Writing Speculative Fiction: Exploring Fantasy, Fear, and the Future
WCWP-40344
10 WEEKS | ONLINE
Course Overview:
This course is designed for students who wish to expand their fiction writing and explore the realms of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror in innovative ways.
Students will learn to refine their skills in speculative fiction writing, focusing on essential storytelling techniques such as world-building, character development, pacing, and atmosphere.
Throughout the course, students will understand how to craft immersive worlds, skillfully subvert genre tropes, and balance familiar conventions with fresh ideas. Valuable insights into the publishing world are also offered, preparing students to navigate the journey from manuscript to publication in the realm of speculative fiction.
Intended for writings looking to go beyond surface-level entertainment, the course will help students create narratives that blend genre conventions with thought-provoking social commentary. By the end of the course, students will gain insights into how to write speculative fiction that not only captivates readers but also engages with deeper issues like identity, morality and societal fears.
Quarters Offered: Winter, Summer | Online
Current Course Fee: $450
Course Length: 10 weeks
Prerequisite: A solid foundation in writing is recommended.
Note: This is an Elective Course for the Children's Book Writing Certificate program and the Creative Writing Certificate program.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 6/27/2026
- Early enrollment advised
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Kristina Grifantini
M.S., Science Journalism (Boston University), B.S. (Sarah Lawrence College); Membership in The Authors Guild, HWA, SFWA
She is an accomplished short fiction writer, with dozens of stories appearing in podcasts, magazines, games, and Stoker-nominated anthologies. She is the editor/co-editor of several books. In 2016, she co-founded the Horror Writers Association (HWA) San Diego Chapter, an organization dedicated to promoting the horror genre. She is a member of numerous professional writing organizations and serves as a mentor for the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA).
Her classes on creative writing have been presented through Clarion West Online, Reach Your Apex, UC San Diego, and at numerous conferences. She has appeared on dozens of panels at events including San Diego Comic-Con, WonderCon, the San Diego Book Festival, the Southern California Writers’ Conference, StokerCon, and the SFWA Nebula Conference. She has also appeared on podcasts and in media outlets such as KPBS and The San Diego Union-Tribune to discuss genre storytelling.
