Class

Writing the Scary, Unsettling, Uncanny & Strange

This course is an invitation to explore landmark elements of the horror genre. From ghost stories to monsters, from demons to urban legends, from retellings to weird fiction, we'll explore four aspects of horror: the scary, the unsettling, the uncanny, and the strange.

Each week, we'll read a selection of stories and novel excerpts for discussion. Then, we'll learn craft elements of the genre, including the foundations of horror writing; archetypes and tropes; sources of fear; and how to use our fears to build character and plot. Finally, we'll have in-class writing time inspired by our readings, which will include writers such as Shirley Jackson, Victor Lavalle, Stephen Graham Jones, Brian Evenson, Joyce Carol Oates, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and more.

Take this class if:
- you're interested in adding uncanny, spectral, or speculative elements to your writing
- you're interested in trying new approaches in your work
- you're curious about the horror genre and want to introduce different elements to your writing practice OR you want to write horror-adjacent work

By the end of class, students will:
- learn what horror fiction is, past and present
- study craft conventions and hallmarks of horror writing
- gain an understanding of how hauntings, ghosts, doppelgangers, the uncanny, monsters, devils & demons, retellings, and more speak to the cultural concerns and fears of an era so that one can use similar elements to generate original work with a contemporary sensibility
- have a good time getting spooky in reading and writing

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Time.

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.