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Fanfiction Workshop

Fanfiction pairs creative writing with familiar settings in order to celebrate fandom. In this workshop, writers collaborate and brainstorm new versions of familiar stories, all the while improving their creativity and writing mechanics.
Class
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What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Assignments
1 hour per week. Each week, students will either create short fanfiction pieces or spend the entire course crafting one longer fanfiction work.
Certificate of Completion
1 after class completion

Class Experience

Beginner Level
In this fanfiction writing course, students will learn the fundamentals of creative writing through the lens of fanfiction. Topics include plot development, character creation, world-building, and the effective use of literary tropes and devices. Additionally, students will explore how fanfiction can be used to reimagine popular stories, build alternate universes, and address real-world issues through storytelling.


The course will cover:

Introduction to fanfiction and fandom culture
Plot structures and story development
Character creation and development
World-building and setting creation
The use of literary tropes and plot devices
Revising and editing for improvement
Sharing and publishing fanfiction
Fanfiction as a tool for exploring social issues and alternate perspectives
How is your class structured?
The course is structured as a self-paced workshop with eight weeks of content. Each week, learners will be introduced to a new topic or skill through short lessons and activities. They will have assignments to apply what they’ve learned, and by the end of the course, they will have developed a complete fanfiction piece. There are also opportunities for peer feedback and self-reflection.

The class will use a combination of written lessons, interactive writing prompts, and guided exercises. Each lesson will include explanations of key concepts followed by activities where students can immediately apply what they’ve learned. They will also receive feedback on their work and have opportunities to revise and improve their stories.

My teaching style is creative, supportive, and interactive. I aim to create a fun and welcoming environment where students feel encouraged to experiment and take creative risks. I guide students step by step, offering clear explanations, prompts for inspiration, and constructive feedback to help them grow as writers. I value both independent work and peer collaboration (when possible). 

Learners and families will interact with me primarily through written feedback on their stories and assignments, or through the Outschool messenging system. Since it is a self-paced course, there are no live sessions, but I will be available for questions and guidance throughout the course. Each week, students will complete creative exercises and submit their work for feedback. There will be opportunities for learners to share their progress and discuss ideas with their peers via a class blog, ensuring a sense of community and interaction even in the self-paced format.
Learning Goals
Understand the storytelling techniques used in fandom and fanfiction.
Apply the writing process (planning, reviewing, editing, sharing) to create their own fanfiction stories.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
What is Fanfiction?
 Define fanfiction and its role in expanding creativity within fandoms. Students will create an outline for a fanfiction story that changes one key plot element of an existing narrative. 
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
Plot Structures and Story Elements
 Learn the different types of plot structures (linear, nonlinear, parallel) and how to use them effectively in fanfiction. Students will plot out a longer fanfiction story, keeping in mind plots and sub-plots. 
Lesson 3:
Creating Compelling Characters
 Understand how to create well-rounded characters, including protagonists, antagonists, and side characters. Students will Integrate an original character into their fanfiction, showing how personality and traits influence the story. 
Lesson 4:
World-Building and Setting
 Explore the importance of setting and world-building in fanfiction. Students will design a unique setting or alternate universe (AU) for their fanfiction, making sure it supports the plot and characters. 

Other Details

Learning Needs
Accommodations such as methods to create text-to-speech writing, executive functioning tips, and social emotional learning are embedded into the lessons.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Based upon student interest, various forms of media may be referenced in class, including but not limited to Harry Potter, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Warrior Cats, Percy Jackson, Undertale, Mario Brothers, Disney, etc.
Joined October, 2024
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in History from DePaul University
Bachelor's Degree in History from Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education from Loyola University Chicago
I have previously taught a version of this course through Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development. 

Reviews

Self-Paced Course
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$7

weekly or $25 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

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Ages: 11-16

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