From Fanfic to Published: Your Path to Becoming a Fantasy or Sci-Fi Author

Ready to turn your story ideas into something real? This isn't your typical writing camp—it's a behind-the-scenes look at how sci-fi and fantasy fiction actually gets written, published, and read by thousands. Taught by Dr. Rachael Kuintzle, published sci-fi author and creator of Caltech's first science fiction anthology, students will get insider knowledge of the publishing industry that most writers spend years figuring out on their own. Students will start where they are—whether that's fanfiction, original stories, or just ideas bouncing around in their head—and build toward real publication opportunities. Writers will collaborate with fellow writers through peer critique sessions, group storytelling exercises, and tabletop RPG worldbuilding. By week's end, students will have a complete piece of fiction or the start of a novel, a clear understanding of different publishing paths (from AO3 to traditional publishing), and the connections to keep their writing momentum going. This camp will bridge the gap between writing for fun and writing professionally. Writers will leave with both polished work and the industry knowledge to actually do something with it. Space is limited to ensure intensive feedback and collaboration. Sack lunch option available for purchase at check-out.

Teacher Bio: Rachael Kuintzle, PhD is a science fiction writer and writing instructor at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She holds a PhD in biochemistry & molecular biophysics from Caltech and served as editor-in-chief and a contributing author of the anthology INNER SPACE AND OUTER THOUGHTS: Speculative Fiction From Caltech and JPL Authors (2023). She has published multiple short stories and authored two upcoming young adult science fiction novels. She has given talks on writing and publishing at sci-fi/fantasy conventions such as WorldCon & the SFWA Nebula Conference, as well at college writing courses and clubs at the University of Denver, CSU Fort Collins, and more.

Room: USS 208

Subject: Language Arts/KDS Students can take for transcript pass/fail

Time: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Lunch can be purchased through Kent Denver for all classes below 50 in number. Students may bring their own lunch.

Materials Fee: $45