Creative Writing Studio: Research and World-Building in Fiction

Undergraduate / Graduate

Writing fiction is in large part a matter of convincing worldbuilding, no matter what genre you write in. And convincing worldbuilding is about creating a seamless reality within the elements of that world: from setting, to social systems, to character dynamics, to the story or novel's conceptual conceit. And whether it be within a genre of science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, or even contemporary realism, building a convincing world takes a good deal of research. So while we look closely at the tools and methods of successful worldbuilding, we will also dig into the process of research. From how and where to mine the right details, to what to look for, to how to implement them. We will also focus on how research can make a fertile ground for harvesting ideas and even story. Students will read various works of fiction with an eye to their worldbuilding, as well as critical and craft texts. In addition to readings and creative exercises each student will also be expected to make a brief presentation and turn in a final paper for the class.