Time Travel Is Nerve Wracking: Scifi Writing Class
In this class, students will create their own sci-fi adventures, unlimited by space and time, and learn how to craft compelling characters, settings and plots in the process.
Bethany Mitros
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(12)
What's included
5 live meetings
3 hrs 45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Maybe you'd like to live in an alternate universe, maybe you hope aliens visit Earth, or maybe you want to make time travel a reality. The truth is out there, and now you can bring your wildest ideas to life in this weeklong writing camp. Through thoughtful discussions, fun activities, and peer feedback, students will learn how to craft short scifi stories from beginning to end, focusing on settings, characters, science, and plot. Each discussion-based class will build on the previous lessons as students develop skills and knowledge to compose their own scifi short stories with well-developed settings and characters. While students may have some time to work on stories during class, they should plan to do the bulk of their story writing between sessions. Class time will be spent in discussion and working through any stumbling blocks. New students can get $10 off my classes with coupon code MITROWJBJN10 until Apr 30, 2025. IMPORTANT: My classes are safe spaces for creative students. I start every session with a reminder that writing can only thrive when students can be vulnerable. That means any comments about another student's ideas or writing must be supportive. Mean-spirited, critical comments will not be tolerated. Please remind your students to be kind to others before class starts. Thank you! Interested, but need a different day or time? Let me know by clicking the "Request Another Time" button!
Syllabus
5 Lessons
over 5 WeeksLesson 1:
Dive into Scifi
We'll talk about what makes stories compelling and dig into the genre of science fiction by reading "Not the Destination" by Richard E. Gropp. After brainstorming about an adventure students want to go on themselves, students design characters fit for the journey. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
What is This Place?
We will use posters as inspiration to jumpstart science fiction worlds. Then, we will review story mountains and students will brainstorm plots and settings for their worlds and begin drafting opening paragraphs. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's... Whatever You Want!
Students will continue working on their stories, focusing on climaxes, falling action, and resolutions for their stories, and begin revising their opening scenes if needed. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Worldbuilding Workshop
In this penultimate lesson, students will share their stories-in-progress and offer feedback to one another about what works well and what might need to be adjusted in the final draft. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
All sessions will require paper and pencil or access to a word-processing program during class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2019
5.0
12reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from American Public University System
When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut, a writer or Indiana Jones. I haven't left terra firma (yet!) or found the lost ark (yet!), but I did get my degree in English and become a writer. Unsurprisingly, I teach writing-related classes for kids who love to write. My classes give young writers the opportunity to share their stories and interests with other like-minded students and receive positive, encouraging feedback on how they can improve their own writing. Sometimes I branch out into other English-related topics like epics, fairy and folk tales and mysteries.
My plan was to become a bestselling children's book author, but I accidentally became a journalist instead. I have a bachelor’s degree in English, and I have been teaching in one capacity or another for well over ten years.
I believe that confidence breeds competence. My goal as a teacher is to provide feedback in such a way that students feel proud of what they have created so far and excited to implement any changes suggested without feeling discouraged. When students feel confident, they are more likely to take chances that will expand their skills. One of the thing I love best about being a teacher is that I get to be a cheerleader. I love being able to share my students' enthusiasm for whatever they love best.
In my spare time, I am a crazy cat lady. I have more cats than I do daughters (five vs. three), and they are all spoiled rotten. I'm also a nerd-of-all-trades. Talk to me about hobbits, Star Wars, superheroes, wizards, crochet, Hamilton or cats (obviously), and I am one happy camper.
It is important to me that writing support is available to all students who need it, so please reach if cost is an issue.
New students can get $10 off my classes with coupon code MITROWJBJN10 until Apr 30, 2025.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week, 5 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-9 learners per class
