Creating Universes, Building Worlds: The Short Story in Science Fiction and Fantasy

WRITING X 413.3E

How do you introduce an alien environment, create an alternate timeline or magical realm, and then populate it with characters whose problems matter to its readers--all in 5,000 words or less? Designed for those interested…

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What you can learn.

Explore subgenres of sci fi and fantasy to learn how you can best frame the story you want to write
Learn the principles of short fiction by writing and workshopping pieces
Get an overview of the market for publishing speculative fiction, sci fi, and fantasy
Immerse yourself in the conventions and opportunities of writing in these genres

About this course:

How do you introduce an alien environment, create an alternate timeline or magical realm, and then populate it with characters whose problems matter to its readers--all in 5,000 words or less? Designed for those interested in focusing on short speculative fiction, this course deepens your understanding of its many subgenres, including alternate history, horror, dark fantasy, sword and sorcery, urban fantasy, sociological sci-fi, hard science fiction, and others. At the same time it immerses you in the writing principles common to all of these genres. The course goal is to complete and polish a short science fiction or fantasy story and to identify three appropriate markets for the finished piece.