Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing | Online | Creative Writing Classes in NYC and Online with Professional Writing Instructors

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"A fine overview of what speculative fiction is all about."

- Wana Perry
Retired Executive

"The best story-writing class I've ever taken!"

- Brenda Noonan
technical writer

"Science Fiction Writing I provided a wonderful step-by-step guide to the basics of writing compelling science fiction, covering everything from inventing a story line to plot and character development to the essentials of world-building. The class also propelled me into a community of writers, who bonded together in a supportive environment."

- Laurie Pine
Communications Specialist

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Science Fiction and Fantasy may transport a reader to a planet light-years away or deep inside the caves of a far-distant past. Whether extrapolating science into futuristic technology or conjuring new forms of magic, these genres imagine what might have been or what might be, opening the door to any possibility.

To write great science fiction or fantasy, you must splice together the skills of a fiction writer with the ability to make the imaginary seem true. In our courses, you will learn about the special needs of these genres, as well as such fiction craft elements as character, plot, point of view, description, dialogue, setting, voice, and theme. You will also learn how and where to market your work.

Whether you seek to write short stories or novels, we’ll show you how to craft tales that overwhelm with wonder.

Note: Our Science Fiction & Fantasy course includes all “speculative fiction”—an umbrella that includes the subgenres of Science Fiction (hard, alternate reality, cyberpunk, etc.) and Fantasy (high, urban, historical, etc.) as well as works of Horror. Currently the material skews toward Science Fiction, but most of the craft teaching applies equally to Fantasy and Horror, and students are welcome to work on Fantasy and Horror projects.

Select a class: Level I, Advanced
See also: How To Choose A Level and Letters from Gotham Students

Level I
Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing | 10-week Workshop

Using a balance of lecture, exercise, and feedback on work from the instructor and classmates, this course gives students a firm grounding in all the basics of science fiction writing. Everything is presented in a clear, accessible manner.

The Level I Science Fiction class is geared more toward short stories than novels, but those students dedicated to working on novels may do so in this course.

Write one/two short stories or begin a novel
Lectures on basics of fiction and science fiction craft
Writing exercises
Present work for critique (two times)

Science Fiction I is for beginners or anyone who wants to brush up on the fundamentals.

View a course syllabus.

(3.0 CEU)

Online Classes

Tuition: $399, Returning Students $369. Registration Fee $25.

Each class strictly limited to 16 students, ages 18 and up.

Starts	New Lecture	Location	Time	Special	Enroll
Jun 11	Tuesdays	Online	24 hrs. a day	Sample Class
Jul 9	Tuesdays	Online	24 hrs. a day	Sample Class

Advanced
Science Fiction & Fantasy Writing | 10-week Workshop

Focusing on developing projects and receiving feedback from the instructor and classmates, this course helps students sharpen their skills and work toward completion of publishable work. Writers often repeat Science Fiction II to continue their projects.

The Advanced Science Fiction class is inclusive of both short stories and novels.

Begin or work toward completion of a novel
Lectures that expand on basics of fiction and science fiction craft
Writing Exercises
Present work for in-depth critique (two times)

Prerequisite: Science Fiction Writing I or the equivalent.
Which level is right for you? How to Choose a Level

(3.0 CEU)

Online Classes

Tuition: $399, Returning Students $369. Registration Fee $25.

Each class strictly limited to 14 students, ages 18 and up.

Starts	New Lecture	Location	Time	Special	Enroll
Jul 17	Wednesdays	Online	24 hrs. a day	Sample Class