Class Description
Wild and weird settings only! In this class, we’re exploring the art of inventing new worlds in the small space that is the short story. It takes an expansive imagination and a fine hand to capture the strangeness and intrigue of a world unlike our own — let alone distill it in 7,500 words or less. Every week, we’ll read and discuss works by masterful world-builders such as Octavia Butler, Sofia Samatar, and Megan Milks. We’ll experiment with different tools for developing speculative worlds, whether they be sci-fi, fantasy, surrealism, magical realism, horror, or otherwise. Then, writers will practice building their original worlds in short stories. In the final class, writers will have the opportunity to share and lightly workshop their new pieces.
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. 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!
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!