Classes & Workshops
2026 Writing Classes
Compelling Characters: Archetypes, Foils, and Arcs
Frisco Public Library
Frisco, TX / Jan 17 @ 4-5:30
Join award-winning author of speculative fiction Jalyn Renae Fiske for a free writing class on character creation. She'll discuss universal archetypes, foils, and arcs to help you craft believable, relatable, and compelling characters for your stories. If time allows, you can apply what you learn and get guidance from Jalyn on the spot on your characters, as well.
Stick the Landing: A Look at Story Endings in Speculative Fiction
Ad Astra Institute (online)
Zoom / April 11 @ 2-4pm
Join award-winning author Jalyn Renae Fiske for a class on spec-fic story endings. She'll discuss how introductions and endings are connected, review different types or categories of endings to consider, and provide several examples from spec-fic literature to study and analyze. Register here through Patreon.
More info @ www.adastra-sf.com.
Breadcrumbing to Build Worlds
Frisco Public Library
Frisco, TX / May 2 @ 4-5:30
Join award-winning author of speculative fiction Jalyn Renae Fiske for a free writing class on worldbuilding without info-dumping. She'll discuss the concept of breadcrumbing and how it connects to revealing your worldbuilding. She'll also cover aspects of exposition, description, pacing, and characterization.
Breadcrumbing to Build Suspense
Frisco Public Library
Frisco, TX / June 6 @ 4-5:30
Join award-winning author of speculative fiction Jalyn Renae Fiske for a free writing class on building suspense. She'll discuss the concept of breadcrumbing clues and delaying information in order to create tension in your writing and suspense in your readers. While ideal for the mystery genre, these skills are versatile for all kinds of fiction writing.
Write Like Bradbury:
Immersive Imagery and Figurative Language
Ad Astra Institute (online)
Discord / August 26 @ 7pm CST
Examine the art of imagery, figurative language, and sensory detail by looking to the SF master, Ray Bradbury. This class will take an inspiring look at some of his works, such as “Dark They Were and Golden Eyed” and “August 2026: There Will Come Soft Rains,” to explore why Bradbury’s flavor of writing is so beloved, memorable, and stands the test of time. Expect a foundational overview of concepts, analysis of example texts, and time to practice writing what you learn. Register here through Patreon.
More info @ www.adastra-sf.com.