Robert Silverberg: Science Fiction 101

By GILBERT WONG

When he began to write science fiction Silverberg was a prodigy and prolific. What a gig, he thought in his 20s, as his stories were published.

Luckily he got a note from H.L. Gold, the editor of Galaxy: "You're selling more than you're telling. That fact that you sell is tricking you into believing that your technique is adequate. It is - for now. But project your career 20 years into the future."

Gold wrote that if Silverberg did not sweat over his craft he would never become a true master of it.

Silverberg went on to win the science fiction Nebula and Hugo prizes many times over and distilled here are some good lessons for any prospective and published writers. Originally published as World of Wonder.

Simon and Schuster

$27.95