The New Weird

"The New Weird" is a term coined by M. John Harrison to describe the last thirty years' development of speculative fiction, work that defies expectations and seeks to inspire, disrupt, unsettle, and break through boundaries. Authors like Storm Constantine, Kelly Link, China Miéville, and Bogi Takács have continued this tradition, writing speculative fiction that usurps our expectations of science fiction and fantasy to create genre-fluid and truly "weird" tales that push the boundaries of what we expect from stories. What can we learn from the last thirty years of "New Weird?" How can we use this modern tradition to act as a springboard for our own imaginations? This course will focus on setting and characterization as key sites for exploration where we can borrow from the "New Weird."

This class is a good fit for any writers hoping to break out of genre expectations, but is especially suited for fans of fantasy and science fiction. 

Class Format

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.