KC Grifant

Workshops and Classes

KC Grifant offers a variety of virtual and in-person workshops and classes throughout the year, including at UC San Diego Extended Studies. See below for updated information.

Ongoing Courses

Writing Speculative Fiction at UC San Diego

Offered twice a year online, this 10-week course from KC Grifant is designed for students who wish to expand their fiction writing and explore the realms of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror in innovative ways.

Students will learn to refine their skills in speculative fiction writing, focusing on essential storytelling techniques such as world-building, character development, pacing, and atmosphere.

Throughout the course, students will understand how to craft immersive worlds, skillfully subvert genre tropes, and balance familiar conventions with fresh ideas. Valuable insights into the publishing world are also offered, preparing students to navigate the journey from manuscript to publication in the realm of speculative fiction.

Learn more about “Writing Speculative Fiction” at UC San Diego

Sellable Short Stories (On-Demand Workshop)

My popular in-depth class at Reach Your Apex is available on-demand for a limited time!

This recording covers:

– A behind-the-scenes, detailed look at the selection process from slush pile to publication from an editor’s point of view
– Common and not-so-common pitfalls in openings and endings, and how to fix them
– How to use—and subvert—familiar genre tropes to make your work stand out
-Efficient techniques for self-editing
– A deep dive into trending markets and industry best practices

Details: https://reachyourapex.com/product/sellable-short-stories-what-editors-want-and-what-to-avoid-live-workshop/

Upcoming Workshops

Virtual Workshop: Tension and Terror

This interactive workshop will cover suspense and horror techniques to elevate your storytelling. Whether you write fantasy, literary fiction, sci-fi or other genres, you’ll learn strategies to evoke fear, build tension, create suspenseful scenes, deepen emotional stakes and sharpen pacing. You’ll also develop a compelling antagonist (human or monstrous) that haunts the reader long after the last page.

In-Person Workshop at Midsummer Scream: “Build-a-Monster”

I’ll be teaching this workshop at Midsummer Scream. Attendees can join in “Build-A-Monster” on Saturday, August 8.
From ancient myths to modern horrors in fiction, monsters have long captivated our imaginations. But what makes a creature rise from a tired trope to something truly legendary? This workshop will explore the craft of creating compelling monstrosities and guide you beyond one-dimensional antagonists to elevate your storytelling. Entry to all classes included with admission to Midsummer Scream at the Long Beach Convention Center, with limited seating available on a first come, first serve basis.