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Discussion-based
•
Medium intensity
This class needs 3 more votes by August 1 to get confirmed.
This module is a standing candidate which means it will be ready to launch as soon as it gets enough interest. Token holders can set aside a Token to reserve their seat for this candidate and help it get confirmed.
Critical fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy writing which I have been pioneering in my own creative works which puts an emphasis on aspects of writing which are often neglected in mass-market fantasy: namely, the careful and controlled use of stylistic devices, the integration of socially relevant themes and philosophical problems into stories, and greater intertextuality with other works in our inherited literary traditions. At the same time, critical fantasy stays true to the core elements of fantasy writing, such as immersive worldbuilding (in spatial and temporal senses), a wide cast of complex characters, and plots often focused on adventures and quests into the unknown.
In this module, I will use my own creative writing and that of other writers to illustrate the key topics of each week (see list below). I will also occasionally use theoretical works (in literary theory) to introduce or explain certain concepts in writing (all such readings are optional). At the start of each week’s lesson, we will also have a sharing session where you can read out your own writing (drafts, overviews, or just random thoughts on your writing) in a safe space among fellow creatives.
Course Outline:
In this module, I will use my own creative writing and that of other writers to illustrate the key topics of each week (see list below). I will also occasionally use theoretical works (in literary theory) to introduce or explain certain concepts in writing (all such readings are optional). At the start of each week’s lesson, we will also have a sharing session where you can read out your own writing (drafts, overviews, or just random thoughts on your writing) in a safe space among fellow creatives.
Course Outline:
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Week One
- Introduction: Module Structure, Topics, and Methods
- Stylistic Principles: Syntax and Phonetics: Chiasmus, Hyperbaton, Parallelism, and Alliteration
- Character Principles: Developing Psychological Complexity in Your Characters: Inner Conflicts, Perception, Habits
- Narratological Principles: Narrators Types: Extradiegetic vs Intradiegetic; Heterodiegetic vs Homodiegetic
- Narratological Principles: Narrative Space: Dynamic Space, Chekov’s Gun, Ecphrasis, and Fable vs Story Space
- Worldbuilding: Building Historical Layers into Your Writing: Ruins, Symbols, and Forgetfulness
- Writing as ‘Philosophical impulse’: Why do we write?
- Workshop: Sharing Thoughts and Writing
Required Texts
There are no required texts for this module. Handouts will be provided of exemplary works (primary texts) for certain topics. Moreover, the preceptor will sometimes provide access to important theoretical works in aesthetics (secondary texts) which discuss the given topic and provide you with deeper insights. Nevertheless, if you would like to get a sense of the features of creative writing which the preceptor values most (and which will be discussed in this module), the best place to look would be his own creative writing:
Williams, H. 2025. Under the Green Cloud: Tales from Basthinia, Book 2, Stichting De Wereld Leest.
Williams, H. 2021. The Southern Tide: Tales from Basthinia, Book 1, Stichting De Wereld Leest (previously: Ranger).
Williams, H. 2025. Under the Green Cloud: Tales from Basthinia, Book 2, Stichting De Wereld Leest.
Williams, H. 2021. The Southern Tide: Tales from Basthinia, Book 1, Stichting De Wereld Leest (previously: Ranger).
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Days and Times
Meeting Mondays & Thursdays at 2:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on September 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
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Note | Your Time unknown |
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Thu, Sep 4
2:00 PM |
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Mon, Sep 8
2:00 PM |
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Thu, Sep 11
2:00 PM |
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Mon, Sep 15
2:00 PM |
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Thu, Sep 18
2:00 PM |
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Mon, Sep 22
2:00 PM |
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Thu, Sep 25
2:00 PM |
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Mon, Sep 29
2:00 PM |