Writing Sci Fi & Fantasy

Are you writing a sci fi and/or fantasy novel?

Writing Sci Fi & Fantasy is an online course for those who have never written a word, those with the germ of an idea or those who have already written their first manuscript. Editor and tutor Tara Loder will help you craft irresistible opening chapters, define a strong plot, create characters your readers can fall in love with and teach you how to pitch your novel when you are ready to submit. 

You'll delve into tropes of the sci fi and fantasy genres, and learn what to keep at the heart of your novel, so that agents and publishers know what your book is, where to place it in the market and why that’s so important in pitching and getting your book published.

By the end of course you’ll have 3k polished words, which could be three chapters, shaped by an experienced commissioning editor.

Ahead of class you'll need to submit a summary of your project in no more than 200 words to [email protected]. 

Schedule

Week 1

First half

Tara will offer her insight into how to pitch a project, using examples of books that have been published. Find out where your novel sits in the sci fi and fantasy genre spectrum and comps, so that you can successfully shape and then pitch your novel. You’ll look at bestsellers to determine their genres and help you to discover where your novel fits and what that means.

Second half

You’ll turn your 200-word summary into a pitch. Don’t worry, at this stage we’re just looking to get an idea of what your novel is about and who your reader is.

Takeaway exercise: submit your pitch ahead of week 2. 

Week 2

First half

Tara will review your pitch, filling in any gaps you may have and work on making your elevator pitch irresistible. We’ll brainstorm ideas just like they do in an editorial meeting and give your novel focus by determining what will be/is at the heart of your novel.

Second half

You’ll master the Squiggly Line Test. Now you have the heart of your novel, we’ll look at the overarching plot. This will be a session of brainstorming using the Squiggly Line Test. We’ll then work together to plot out your next chapters, followed by writing time to make sure you keep up the momentum.

 Takeaway exercise: Work on your two-line pitch & your first 3k words

Week 3

First half

Discover how to ensure your book keeps its promise. We’ll discuss examples of books that never saw the light of day and the importance of your first 50 pages. Does your book do what it says on the tin or are you offering something different? Learn which is easier to get published.

Second half

We’ll workshop your first three chapters, learning how to grab the reader’s attention.

Takeaway exercise: Write as much as you can of your first 3k words for submission ahead of week 5.

Week 4

Reflection & Writing Week & your first 3k words. Instead of having class this week, I’ll be online to answer any questions you may have and to support you in writing your first 3k words. You can use the class time as writing time if you wish.

This is the moment to take all we’ve covered and craft or edit as much as you can of your first 3k words. Make them irresistible! You’ll be submitting your chapters for feedback from both Tara and your classmates.

You’ll need to submit these (up to 3,000 words) to Tara by Oct 14th.

Week 5

First half

Feedback on your first 3k words will be given in group, so we can all learn from the exercise. Individual feedback will follow via email. We’ll discuss accomplishments and how to improve your chapters.

Second half

We’ll catch up on where you are with your novel and the challenges you’re facing. We’ll discuss writing schedules and how to finish your novel. You’ll be surprised how quickly this can happen.

Takeaway exercise: Edit your first 3k words, edited material to be resubmitted on October 23rd. 

Week 6

First half

We will be joined by guest speaker Vicky Leech Mateos (Publishing Director at Bloomsbury Publishing). She'll introduce her new SFF imprint: Bloomsbury Archer, discuss what she looks for in a manuscript, and offer immediate feedback on your 2 minute pitches.

Second half

You’re now well on your way to having a novel. I’ll reveal what happens once your novel is finished from an insider’s view of publishing. Plus I’ll feedback on your edited chapters and answer your questions.

This course includes

– A six-week course with five practical online sessions and one dedicated Q&A/writing week. Each online session is 1.5 hours in length, for a maximum of 20 students.

– Practical workshops with takeaway exercises to be applied to your own work to prepare for the next session

– Each participant will have a minimum of 3k polished words, edited by a commissioning editor, and know how to pitch their novel by the end of the course.

- A private online forum, to share discussion and writing throughout the course

- A copy of the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2024

- A book bundle from Bloomsbury Publishing

Optional extra

At a cost of £50, you can book a one-to-one discussion with Tara in which you can receive bespoke feedback on up to 2,000 words of original writing (a one-page synopsis can also be included).

Testimonials

"This course was excellent, way better than expected. Tara made the difference with her competence, human touch, and individual feedback." 2024 Course Participant

"An invaluable aid to getting started or boosting novel writing. Supportive cohort and an expert editor and mentor." 2024 Course Participant

"Really enjoyed this course with Tara. Her editorial feedback and encouragement were invaluable!" 2024 Course Participant

"The greatest strength of the course was Tara’s editing of our work and general encouragement. I enjoyed the communication with other group members on Slack as well." Carolyn Rayworth