Yearlong in Sci Fi [Nisi Shawl]

In weekly meetings over the course of the 2020-2021 academic year, yearlong classes provide dedicated writers with an intensive path toward finishing a draft of a book. Whether you are early in the writing process or already have a rough draft, these yearlong courses will help you set active, clear goals, as well as write and revise with intention.

One-third of each course focuses on developing proficiency with the writing tools (craft elements) that you will need to use, and the remaining two-thirds are comprised of workshops and writing toward personally devised deadlines.

It is okay to miss some classes because of travel. That said, students who get the most out of yearlong classes are often very dedicated to their writing, and are eager to develop a strong and steady writing practice as well as become part of a tightly knit cohort of writers.

In this craft-focused class, we’ll discuss and work through methods of writing a speculative fiction story or novel of high literary quality. Topics covered will include (but won’t be limited to): world building; backstory; providing the telling detail; creating reader empathy; inclusion and diversity; voice and point of view; character arcs; outlining; setting up and depicting tensions; pacing; and constructing openings, complications, and resolutions. Part of class will be spent doing helpful writing exercises, so bring your laptops and/or notebooks. Small group and full-class critiques will also be offered, as well as individual consultations.

Payment plans available. Contact registrar@hugohouse.org for more information.

For another kind of in-depth, yearlong intensive, check out Book Lab.