Writing Genre Fiction: The Same, But Different

“Genre fiction includes many types of books: sci-fi, mystery, horror, romance,” says instructor Kilby Blades. “All of these books carry one commonality: readers know how they will end. In fact, readers choose genre fiction in order to be taken on exciting, predictable journeys. Predictability doesn’t make genre fiction easy to write. In some ways, it makes it harder. It places the onus on authors to write stories that are the same but different, and to please readers over and over again while working within a set of well-worn tropes.”

In this 5-week online class, we will explore the inner workings of seven major genres, diving deeply into reader expectations and deconstructing quintessential examples. We will look at narrative beats for each genre and discuss the use of practical frameworks for crafting or editing genre fiction to ensure alignment with genre norms. In-class exercises that lead us through deep work will allow you to apply course concepts to a work in-progress. A combination of peer and teacher feedback—including a formal critique of your story outline or an excerpt of your prose—will further your thinking.

About The Writing Salon's Remote Classes

Due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, The Writing Salon is running all classes in 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 internet. You can participate in the class from wherever you'd like, whether on your living room couch or in your 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.