Worldbuilding in Speculative Fiction

Worldbuilding is a fundamental feature in the writing of science fiction, fantasy, and other forms of speculative fiction. What is the world your characters inhabit and how does it shape them? Building an appropriately nuanced world can bring as much richness to your story as the details and interactions that go into the characters and the plot. In this course, we will explore some useful frameworks and tools for building an engaging, imaginative world, and help one another explore them, work out flaws or inconsistencies, and turn them into robust complexities. The class will balance a variety of formats: presentations from the instructor about different approaches and examples of worldbuilding, whole-class discussion and brainstorming, and small group breakouts to allow for more detailed feedback in groups of 2-3 students.

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Details: Worldbuilding in Speculative Fiction with Peter Gelderloos takes place Mondays, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, and November 23rd in-person at the Literary Cleveland Office (13002 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44120).

‍Genre: Fiction

‍Level: All levels

‍Format: Workshop

‍Location: This class takes place in person at the Literary Cleveland Offices.

‍Size: Limited to 14 participants (including two scholarship recipients).

‍Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by Sunday, August 23rd. Click here to apply.

‍Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first class meeting to receive a full refund. Email programs@litcleveland.org.