distress. But below that exterior can hold a heart of gold for a good cause.

Always loyal – The Plucky kid

This feminine heroine is a clear favorite of many authors for a good many years. Her loyalty, practicality and guts make her a perfect friend to your other characters, and everyone wants her to win through. She is not interested in being top dog, just to be left alone in her little corner of life. But if you are looking for buddy to have an adventure with, then this is the girl.

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iUniverse highlights your character-Heroes

Male characters that have been immortalized in literature for their deeds of courage and adventurous spirit; their cruelty and barbarism; or just being a normal school boy. But what are the traits of these heroes we so loved to read about as a child and still do as adults? iUniverse publishing highlights a few of the male characteristics that can help you build your next book’s hero.

Shiver me timbers! – The Buccaneer

If there is adventure and action to be found this hero is your man. An adrenalin junkie looking for thrills wherever it takes him. His hero-doing deeds will have any woman’s heart beating fiercely. Totally fearless and has a physical presence that know no bounds. Happy on the high seas or the deepest jungles while looking for a cause to fight for or just the kiss of a woman.

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iUniverse Tips on How To Market Your Book Using Twitter

If you are serious about spreading the word about your book then Twitter is a great way to go.

Many authors will give Twitter a stab but quickly feel disappointed with it. That’s probably because this microblogging site requires a little bit of finesse and a high dose of patience, and not to mention time and effort.

In this article iUniverse Publishing aims to give you a few pointers on your book marketing using Twitter.

Please DO try the following

DO follow your favorite authors and learn from them.

DO update your bio with a brief introduction and a pleasant picture. It’s the first thing people see, so make a good impression.

DO write a coherent sentence. Yes, 140 characters isn’t much but you’re a writer so make sure you compose something readable.

DO find an area of expertise related to your book and tweet about the topic to find your followers.

DO get to grips with the # feature. For example you might tweet about the problems you’re having writing a character and use the #amwriting tag. Your tweet will show up to anyone looking at that trend which is for people who are currently writing.

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iUniverse Tips on How To Turn your Book into a Movie – Part 2

iUniverse brings you the second installment of turning your book into a movie.

Marketing Your Screenplay

Register your Script with the Writer’s Guild of America

The first step to marketing your screenplay is to register it with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). The registration will protect you from theft of your intellectual property and is good for five years.

The Writers Guild of America is also known as the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), and registering your screenplay with them is fairly simple. The registration fee is up to $20, and you can do it online by filling out the form at https://www.wgawregistry.org/webrss/dataentry.asp.

Write a Logline and Synopsis

Next, you’ll need to write your logline and synopsis. A logline is like an elevator pitch in sales. It’s usually a catchy, one sentence line to attract the producer’s attention. Use a hook.

Write your Query Letter

Now, you need to write a short, convincing query letter. It should be no longer than one page in length. Include your logline and synopsis, and explain in a persuasive manner why the recipient should read your film script.

The usual structure of a professional query letter is a five-para

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