Science Fiction, Fantastical, Supernatural with Angela Meyer

How to write long-form speculative fiction with Angela Meyer

All fiction ‘speculates’, but the genres explored in this course – the science fictional, the fantastical and the supernatural – go beyond current or concrete reality. From 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale through to recent Australian novels such as Terra Nullius, speculative fiction can be a powerful genre for examining big ideas.

This course encourages students to figure out what they would like to speculate on, and suggests avenues and techniques for exploring these ideas.You will learn:
  • To generate imaginative ideas
  • The importance of world-building
  • How to create genuine characters
  • To incorporate action and conflict into your plot
You'll also examine speculative novels in a range of forms and literary styles to help you find your own voice and approach. You’ll come away feeling inspired, excited and confident to create your own speculative work.


The course is designed to take you 4-5 hours in total, and can be completed in short stages at your convenience. Scroll down to see the full course curriculum and a list of frequently asked questions.

KYD Members receive a 10% discount on this course and all other KYD online courses throughout the year. Become a member here, or contact [email protected] for more information.

Want to buy a course for a friend? Purchase a gift voucher here.


Your Instructor


Angela Meyer
Angela Meyer

Angela Meyer has worked as a bookseller, book journalist, and editor and publisher (both freelance and in house), and is the author of A Superior Spectre, the award-winning novella Joan Smokes, and her latest novel Moon Sugar. She is a lecturer in the Master of Writing and Publishing at RMIT, and has mentored many authors through to publication.


Course Curriculum


  Introduction: Why Speculative Fiction?
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  What Do You Speculate On?
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  The Genuine Other-Worldly
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish. We encourage you to approach this material not just as lessons to be finished once and for all, but also as a collection of resources to which you can return time and again.
How long do I have access to the course?
Forever! After enrolling, you have unlimited lifetime access to this course - across any and all devices you own.
Does the teacher provide feedback?
No. If you are interested in receiving feedback on your project, we encourage you to check out KYD's Manuscript Assessment Service: https://killyourdarlings.com.au/shop/manuscript-assessments/
How do I access my course?
All our online workshops are hosted at workshops.killyourdarlings.com.au, via the Teachable platform. You can access your workshop by logging in at that link, or by following the link in your welcome email when you enrol. Please note that as the Teachable platform is a separate website to KYD you will need to create a new account, and will not be able to use your KYD login details.
I'm a KYD member. How do I receive my 10% discount?
Click on 'Enrol in course for $169'. Enter the coupon code that was emailed to you when you became a KYD member at checkout, underneath the tutor's photo.
What if I have another question?
You can email us at [email protected] and we'll be happy to help!

Get started now!