Writing Sci-Fi and Fantasy with Tara Loder

Course Summary

Are you writing a sci fi and/or fantasy novel?

Writing Sci Fi & Fantasy is an online course for those who have never written a word or those who have already written their first manuscript. Editor and tutor Tara Loder will help you craft irresistible opening chapters, define a strong plot, build worlds, create characters your readers can fall in love with and teach you how to pitch your novel to readers and publishers. By the end of course you’ll have 5k polished words shaped by an experienced commissioning editor.

Course Outline

Ahead of class starting please submit a summary of your project in no more than 200 words. Each class will end with dedicated writing time, where you can learn what it’s like to have a writing group that writes together for at least 15-30 minutes.

 Week 1

First half

We’ll discuss how to pitch a project, using examples of books that have been published. Find out where your novel sits in the sci fi and fantasy genre spectrum and what comparison titles are, so that you can successfully shape and then pitch your novel.

Second half

You’ll turn your 200-word summary into a pitch. Don’t worry, at this stage we’re just looking to get an idea of what your novel is about and who your reader is.

Takeaway exercise: research and send your comparison titles and your 2-line pitch before week 2.

Week 2

First half

We will review your pitch, filling in any gaps you may have and work on making your elevator pitch irresistible. We’ll brainstorm ideas just like they do in an editorial meeting and give your novel focus by determining what will be/is at the heart of your novel.

Second half

You’ll master the Squiggly Line Test and other plotting tools. Now you have the heart of your novel, we’ll look at the overarching plot. We’ll then work together to plot out your next chapters, followed by writing time to make sure you keep up the momentum.

Week 3

First half

Now we’ll work on the second part of your pitch, the blurb. This will be an enticing 150 to 200-word description of your novel, just like you find on the back of a book.

Second half

We’ll take a look at the winning elements of a synopsis and then write one.

Takeaway exercise: send your blurb and synopsis ahead of week 4

Week 4

First half

Discover how to ensure you book keeps its promise. Does your book do what it says on the tin or are you offering something different? Learn which is easier to get published and why those two lines you submitted may be the most important ones you write.

Second half

We’ll pick up where we left off last week, workshopping your next three chapters, so you grab the reader’s attention.

Takeaway exercise: Write as much as you can of your first 5k words for submission ahead of week 5.

Week 5

Reflection & Writing Week your first 5k words. Instead of having class this week, I’ll be available for online sessions to answer any questions you may have and to support you in writing your first three chapters. You can use the class time as writing time if you wish.

This is the moment to take all we’ve covered and craft or edit as much as you can of your first three chapters. Make them irresistible! You’ll be submitting your chapters for feedback from both Tara and your classmates.

You’ll need to submit these (up to 5,000 words) to Tara by an agreed date.

Week 6

First half

Feedback on your first 5k words will be given in group, so we can all learn from the exercise. Individual feedback will follow via email. We’ll discuss accomplishments and how to improve your chapters.

Second half

We’ll catch up on where you are with your novel and the challenges you’re facing. We’ll discuss writing schedules and how to finish your novel. You’ll be surprised how quickly this can happen.

 Takeaway exercise: Edit your first 5k words, edited material to be resubmitted by Week 7.

Week 7

First half

We’ll return to our plotting tools to plan your next chapters, and look at the overarching story you’re crafting.

Second half

We’ll dedicate this part of class to writing time to make sure you keep up the momentum after finishing your first 5,000 words.

Week 8

First half

I’ll feedback on your edited chapters and take time for a Q&A session.

Second half

You’re now well on your way to having a novel. I’ll reveal what happens once your novel is finished from an insider’s view of publishing.

Course Outcomes

Each participant will have a minimum of 5k polished words, edited by a commissioning editor, and know how to pitch their novel by the end of the course.

Having worked as an editor across ‘big five’ publishers such as Little, Brown and Headline, as well as the UK’s fastest growing publisher, Tara Loder knows what it takes to create a bestselling novel. She’s worked on Sunday Times bestsellers, as well as chart topping digital bestsellers, and is experienced in taking a novel from an idea to a published masterpiece.

Booked out? To be added to the waiting list for this course, please email bookings@irishwriterscentre.ie.