Manufacturing Worlds: Write Page-Turning Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Other Speculative Fiction

Whether you’re writing fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian and post-apocalyptic fiction, horror, or alternate history, all of these different genres share one important thing in common—the reader needs to fully believe in a world completely manufactured by the writer.

What are the techniques you can use to create these fictional worlds? How do you make your characters exciting and different, yet believable? And how do you keep your readers engaged?

“Writing speculative fiction has its own unique challenges,” says instructor Elaine Beale. “Not only do writers usually create these settings entirely from imagination, but we also have to make these unreal worlds and characters feel totally real to the reader.”

In this three-hour online workshop, we’ll discuss techniques for world-building in various forms of speculative fiction, and examine the elements needed to create page-turning stories and novels in these genres. Using in-class exercises, we’ll practice creating vivid settings and compelling characters. And participants will leave with some exercises and techniques to keep the inspiration going at home.

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Writing Salon has moved all spring classes to a remote learning format. You will be able to participate in live class meetings via Zoom videoconference. To attend classes, you'll need a phone, tablet or computer and access to the web. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your home office. Before your class meets, you'll receive an email from The Writing Salon with more information about Zoom and your remote class. If you have any questions about remote learning, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at hello@writingsalons.com.