How to Take a Science Fiction Writing Workshop

Taking a science fiction writing workshop can help teach you how to think like a science fiction writer and refine your writing skills. Learn the fundamentals of science fiction writing and begin writing by registering for a workshop.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Search for available science fiction workshops by conducting an Internet search for writing workshops in your region. You may also find workshop referrals on websites and online community groups devoted to science fiction writing. Find bookstores devoted to science fiction and comics and see if they have message boards. Check the classifieds in publications devoted to science fiction. Visit science fiction forums online and ask for referrals.

2. Decide on a science fiction writing workshop to take. Courses are often devoted to polishing skills in short story, novel, fantastical or hardcore science fiction writing. Verify that you have met any prerequisites to take the course.

3. Register for the course. Pay all applicable fees and buy all required reading material.

4. Read the required material. Instructors may require that you read science fiction works before the first workshop meeting.

5. Listen to lectures. An instructor will probably start the workshop by teaching its participants the fundamentals of fiction writing and then proceeding to science fiction writing.

6. Participate in writing exercises. Apply what you have learned about science fiction writing. Writing exercises allow workshop participants to practice their newly acquired writing skills. Be prepared to have your work critiqued by the instructor and other workshop participants.

7. Begin writing. Be prepared to have your work critiqued by instructors, workshop participants and published science fiction writers if their input is part of the workshop.

8. Have your work critiqued by the instructor and other workshop participants. Familiarize yourself with the special science fiction critiquing terms and checklists. Science fiction writing is critiqued differently than regular fiction.

9. Take advantage of tips on how to market your science fiction work. Science fiction may be a little more difficult than other works to sell to a publishing house. Listen to advice on how to make the publishing process easier.

10. Complete the course. Ideally, you will have completed your original work by the end of the course. However, if you don't, consider signing up for an advanced science fiction writing workshop.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for workshops that are taught by published science fiction writers or have science fiction writers as guest lecturers.
• Use the science fiction writing workshop to make connections. Seasoned science fiction writers often take these courses to polish their writing; they may know about science fiction conferences you can attend.

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