Genres exist to tell stories that are beyond circumstance and plot. Romance, for example, speaks to our need for connection. Science fiction asks what it means to be human. Horror delves into our fear of the unknown. Crime explores chaos, order, and explanation.
But good writing is good writing, and good writing everywhere is crafted with the same elements— character, setting, dialogue, plot, rhythm, and theme. Added to these foundational elements, each genre also has its own unique set of requirements. Genre writing at its best is more, not less, than mainstream writing.
If you’re a writer working in a genre and you haven’t found your place in conventional writing workshops, this course is for you.
Join award-winning genre writer S.J. Rozan to explore the building blocks of literature through writing assignments, in-class exercises, and group discussions. Examine the demands of various genres, investigate how they shape a writer’s craft and tools, and discover the way masters of the craft have handled genre writing challenges. Return home with clarified understanding, new material, and inspiration.
