Odyssey is offering three online writing classes.  Each class is focused on a particular element of fiction writing and is designed for writers at a particular skill level, from beginners to professional writers. 

The three different online courses cover some of the most critical issues for developing writers:

Three-Act Structure in Fantastic Fiction
January 5 – February 2, 2011
Instructor:  Jeanne Cavelos
Level:  Intermediate/Advanced
Application Deadline:  December 9, 2010

Worldbuilding in Fantastic Fiction
January 12 – January 26, 2011
Instructor:  Melissa Scott
Level:  Beginner/Intermediate
Application Deadline:  December 16, 2010

Writing in Scenes
February 9 – 23, 2011
Instructor:  Nancy Kress
Level:  Beginner/Intermediate
Application Deadline:  January 10, 2011

Odyssey’s Online Classes pack valuable content into each session and provide assignments that challenge students to take their writing to the next level. The classes provide the tools and techniques needed to improve a student’s writing. Students receive feedback on their work that reveals whether they are successfully using the tools and techniques being taught. Courses provide a supportive and challenging atmosphere. Class size is limited to fourteen students.  While courses are designed for adult writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror, interested writers of other genres are welcome to apply. 

Last winter, Odyssey offered its first online course, Showing versus Telling in Fantastic Fiction.  “The class was a huge success,” Odyssey Director Jeanne Cavelos says.  “Using Web conferencing software, we held live class sessions with fourteen students from the US, Japan, and Australia.  We had some great discussions, and the students proved that they could commit significant amounts of time and energy to a rigorous, demanding course despite the long distances.  They worked intensely on recognizing and manipulating showing and telling in their fiction and made exciting improvements.”

For more information about the online classes, check out www.sff.net/odyssey/online or by emailing Odyssey Director Jeanne Cavelos at jcavelos@sff.net. The Odyssey Web site, www.odysseyworkshop.org, offers many resources for writers, including free podcasts, writing and publishing tips, a weekly writing blog, and a critique service.