Class

Worldbuilding for Ecohorror: This Forest Might Eat You

Welcome to the wide and terrifying world of ecohorror! From "Area X" in Jeff VanderMeer’s “Annihilation” to Rory Power's ghastly Raxter School for Girls, this course examines ecohorror at its creepy-crawliest.

In this course, we’ll get down in the dirt to understand exactly why ecohorror heebies our jeebies, what elements build an ecohorror story, and how to recreate that eerie feeling in your own writing and worlds. Knowing that settings are what make ecohorror sing, we’ll examine worldbuilding strategies in ecohorror and climate fiction to identify how creators design such intricate, terrifying worlds. Then, you'll work some worldbuilding magic yourself to create your own ecohorror settings and cultures!

This class is the ideal companion for speculative fiction, sci fi, and fantasy writers looking to get a leg up (or several legs up) on the ecohorror genre. Lessons are interactive and generative, so be ready to free-write, discuss, and share your spookiest snippets with your classmates!

Expect to leave this class with a greater appreciation of the ecohorror and climate fiction genres, a stack of great writing samples, and possibly some dirt under your fingernails. Just be careful to keep an eye out – because these trees just might eat you!

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.