Called "one of today's most provocative young writers" by Science Fiction Bookselling, Melissa Scott is clearly a master of this craft. In Conceiving the Heavens, Scott shares her successful techniques and insights to help would-be science fiction writers turn their ideas into workable stories.

Topics discussed include: the need for good writing -- not just good ideas; the specialized techniques necessary for science fiction writing; characterization, settings, invented languages, and research; training to think "what if?"; exercises and mind games to expand imaginations; artistic intention and responsibility; writing science fiction as a profession and being a pro at it; and problems unique to the science fiction field.