Science fiction is known for its incredible world building, brain-melting ideas and imaginative technology. But a story doesn't come to life without engaging characters, no matter the genre, and this course is designed to help you infuse your sci-fi stories with memorable characters.
By the end of the course you will:
- Understand the difference between archetypes and stereotypes
- Know how to build characters through observation
- Understand the importance of point-of-view
- Be able to use first, second and third person perspectives
- Be able to combine character and situations to generate a plot
How long does it take?
As a self-paced course it's up to you how quickly you progress through the material. If you take a break from Netflix you could binge it in a week, or spread it out over a longer period.
How does it work?
Our courses can be accessed on your desktop Mac or PC , laptop, tablet or mobile. All you need is a web browser. You don't need to install any additional software.
When does it start?
Right now! This is a self-paced online course - you decide when you start and can go through it at any speed. You have unlimited access to the course so can return for a refresher at any time.
Introducing Ian Nettleton
Ian Nettleton is from the north of England but he has lived in Norwich for two decades. His novelette, Falling Star, was published in a science fiction anthology, Angles, in 2008 and his novel, The Last Migration, was runner-up in the inaugural Bath Novel Award 2014 and runner-up in the inaugural Bridport Prize Peggy Chapman-Andrews Award 2014. He is represented by Sue Armstrong of the Conville and Walsh literary agency.
Ian has a PhD in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of East Anglia and teaches creative writing at the Open University (undergraduate and MA), the National Centre for Writing and the University of East Anglia. He is currently editing a literary thriller set in Queensland, Australia, called Out of Nowhere.
Also available in this series
The Writing Science Fiction series is also available in a discounted bundle. Save £25 on buying separately!
Course overview
- Multiple characters (0:52)
- Read: How Beautiful With Banners
- What does it matter whose story I am telling?
- The points of view available to the writer – Part 1
- Exercise #4: Using first person
- The points of view available to the writer – Part 2
- The points of view available to the writer – Part 3
- Exercise #5: Using third person
- Read: The Girl-Thing Who Went Out for Sushi
- Read: Immersion
- Exercise #6: Continue your journal
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