Young Adult Writers Program (YAWP): Letters from the Beyond: Fantasy/Sci-Fi in Epistolary Form

Teen Class Description:

Do you love writing fantasy/sci-fi, but you're out of fresh ideas of how to write it? Alternatively, have you always wanted to try your hand at fantasy/sci-fi writing, but you're intimidated by conventional world-building tactics?

Well, here's the solution you've been seeking: the epistolary form!

"Epistolary" simply means that the narration takes the form of letters, journal entries, news reports, and the likes. In this class, we'll utilize epistolary writing as a way of guiding our readers deeper into our fantastical worlds. We'll use Sofia Samatar's short story, "Ogres of East Africa", as our model. Be in community with other fantasy/sci-fi lovers, flesh out your own world, and experiment with form!

Class Takeaways: students will leave with a new, experimental form in their writer's toolbox; the beginnings of a fantasy/sci-fi piece; and feedback/affirmations of their world and story from fellow fantasy/sci-fi writers.

Note About Our NEW Class Format: 

We’ve made our remote classes more flexible than ever — with plenty of optional portions designed to allow for screen breaks — while still keeping us connected as a writing community. Learn more. 

How Remote Learning works: 

This class will be hosted remotely! You will be able to participate in class via Zoom video conference from wherever you’re most comfortable. All you’ll need is a laptop or a phone! 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 via Zoom–no need to download anything or sign up for Zoom in advance! 

For parents registering their teens: 

*Note: Parents/guardians must complete this permission form online if your teen is under 18.* Unlike previous forms, you only need to fill this out ONE TIME, not for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you!

If you do not complete the form, registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply. If the student is 18, simply let us know at [email protected]. 

*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. 

(After adding the class to your cart, click "Checkout" and click “Add” next to “For a Friend or Child?” on the right-hand side to fill in their email. This is an easy way of linking the class to your child and encourages them to create their own account.)