Stories That Change Our World: Writing Hopepunk
Instructor: Cat Rambo
Next class date: Saturday, April 8, 2023, 1-3 PM Pacific Time.
Join Cat Rambo for a workshop in which they address a question of pressing importance in today’s world: how do we craft stories that inspire, encourage, and above all, shape the future by teaching? How do we use writing to expand our knowledge and understanding of the world? How do we avoid being didactic — while still using our art to address the needs and concerns of today? And perhaps most importantly, how do we grow empathy, insight, and hope within ourselves so we can write such stories? A combination of lecture, discussion, and writing exercises will leave you encouraged, inspired, and ready to write your own stories.
Testimonials and mentions:
- The class mentioned in the Wall Street Journal.
- Good class w/ helpful writing exercises that got me jazzed about my utopian stories.
- Having just completed Cat Rambo’s Hopepunk class today, I am so encouraged my current project and writing philosophy has a place in the SFF world.
- It felt kinda conspiratorial to be sequestered away plotting how to change the world. I *liked* that 🙂
- I am feeling hopeful after the excellent hopepunk class by @Catrambo. I found out there’s a term for something I’ve been reflecting on a ton lately and I’m excited to put some new ways of thinking to practice. Thanks for the class, Cat!
- Thank you @Catrambo for a great course on writing hopepunk. It was almost like a writer-focused therapy session, and I loved all the tips on cultivating hope and kindness while writing in these dystopian times
Classes are taught online and require a reliable Internet connection, although in the past participants have logged on from coffee shops, cafes, and even an airplane; a webcam is suggested but not required. There is a limit of 15 students.
Cost is $99 ($79 for Patreon supporters and former students, which includes classes/workshops with me in other venues, such as conference or convention workshops and mentoring sessions). Patreon supporters can sign up to receive the video afterward for $40.
To register for this class, send an email with the following details:
- Which class or classes and the dates you are registering for.
- Remind me if you support me on Patreon or have already taken a class with me so you can get the special rate.
- Whether you would prefer to pay via Paypal, check, Venmo, or some other means.
- If you’re a new student, please let me know how you found out about the classes!
You will be invoiced when the class slot is reserved. You should receive confirmation of your registration within 48 hours.
Free scholarships: If you cannot afford a class but really want to take one, apply for a Plunkett Scholarship. Each class has three slots reserved for such students, and the sole criteria is only that you can’t currently afford the class. To apply for a Plunkett, which covers the entire cost, mail me and tell me why you want to take the class in 100 words or less. QUILTBAG and PoC candidates are especially encouraged to apply. The Plunkett Scholarships are named for Edward Plunkett, who wrote as Lord Dunsany. Scholarships are given out on a rolling basis; I suggest getting them in sooner rather than later. You may apply for multiple classes.
