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  • Seminar
  • Online: Zoom
  • Adult (18+)

Contemporary Science Fiction and Fantasy: The Genre Novel

No Longer Enrolling

  • $130.00 Non-Member
  • $110.00 Member

Class Description

In this standalone seminar, we will examine the unique set of concepts and challenges faced by novelists looking to break into science fiction and fantasy. This will include a discussion of craft, covering topics such as world-creation, world-building, myth, and the archetype of the "hero's journey." We will look at both science fiction and fantasy as distinct genres (the "literature of the possible" and "impossible") while being mindful of the fairly recent sub-genres (e.g., urban fantasy) that have formed between the language of the two. Lastly, we will analyze today's publishing market for these genres, a unique niche in the publishing world affected by a trend of multi-book series and film adaptations.

Previous experience with genre writing is not required, but writers who already have a fantasy or science fiction manuscript in the works are welcome to bring a workshop excerpt. Exercises will include world-building and "hero/heroine" brainstorming sessions, and writers can expect to leave the class with a better understanding of the two genres and of the worlds they have already invented, or could invent.

Scholarships Format/Location

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

This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. After registering, a yellow Resources tab will appear in this section containing a link to join class. Please note that you will need to be logged into view the Resources tab.

Zoom Participation:

In our experience, the intimate nature of a writing workshop benefits from on-camera participation. Students are of course welcome to turn their camera off whenever they need to, but it is a community norm for cameras to be on most of the time. You can learn more about using Zoom here.

Zoom Accessibility:

You can enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting by clicking the CC button at the bottom of the screen. If you'd like to access the transcript after class, please make sure to let your instructor ahead of time that you'd like a copy.