Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction

Jeff VanderMeer, bestselling author of the Southern Reach trilogy, is hailed for his riveting and genre-bending fiction. It is fascinating to see his creative processes and his book on writing doesn't disappoint! Recommended By Kate G., Powells.com

This all-new definitive guide to writing imaginative fiction takes a completely novel approach and fully exploits the visual nature of fantasy through original drawings, maps, renderings, and exercises to create a spectacularly beautiful and inspiring object. Employing an accessible, example-rich approach, Wonderbook energizes and motivates while also providing practical, nuts-and-bolts information needed to improve as a writer. Aimed at aspiring and intermediate-level writers, Wonderbook includes helpful sidebars and essays from some of the biggest names in fantasy today, such as George R. R. Martin, Lev Grossman, Neil Gaiman, Michael Moorcock, Catherynne M. Valente, and Karen Joy Fowler, to name a few.

“Because it is so layered and filled with text, tips, and links to online extras, this book can be read again and again by both those who want to learn the craft of writing and those interested in the process of others.” Library Journal

“Jeff Vandermeer and Jeremy Zerfoss have created a kaleidoscopically rich and beautiful book about fiction writing.” Star Tribune

“If you’re looking for a handy guide to not just crafting imaginative fiction like sci-fi, fantasy, and horror, but to writing in general, be sure to pick up a copy of Steampunk Bible author Jeff Vandermeer’s lovingly compiled Wonderbook." Flavorwire

“This is the kind of book you leave sitting out for all to see...and the kind of book you will find yourself picking up again and again.” Kirkus Reviews online

“Jammed with storytelling wisdom.” Fast Company’s Co.Create

Jeff VanderMeer is the author of more than 20 books and a two-time winner of the World Fantasy Award. His books have made the years-best lists of Publishers Weekly, LA Weekly, the Washington Post, Amazon, the San Francisco Chronicle, and many more. He is the cofounder and codirector of Shared Worlds, a unique writing camp for teenagers, and has taught at Clarion, the worlds premiere fantasy/sci-fi workshop for adults. VanderMeer is based in Tallahassee, Florida.

Jeremy Zerfoss's wild and crazy art is everywhere, including a fabulous line of stunning book covers for Cheeky Frawg Books. His prolific and abundant association with Jeff VanderMeer has produced scores of intricate and vibrant illustrations in Wonderbook and The Steampunk User's Manual. He has also done art and design work for Symantec, BullSpec Magazine, Shared Worlds and RDS Press. He lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his dog Judge 'Dredd' and his cat Gizzer, where he runs Tenno Art House.