Week of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror for Teens

In this week-long workshop, we’ll expand our focus on traditional elements of fiction, such as character, desire, conflict, and language, to explore what happens when highly detailed, realistic worlds are invaded by things too strange to be believed. The class will consist of in-class writing prompts, exercises, light workshopping, readings, and presenting new work. This class is perfect for young writers who are inspired by Philip K. Dick, Octavia Butler, Ursula K. LeGuin, Leigh Bardugo, Neil Gaiman, Kelly Link, Chris Adrian, Mary Shelley, Franz Kafka, and AS Byatt. Students should leave this class with several rough drafts of new work, a clearer vision of how sci fi and fantasy depend on authentic emotion and fresh language just as much as “realistic fiction,” lots of new ideas, and a more polished draft of at least one story. All materials will be supplied, but students should feel free to bring a draft of their own writing, a favorite book, pen and paper, a laptop (only if necessary), or any inspirational totems or sigils (optional, but recommended). Writing notebooks will be available, but feel free to bring your own. For writers 13 to 18 ONLY.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: 

GrubStreet is happy to be able to offer a limited number of full scholarships for our teen writing camps. To apply for a scholarship, please click the "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" link above, and complete the online form describing why you want to take the teen writing camp and detailing your financial need. Please wait to hear from our Scholarship commiittee before registering for the class, as scholarships cannot be applied retroactively. The deadline to apply for this scholarship is Friday, July 14th at 5pm. 

*If you are registering on behalf of your teen, add their email information in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen before you check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.