Dear Writer
Why Write Stories Set in Other Worlds?
Fantasy and science fiction can mirror reality and help us see life with greater clarity. As many have said before, we face dragons, too, even if they don’t wear scales or breathe fire. And it’s fun to ask, “What if…?”
Do you share this love for stories set in other worlds (or maybe a different genre, which is also cool!) and want to grow in your craft? Here’s a suggested plan.
- Read good books.
- Enjoy writing and completing short stories/novels.
- Ask for encouraging, constructive feedback from people you trust and then from people you don’t know as well. Be wise in what you implement.
- Submit your writing to contests and for publication, if you wish. If rejected (we all get them) with feedback, learn from it. Enjoy being accepted, too.
- KEEP LEARNING!
Here are some learning resources I recommend. Check them out and see they’re a good fit for you. I placed them in order of my personal experience timeline.
Learn how to write a novel
Suggested Grades: 9th-12th
One Year Adventure Novel
“With The One Year Adventure Novel your young writer will:
- complete their own novel
- understand how stories work
- enjoy a creative community and supportive resources.”
I completed OYAN (One Year Adventure Novel) in high school and loved it. I still draw on what I learned from the class. Plus, Mr. Schwabauer is awesome.
BONUS: It’s worth one full high school English credit.
EXTRA BONUS: There’s also a program for middle grade called Cover Story.
Learn the history of fantasy and science fiction and how to write them
Prerequisite: The One Year Adventure Novel
Other Worlds: Writing Fantasy and Science Fiction
“Master the Art of Speculative Fiction
- Learn the history and theories behind the world’s most influential genres
- Discover how to tell which ideas will work in a story and which ones won’t (before you write)
- Explore the key concept of “otherness” in world-building
- Learn to examine your own ideas critically.”
I completed this after high school and learned a ton.
Learn How to be a writer
Suggested Age: Teens to Early 20’s
Young Writers Workshop
“The Young Writers Workshop (YWW) is our primary supportive Christian community of young writers where you can learn from our vast content library, participate in monthly themes and events, support and get feedback from your peers, ask our instructors questions and more. We have our Standard program which is self-paced, and our Academic program which counts for a creative writing homeschool credit and is more structured with a teacher’s assistant and assignments.”
As a member, I found YWW to be an energizing, encouraging, well-rounded program. Faculty is great.
College-Level Program
Suggested Age: High School +
The Author Conservatory
“The Author Conservatory is our highest level program for writers who are serious about pursuing authorship as a career. This is a college-level program you can do in high school and teaches writers how to write full length high-concept novels, prepare for the publishing industry and start their own pop-up businesses to learn the essential entrepreneurial skills needed to build their platform and career. It includes many hours of group coaching, feedback from industry professionals, and real hands-on experience.”
I participated in something similiar to The Author Conservatory after high school, and I am thankful for that experience. I haven’t participated in this program, but I hear wonderful things about it.
Learn about writing, pursue submission and contest opportunities, find community
Suggested Age: High School +
Story Embers – Guiding and Inspiring Christian Storytellers
“We help Christian writers enthrall readers with honest storytelling that depicts both beauty & brokenness.”
Story Embers is free and offers informative articles, submission opportunities, and more.
Book news and conversation
Suggested Age: High School +
Lorehaven | Explore Fantastical Stories for God’s Glory
Lorehaven’s articles and podcast will keep you in the loop with Christian speculative news and expand your mind with fun, brainy discussion.
Conference, Community, Learning, Contests
Suggested Age: High School +
Realm Makers
“Are you a creative person who loves science fiction and fantasy, but also makes your spiritual growth a high priority? Have you found that you’re a little too weird for the usual church crowd, but don’t exactly fit in with the sci-fi convention set either? Well, now there’s a place for you to learn, share your talents, and commune with people a lot like yourself. Find your tribe at Realm Makers.”
Realm Makers is THE Christian speculative conference.
Conference for all genres, Contests
Suggested Age: There is a high school track. Most attendees are adults.
Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference
Learn about all aspects of the writing life from seasoned professionals at this large, friendly, annual conference.
Learn the business side of writing, get news
Suggested Age: High School +
Steve Laube Agency
Subscribe to the blog to receive informative articles usually focused on the business side of writing. Prepare to learn a lot from industry veterans.
