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Richard Hugo House
and
NW MediaArts
Present:
Writing Fantastic Fiction Workshop Series
The literature of speculative fiction provides the perfect oeuvre to hold a mirror up to humanity and look at who we are and what we might become. By telling tales of "the other" we discover ourselves. By projecting current trends forward, we ask "what if?" and compare the world that is with worlds that might be. Fantastic fiction has long been the home of astute social commentary and in-depth exploration of what it means to be human. Important work is being written in the realm of fantasy, science fiction, mythic and fabulist fiction, and these workshops provide an opportunity to work with masters of the field.
This workshop series will take you on a voyage of discovery as critically acclaimed authors from around the country arrive in Seattle to teach a day-long workshop focusing on writing tools that will further your craft in the genre of fabulist fiction and provide you with tools to sharpen your skills in all the writing you do. Each author will teach a one-day Sunday workshop and give a reading and book signing for the general public the following day, Monday, at 7:00 p.m. Workshops include discussion, in-class writing exercises and critiquing.
Fantastic Places: Making the Unreal Real
Instructor: Paul Park
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The difference between speculative fiction and mainstream fiction often consists in its evocation of place. In this workshop, you will learn the techniques required to imagine and capture a distinctive setting, whether it is an entire new world or a room in some future version of Seattle.
Paul Park is known as one of the finest authors on the "humanist" wing of American Science Fiction and Fantasy. "His powerful, densely written narratives of religious and existential crisis on worlds at once exotic and familiar" (Nick Gevers) have won him critical acclaim. Paul Park has written eleven novels and will launch his new novel The White Tyger at his Monday night salon. Sunday, January 28, 2007
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Fantastic Miracles of Rare Device:
The Techniques and Tropes of Science Fiction
Instructor: Connie Willis
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In this workshop we will discuss and practice some of the devices and methods of writing that make science fiction both a unique art form and a serious form of literature. Connie will discuss plot devices such as foreshadowing, character arcs and raising the stakes, and will analyze the plot device of reversals in detail, using writing exercises and multiple examples from science fiction, literature and movies.
Connie Willis has won more awards (17) than any other SF author for her insightful, witty novels and numerous works of short fiction. Celebrated for her wit and comic timing, she also uses her fiction to examine larger questions: the nature of God, the persistence of suffering and loss, and the role of love and redemption. Connie will also appear at the Fantastic Fiction Salon. Sunday, February 25, 2007
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Who Likes Short Shorts? We Like Short Shorts!
Instructor: Terry Bisson
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Less is more. This workshop will concentrate on the short-short (fewer than 1500 words) as a formal structure, in which the maximum effect is achieved with a minimum of words. Special attention will be paid to the release of information through dialogue alone — the development of character, setting and plot without description or attribution ('he said, she said'). Student work as well as classic examples of the form will be analyzed, praised, trashed, cut and imitated. Workshop participants should come prepared with an eraser and a razor blade. Even long-winded writers may benefit from this one-day exercise in economy and control.
Terry Bisson is the author of a dozen critically acclaimed novels and several works of non-fiction. He is perhaps best known for his short stories, having swept every honor in the SF field as well as France's Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire. "They're Made out of Meat" has been made into a prize-winning film. He is presently working with comics legend Stan Lee on a top secret project that will alter the very structure of the Universe, hopefully for the better. Terry will also appear at the Fantastic Fiction Salon. Sunday, March 25, 2007
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Dialogue Says it All
Instructor: Peter S. Beagle
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If you're a jazz buff and are paying close attention, you can tell who's playing an instrument just by the sound. Similarly, you should be able to identify a character just by their dialogue. In this workshop we'll write dialogue, read it aloud, and practice creating distinct, authentic voices. You'll learn how to use phrases and small words as references to suggest to the reader that they are familiar with the world you're writing in whether it's a fantasy world or present day Cleveland, Ohio. You'll also learn how to make sure that your characters — Arthurian warriors or Others — don't all sound like you!
Peter Beagle's first novel, A Fine and Private Place, brought him immediate critical attention, and with the addition of subsequent classic works such as The Last Unicorn, Tamsin, and The Innkeeper's Song, he is acknowledged as one of America's greatest living fantasy authors whose remarkable abilities with language, characters, and magical storytelling have earned him millions of fans around the world. Peter will also appear at the Fantastic Fiction Salon. Sunday, April 29, 2007
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Soylent Green Is People
Instructor: Karen Joy Fowler
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In fantastical as well as realist literature, characters are still the heart of a piece. Some writers have characters who come to life, even write their books for them. Some of us find our characters a lot less helpful. Often when a book or story is running out of steam for me, the problem is that I don't know enough or I don't know the right things about my characters. Participants in this workshop should come with a character they want to work on — maybe a protagonist, maybe someone secondary, but annoyingly recalcitrant. We'll spend the day trying to pry those secrets loose. The goal is to go home knowing a lot more about your own story than you knew coming in.
Karen Joy Fowler is the author of four novels and two short story collections. An author who traverses genres from SF/fantasy to mainstream fiction, Fowler explores the mysteries of history, feminism, love, and friendship. Her first novel, Sarah Canary, won the Commonwealth medal for best first novel by a Californian; her third, Sister Noon, was a finalist for the Pen Faulkner award. She's won the Nebula and World Fantasy Award and her most recent novel, The Jane Austen Book Club, was a New York Times bestseller and is currently being made into a film. Karen will also appear at the Fantastic Fiction Salon. Sunday, May 20, 2007
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Co-sponsored by Richard Hugo House and NW MediaArts |
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How to Register by Mail, Phone, or Fax
Registration is now open at Richard Hugo House for Winter Quarter sessions (Paul Park, Connie Willis, Terry Bisson).
Registration opens 27 February 2007 for Spring Quarter sessions (Peter S. Beagle, Karen Joy Fowler).
Workshop Cost: $90 per session for Hugo House members and Clarion West Alumni; $100 per session for everyone else
The easiest way to register is to call Richard Hugo House with your credit card information. Phone: (206) 322-7030. Hours: 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Pacific Time, weekdays, and noon-5:00 p.m. Saturdays (except holidays).
You may also fax your registration and credit card information to (206) 320-8767.
You can also:
- Fill out the registration form on Page 8 of the Richard Hugo House Winter Catalogue [pdf]
- Mail the form with your tuition check or credit card information to:
Registrar
Richard Hugo House
1634 11th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
If you already are or become a member of Richard Hugo House at the time of registration, take the member tuition rate.
Clarion West Alumni also get the member rate for these classes.
Tuition includes a $15 nonrefundable registration fee. Full refunds will be made
if Richard Hugo House cancels the class. Full refunds, less the registration fee, will
be made if the student cancels registration in writing at least 48 hours before the
first session. A prorated refund, less the registration fee, is available for cancellations
received in writing no later than 48 hours after the first session. Refunds will
not be made after this time. For classes meeting fewer than four times, refunds
will not be made after the class begins.