Your Story's Big Idea

Class Description

This workshop is for writers who want to look at the "big picture" in your fiction. Maybe that means you have a secondary world, a deep philosophical question you are hoping to explore, or another project that inspires you. While many workshops focus on the details of craft, this will focus on revising and reworking your—BIG IDEA!

Together, we'll cover every step of the writing process, from brainstorming interesting new "Big Ideas" to revising with a focus on speculative elements. We'll look at the literary concept of a "novum" as a guide for us to create unique and original concepts. Writers should expect to leave the class with at least a second draft of one short story, though writers who would like pieces of a novel workshopped are also welcome. Come ready to let your imagination run wild! Writers of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism will get the most out of the course, but anybody toying with a big idea in their fiction will walk away with new plans for their writing. Authors we read may include: Ted Chian, N.K. Jemisin, Ken Liu, and Bogi Takács.

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.