New Scientist | The art and science of writing science fiction| England

Take your science fiction writing into a new dimension at this weekend devoted to building new worlds and new works of art. Join New Scientist Culture Editor Alison Flood, and former New Scientist Editor Emily Wilson who is now an author, for an immersive writing weekend. Explore the world of science fiction and learn how to craft your own captivating sci-fi tales.

You will all be joined by two award-winning science fiction authors, Adam Roberts and Tade Thompson, who will give an insight into how they create their bestselling novels and help inspire you to write your own.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer, just starting your writing journey or an avid science fiction enthusiast, this weekender is the perfect launchpad for your sci-fi dreams. Specifically, you will come away from the weekend with;

• Training on how to craft compelling science fiction stories.
• Insight into how top science fiction authors write their novels.
• A new cohort of fellow writers.

The weekender will be based at Craig Y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons, a unique Grade II* listed hotel and venue housed in a fully restored 1840s gothic castle. The castle sits alongside the upper River Tawe on the edge of the Black Mountains and was owned by 19th-century opera singer Adelina Patti.

You are welcome to come a day early and stay a date later, using the castle as a base to explore the stunning Brecon Beacons.

So, unleash your imagination and join us for an unforgettable expedition into the future of fiction!

DAY 1: INTRODUCTION, KEYNOTE TALK AND LET THE WRITING BEGIN

After checking into the De Vere Cranage Estate any time from 3pm, you will meet the authors and New Scientist journalists who are hosting the event for a welcome drink in the wood-panelled bar from 5pm.

You will then enjoy an introductory talk from Alison and Emily, exploring how this tailor-made writing weekend will work and learning about some of the fun writing tasks you will be set.

Afterwards, listen to a keynote talk from renowned author Adam Roberts, who will talk about his career and share insights on writing within the science fiction oeuvre. Adam will also answer questions from the audience after his talk.

This will be followed by dinner where you will be able to hang out with New Scientist’s Emily and Alison, plus authors Adam and Tade. To round off the first evening of this event, there will be an inclusive science-fiction quiz back in the bar. Test your knowledge of this best of all fiction genres!

DAY 2: WORKSHOPS AND TALKS - WORLD BUILDING, THE SCIENCE OF CREATIVTY AND THE GOLDEN RULES

After breakfast, you will immerse yourself in writing with the first workshop, How to build your own universe. The workshop will begin with our two guest authors Adam and Tade talking about their approaches, in conversation with Emily and Alison, and then establishing their pillars of worldbuilding. After that there will be time to work on building a new world of your own. Throughout the weekend, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available.

After time for a hot drink, Emily and Alison will give a talk on the Science of creativity, looking at the different ways you can improve, and unlock, yours. This will be followed by lunch.

The second workshop of the day will see you split into smaller groups, each accompanied by one of our authors or hosts, where you will drill down into what kind of science fiction appeals to you, from dystopia to space opera. You’ll then be asked to write the first page of your future science fiction novel, introducing us to the world you want to write in.

Before dinner there will be a talk with author Tade Thompson about his novels, career and approach to writing.

Dinner will take place in a salon format, where each table is hosted and discussion (science fiction related, of course) is led by a host, with the opportunity for everyone to contribute should they wish to.

You will have some time in the evening to work on your writing.

DAY 3: WORKSHOPS AND TALKS: HONING YOUR WORK, PLANNING FOR SUCCESS AND ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

To get the synapses sparking we will be exploring the next-door country park again before breakfast. This is optional but a certain magazine we know has written extensively about the benefits of being outdoors, offline, in nature and next to running water.

The morning’s programme will include another writing workshop. You’ll also be invited to share your work with the group – but only if that’s a step that feels helpful for you at this stage on your writing journey.

After an early lunch, the weekend will finish with Q & A panel session with all three authors, hosted by Alison, which will travel far and wide (across the galaxy?) discussing any and all your questions. After closing comments we aim to finish around 4pm.

Note: This weekend is aimed at those on the beginning of their science fiction writing journey, as well as those further down the road who are looking to be reinvigorated and reinspired, as well as to connect with a new cohort of fellow writers.

Full details at www.newscientist.com/tours/science-fiction-writing/

DE VERE HOTEL CRANAGE ESTATE, CHESHIRE, ENGLAND

Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Cheshire this Grade II listed four-star rural retreat is near the charming village of Holmes Chapel. It has both indoor and outdoor restaurants, comfortable meeting rooms for our event, a heated pool, gym, steam room and tennis courts.

Outdoors there are 20-acres of attractive gardens with views across the Cheshire countryside and Jodrell Bank is within 5 miles of the hotel.

ADDITIONAL DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER

For those wanting to extend their time in and around Lancashire, you are welcome to arrive a few days early or stay a few more days and enjoy the beautiful countryside around Cheshire or visit Manchester and its many scientific sites including the Science and Industry Museum. This can be arranged for an additional fee.

EVENT NOTES

Full event notes will be issued a few weeks prior to the event.

QUESTIONS

Feel to drop us a line at tours@newscientist.com with your questions.

HOW TO GET THERE

De Vere Cranage Estate is easily accessible.

The hotel is minutes away from junction 18 of the M6 motorway. The postcode is CW4 8EW.

The nearest train station is Goosetrey which is just 15 minutes train ride from the mainline station at Crewe. From Goosetrey to the hotel is just 2.4 miles and a local taxi service is available. Alternatively, you can alight at the mainline stations of Crewe or Macclesfield, both of which are 20 minutes by taxi.