Dystopia!

Are you interested in world-building futuristic realities and creating characters that are up against the odds? Are you looking for a way to process life in the pandemic? Welcome to Dystopia!, a class where we will explore the fundamentals of dystopian writing from character archetypes and power dynamics to systemic obstacles in our imagined societies. Writers will craft intricate plotlines that have both clarity and dimension, finding inspiration in current events and societal issues. We will learn craft moves like pacing and external character detailing from revered dystopian authors like Octavia Butler, Margaret Atwood and George Orwell.

As with all our programs, we use the Amherst Writing Method, a methodology rooted in the belief that everyone is a writer, that all feedback be positive, and that our writing voice will continually grow clearer and stronger, the more it is validated and encouraged.

Note: This class is co-ed and open to all middle schoolers.