Uncanny Valley:
A World-Building Workshop
Writing Workshop in New Jersey
January 15-18, 2027
Led by Tyrese L. Coleman
World-building is the integration of physical geography, culture, magic or technology, and history into the plot and character arcs of a story without the use of excessive backstory. Whether we are talking about speculative or fantastic, uncanny or fabulistic, sci-fi, fantasy, fairy tales, historical or a genre all on its own, building a believable world is essential to creating the “fictive dream.” In this generative workshop, we will learn about different ways to develop a world and do exercises on those techniques, inspiring students to create new and interesting landscapes for characters and readers, using multiple genre types while staying grounded in craft. We will also read excerpts and craft essays from genre writers such as Matt Dinniman, Carmen Maria Machado, N.K Jemisin, Diana Galbaldon, James Islington and others. Everyone will be encouraged to share their new work with fellow participants and to give and receive supportive feedback. Writers of all genres and experience are welcome.
*Limited to just 10 participants.*
“The workshop leaders are talented and compassionate, pushing you to new levels. The atmosphere is charged with creativity and appreciation for the work of others. I travel from Chicago to attend and have not been disappointed.”
~ Donna, Willowbrook, IL
Tyrese L. Coleman
Tyrese L. Coleman is the author of How to Sit, a 2019 Pen Open Book Award finalist published with Mason Jar Press in 2018. She is also the writer of the forthcoming book, Spectacle, with One World, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Writer, wife, mother, attorney and writing instructor, she occasionally teaches at American University. Her essays and stories have appeared in several publications, including Black Warrior Review, Literary Hub, The Rumpus and the Kenyon Review, and noted in Best American Essays and the Pushcart Anthology. She is an alumni of the Writing Program at Johns Hopkins University. Read a piece by Tyrese and learn more on her website.
