Writing Historical Fiction
Thursdays, May 14–June 4
Rita Chang-Eppig
7–9pm ET
Craft Course
$275
$250
There are many special considerations that go into writing historical fiction, and sometimes they can be overwhelming. What are the research tools at our disposal? How do we walk the line between authenticity and intelligibility in the dialogue? What assumptions/knowledge can we expect readers to bring to the story? And how important are “the facts,” really? In this class with One Story author Rita Chang-Eppig (Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea), we will analyze the craft choices of authors like Colson Whitehead, Karen Russell, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Victor LaValle, and Hilary Mantel so that students can make more intentional decisions in their own work. Each session will also include generative exercises and mini-lectures to help students find their place in the wide spectrum of historical fiction.
This is a craft course. Our craft courses analyze fiction from a craft perspective and include generative writing exercises. Class will meet once a week for a live Zoom lecture based on the assigned reading. There will also be writing prompts and discussion prompts.
About Rita Chang-Eppig:
Rita Chang-Eppig’s novel about a legendary Chinese pirate queen, Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea, was a Barnes & Noble Discover, Indie Next, Indies Introduce, and Good Morning America Buzz pick. Her stories have appeared in The Best American Short Stories 2021, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Conjunctions, Clarkesworld, One Story, and elsewhere. She has received fellowships from the Rona Jaffe Foundation, the Vermont Studio Center, the Writers Grotto, the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, and the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies at San Jose State University.
Schedule
All sessions will take place on Zoom.
Session 1: Thursday, May 14, 7–9pm ET
Session 2: Thursday, May 21, 7–9pm ET
Session 3: Thursday, May 28, 7–9pm ET
Session 4: Thursday, June 4, 7–9pm ET
FAQ
When can I register for this class?
Registration is open now and will close when the class reaches its cap.
Will class sessions be recorded?
Yes. Recordings will be made available the day after each session.
How does the class work?
This class meets weekly for live Zoom discussions for the duration of the course. Reading and writing assignments will be distributed in Thinkific, our online learning platform. That is also where students will share responses to the assignments for feedback from their fellow students.
Is participation on the discussion board required?
We encourage all students to share work and to participate in discussions to get the most out of the experience.
Is there homework?
The class will include reading assignments, writing exercises, and discussion questions.
How much time will the class take?
Live lessons run for two hours. Plan to spend about 2 hours a week on reading and writing assignments, plus however long you decide to spend on the discussion boards.
How many students are in the class?
This class is capped at 25 students.
Can I take the class on my phone?
Yes, the class can be taken on a phone, but we recommend a computer or tablet to get the most out of the experience.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships for this class?
We will be offering a limited number of scholarships for this class. Scholarships cover 50% of tuition. Recipients will be selected by lottery. The deadline to request a scholarship is Wednesday, April 29. All applicants will be notified by Thursday, May 7. You can apply here.
Discounts & Policies
Our online classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.
Patron Discount: In order to qualify for our patron discount, you must be a member of our patron circle at the time of registration. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in our non-profit organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers or supporters are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patron, you can do so here.
Refund Policy: Full refunds are available through May 5. Partial refunds (50%) are granted if the class is dropped within one week of the class start date (May 6–13). Payment is non-refundable on or after the class’s start date. For questions about the refund policy, or to receive a refund, please contact maribeth@one-story.com.
If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.
