World Building: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing for 15 - 17 Year Olds - Nottingham Trent University

Description

Imaginary worlds have never been more popular, in books, comics, film and computer games. So, writers in these media often need to invent their own fictional locations. For fantasy, it might be another Narnia, Middle-earth or Earthsea. Science-fiction could be visiting planets like Tatooine, Ringworld or Gallifrey. What could be more enjoyable than inventing an imaginary land? You make the rules. But it is easy to get overwhelmed. World building can be a daunting feat of the imagination. There are pitfalls to avoid, such as info-dumping and inconsistency. At the same time, there are tools and tips that make the job easier. This course offers a guided step-by-step structure to designing your own imaginary land. You will cover the world building basics with time set aside for writing a guided story set in your world. Whether you write for a hobby or aim to be published, this course will help, with resources and information about the creative writing industry shared. By the end of the course, you will have the beginnings of your own imaginary world and a short story set there. You will build skills and knowledge about the creative writing industry. During this course, you will: • Become familiar with narrative structure and character development. • Practice foundations of world building, such as fabula, history and consistency. • Practice good prose style, dialogue, metaphor, indirect exposition. • Become familiar with tools and resources for writing fiction • Understand the importance of info-dumping and strategies to minimise its use. • Develop your confidence in sharing work and peer feedback. • Understand editing techniques. • Learn about some routes to publication and careers in writing. • Increase your familiarity with established genre writers. Tutor profile: Ian C Douglas is a Nottingham writer known for his science-fiction books, the Zeke Hailey series. He has a MA in Creative Writing (Distinction). As a prolific short story writer, around 50 of his short stories have been published, mostly fantasy or science-fiction. His graphic story was included in To End All Wars, an anthology nominated for two Eisner Awards. Ian won the Gravity Award in 2021 for The Haunting of the Jabberwocky, and the Eyelands Best Novel Award in 2020 for The Infinity Trap. In 2019, Ian was guest of honour at Malta’s Festival of Literary Stars. Ian runs creative writing workshops, mentors emerging writers and visits schools. He is a co-editor with Left Lion, Nottingham’s flagship cultural magazine and co-founder of both the Nottingham Writers Studio and the East Midlands Society of Authors branch. Ian has served as Nottingham’s Literacy Ambassador for charity and was a regular guest on Notts TV. Prior to becoming a published writer, Ian taught English language at a university level for ten years.

What's included in the price?

This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus. Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include great benefits such as the use of our modern library, and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course. You will also need to bring with you: • Notebook and pen, or your own laptop or electronic device to write in. • Those already working on their own imaginary worlds as a hobby are very welcome to bring in their own writing to develop further. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Nottingham Trent University

with Craft Courses since 2015

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