How do authors tie speculative elements to deeper thematic concerns? And how can our own speculative fiction use the strange and fantastical to explore the ethical dilemmas of our own historical moment? Drawing on the work of writers like Ted Chiang, Aimee Bender, and Jorge Luis Borges, this craft class will discuss strategies for making weird, uncanny, or otherworldly stories feel grounded in real-life concerns. Students will workshop their own speculative premises and master world-building techniques that deepen their vision for their work.
This course is a part of Spec Fest, a two-day celebration of speculative fiction taking place the weekend of August 29-30, and is open to the public. To learn more and find passes, which include discounted registrations to this event, click here.
