Online: Writing Compelling Climate Fiction w/ Amanda Niehaus

Temperatures are rising and catastrophic droughts, storms and bushfires are becoming more frequent and intense. It could be argued that today, all fiction is and should be climate fiction. Join trained biologist and award-winning writer Amanda Niehaus, to delve into the world of climate fiction.

Fiction creates empathy by embedding readers in in others’ lives and experiences. Can our writing build empathy for nature and climate, too? The short answer is – yes! And though the stats are dire, our writing doesn’t have to be. In this course, we’ll learn ways to inspire curiosity, introspection and awe in readers to incite connection and change. This course is for everyone!

This writing course, Online: Writing Compelling Climate Fiction, with Amanda Niehaus will take place online.

Expected learning outcomes

In this workshop, participants will:

1. Learn how to use familiar storylines (e.g. folk or fairy tales, family histories) as the basis for new climate fiction.

2. Learn how fiction builds empathy and helps us understand difficult or distant concepts like climate change.

3. Learn how to use storytelling and plot techniques to inspire curiosity in readers.

4. Learn how to use detail and “slow writing” to inspire awe in readers.