“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory,” writes J.R.R. Tolkien in 1947. “If a soldier is imprisoned by the enemy, don’t we consider it his duty to escape?” In this seminar, we will probe this compelling idea by briefly surveying “secondary world” fantasy, i.e. stories set in alternative mythical spaces where magic works, mythical creatures roam the wild, and otherworldly dangers await intrepid warriors and sorcerers. In discussion we will explore the conventions of secondary world fantasy, and in writing activities we will test world-building techniques, practice characterization methods, and otherwise “escape” into the elsewhere and elsewhen. Students should expect to leave the seminar with drafts of three flash fictions in the fantasy genre they can later expand. Students will also receive information about current markets for short fiction in the secondary world fantasy genre.

Please note: This class or event will be held online (using Zoom or a similar live platform). To participate, students or attendees should have a stable internet connection. Class participants: you should have a computer or device with a webcam and microphone; and your Zoom link will be automatically sent to you after you register. Check your spam box if you don't see it.