There are limits to what realism can do. Often we try to create stories that are as believable as possible, especially when the seeds of that story come from our own experience. But realism is not always enough to convey what we want our readers to experience and feel. Sometimes what we want to say requires curses, and zombies, and the end of the world. That’s where the genre hybrid comes in, stories that blend different genre elements together in one work, to smash stale tropes, and upend readers’ expectations.
This workshop-based class is ideal for writers who are looking to generate new work or have work in progress and are ready for feedback. We will supplement our workshop by reading and discussing excerpts from published short stories to deepen our understanding of how these writers incorporate the various fantastical elements, and tropes of genre into their work. In addition, we will try our hand at exercises designed to ignite our imaginations, and take our stories to new places, and themes. If time allows, we will share these exercises in class. Each week we will workshop two stories by students. By the end of the course, each student will have had the opportunity to receive verbal and written feedback on their stories at least twice from both the workshop leader and their peers. This class will meet on Zoom. Registered students, please contact the instructor directly for Zoom details.