Thursday 2 February 2023

Teaching SF and F with Aliette

 I'm pleased to announce that, in conjunction with Literature Wales, Aliette de Bodard and I will be teaching an online course in writing SF & Fantasy.

https://www.tynewydd.wales/course/digital-course-sci-fi-fantasy/

This course will be held over four online sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday 14 November, Tuesday 21 November, Tuesday 28 November & Tuesday 12 December 2023 from 7.00 – 8.30 pm

Over four online sessions, Aliette and Alastair will address the peculiar challenges and opportunities open to anyone wishing to write science fiction, fantasy or their related sub-genres. Drawing on their own experiences across a range of literary styles and formats, from short stories to novels and extended series, they’ll cover the mechanics of crafting a story, from planning and plotting, to the use of voice and viewpoint, setting and mood. They’ll address the unique challenges of worldbuilding within the literatures of the fantastic, from the use of language to evoke a time and a place to the invention of social systems and far-future technologies, and how to make those creations seem real to the reader. They’ll talk about the different stages of writing; from initial drafts to polishing, how to prepare work for submission and how to make the most of the literary marketplace, from traditional venues to the online world and self-publishing. They’ll bring invaluable experience in problem-solving: how to come up with ideas, how to work around creative blocks, how to make a good story better – and, always, how to find fun and fulfilment in your craft, wherever it takes you. The future is wide open!

If you're interested in the course, hop over to the link above for all the information you need. Or, drop a question here.

Al


9 comments:

  1. This is interesting. While I think the ship has long since sailed on writing for profit, I do retain some concern with the nuts and bolts. And it's nice that it's not next week, so I've got time to come up with whatever amount in US dollars 99 pounds works out to.be. Do you know if there is a deadline to enroll?

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    1. I do know that there are only four spaces left at present.

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  2. I usually check in here every week or so, and of course I didn't last week and the course is already sold out. You are a popular man, AR! Any chance you'll do another class?

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    1. Sorry you missed it, Nik. I'm not sure if there'll be another, at least not for a while. One doesn't get asked to do these things very often, and then it's always a case of making sure I have the time in my planned writing schedule.

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  3. Hi Al - I didn't know how to tell you this, but I came across a name IRL that seemed like a perfect one for your works - Tolaver Rapp.

    That is all.

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  4. Off topic Al, but I watched a series called Red Rose and in the first episode at about the 40 min mark, I swore I saw you acting as a priest, but it was the actor Tim Churchill. Spitting image of you.
    Cheers.

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  5. Good evening. Sadly I came across this entry way to late to participate. Do you consider similar online sessions in 2024?

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    1. Not sure yet, Karol - I suggest you watch this space.

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    2. Will do. Can't miss this if it happens again. Thank you for a quick response.

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