The art and science of writing science fiction: Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales

Highlights

• An immersive weekender in November where you will explore the art and science of writing science fiction.
• Develop compelling science fiction narratives: Learn the key elements of world-building, character development, and plotting from established authors.
• Harness the science of creativity: Hear from New Scientist’s comment and culture editor Alison Flood and former editor-in-chief Emily Wilson, who will reveal how the latest science can unlock your creative potential.
• Hone your craft in interactive workshops and network with fellow sci-fi enthusiasts.

Meet the expert

Alison Flood

Alison is New Scientist’s comment and culture editor. She has a degree in English Literature from Cambridge University and was previously books writer for the Guardian. She chairs the British Book Awards’ crime and thriller award, is judging the Orwell prize for political fiction, and has also judged the Costa first novel award and the McIlvanney prize. She has contributed essays and forewords for titles including Poor Souls’ Light, a collection of stories inspired by Robert Aickman, and Literary Landscapes.

Emily Wilson

Emily is the former Editor-in-Chief of New Scientist magazine. Previously she worked at The Guardian, where she served as features editor, website editor, and editor-in-chief of the newspaper’s Australian edition, as well as running the paper’s science, technology, health and environment coverage. Her first novel, Inanna, is set in ancient Sumer, the world’s first known civilisation, was published in August 2023. 

Alongside her journalism career, she has always had a deep interest in prehistory and the earliest days of recorded history, and has attended digs, including one of a Bronze Age city in the east of Crete. She lives in Cerne Abbas where in her spare time she explores the Dorset countryside hunting for prehistoric stone tools.

Accommodation

Accomodation to be confirmed soon.