Introduction to Writing Speculative Fiction
For students interested in learning more about literature based on past, present, and future imaginary worlds.
Danika D Dinsmore
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(71)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
"Speculative literature is a catch-all term meant to inclusively span the breadth of fantastic literature, encompassing literature ranging from hard science fiction to epic fantasy to ghost stories to horror to folk and fairy tales to slipstream to magical realism to modern myth-making -- and more." ~Speculative Literature Foundation Speculative Fiction is about possibility. It's about alternate ways of looking at the past, present, and future. It includes the fantastic, the futuristic, and the horrific. In this workshop, I'll lead learners on a journey through the contemporary world of speculative fiction, examining the sub-genres (dystopian, fairy tale, cyberpunk, and more!) with explanations and examples of each. Then we'll complete two quick writing exercises. The first plays in the possibilities of creating new subgenres through mashups. The second exercise combines elements of speculative fiction to create story ideas participants can develop later on.
Learning Goals
Three things participants will learn:
• The difference between science fiction and fantasy
• The numerous “subgenres” under the umbrella of speculative fiction
• Two useful writing exercises for generating story ideas
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Not in this Intro class, but in the longer Writing Fantastic Fiction class there is generally some mature content when it comes to talking about horror.
Supply List
Students only need something to write with and on (pen/pencil & paper preferred) I will give the following handouts: List of Subgenres Recommended Reading List
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2020
4.9
71reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been teaching creative writing and world-building for over 20 years. I am a speculative fiction author and have published a middle grade fantasy series (Faerie Tales from the White Forest), numerous short stories, and I am an editor at Reckoning: a creative journal on environmental justice, which leans toward the speculative side of things.
I've lived my whole life in imaginary worlds, contemplating what could, might, or ought to be. And I've lived my entire adult life working with children, whose imaginations keep me inspired. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$12
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 13 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
3-10 learners per class
