Building worlds of Wonder: Speculative Fiction

Literature of every sort is full of built worlds, fictional universes where our stories take place. When we write speculative fiction, we have the opportunity to build worlds where anything we imagine happening can happen. Want to take readers sailing down a river of pearls? Send them off on a 41-year voyage to another solar system? Or simply sit them down in front of a desktop computer with someone peering over their shoulder? All this and more is possible through worldbuilding.

In this class we’ll study and practice specific techniques used by established speculative fiction authors such as N.K. Jemisin and Nalo Hopkinson. We’ll examine examples of “worldbuilding in small doses” and try our hands at it. We’ll discuss the merits of creating worlds from the inside out versus going from the outside in. We’ll cover viewpoint, voice, neologisms, “found” texts, and other elements of this aspect of writing with exploratory and generative exercises.

After six consecutive sessions, you’ll come away from the class with a heightened understanding of the many facets involved in worldbuilding, along with firsthand experience of how to integrate what you learn into your work.

Access Program
We want our writing classes and Delves to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and tuitions at a reduced rate. Most writing classes have at least one access spot available.

Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.