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
Write Like Bradbury:
Imagery & Figurative Language
Ad Astra Institute (online)
August 26 @ 7pm CST
Cinematic Writing:
It's Not Just for the Movies!
Frisco Write Club @ Frisco Public Library
Oct 17 @ 6:30 CST
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.
Examine the art of imagery, figurative language, and sensory detail by looking to the SF master Ray Bradbury. Expect to analyze excerpts from short stories and embark on a foundational overview of concepts, why and how they work in writing, and time to practice writing what you learn. (POSTPONED)
What makes cinema different from other forms of storytelling is that you're watching a story unfold as if it were happening right then and there. In a similar way and with the right tools, you can write a visceral, visual, and immersive story that pulls readers in. Join Jalyn for a presentation on core aspects of cinematic writing, practical examples, and tips and tricks to bring your story to life.
Crafting Character Archetypes
with Tarot, Myth, and Psychology
Ad Astra Institute (online)
Nov 17 @ 7pm CST
To the Mountain's Peak:
Writing the Story Climax
Ad Astra Institute (online)
Dec 12 @ 12pm CST
Opposites Attract:
Research and Creative Writing
Collin College Frisco Campus
Oct 27 @ 12pm CST
This class will level up your character creation by examining universal archetypes and foils found in myths, tarot cards, and psychology. While good for those with blank slates, this class is particularly useful for fine-tuning existing characters or addressing hurdles with character motivation and relationships. Register here.
You’ve got the opening down, and you’ve got the ending figured out, but what about the middle? Specifically, the climax? How do you build up to that, how do you know what makes an effective turning point, and when should it happen? This class will review types of story structures, offer tips and tricks when crafting story climaxes, explore examples from spec-fic literature and media, and provide time for discussion about specific hang-ups in your projects.. Register here.