To Space Opera and Beyond with Ann Leckie

Learn how to plot and write your own space opera works with one of the masters of the field

Ann Leckie, author of the Ancillary trilogy, has won the Hugo, Nebula, BSFA, Arthur C. Clarke, and Locus awards for her space opera work. Publisher's Weekly said of Ancillary Justice, the first book of the trilogy: "Leckie uses familiar set pieces — an expansionist galaxy-spanning empire, a protagonist on a single-minded quest for justice — to transcend space-opera conventions in innovative ways. This impressive debut succeeds in making Breq a protagonist readers will invest in, and establishes Leckie as a talent to watch."

In this self-paced online class, Ann talks about how to write space opera: its characteristics, how to handle them, and the process of writing not just a single novel but a series. Ann is a lively and congenial teacher, funny without being snarky, and above all encouraging and inspiring. The course mixes text, video, and writing exercises in order to give you the tools you need to plan and write your own space opera from beginning to end.


Your Instructor


Ann Leckie
Ann Leckie

Ann Leckie is the author of the Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award winning Anicillary series, which begins with Ancillary Justice. She has also published short stories in Subterranean Magazine, Strange Horizons, and Realms of Fantasy. Her story “Hesperia and Glory” was reprinted in Science Fiction: The Best of the Year, 2007 Edition edited by Rich Horton.

Ann has worked as a waitress, a receptionist, a rodman on a land-surveying crew, and a recording engineer. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri.


Course Curriculum


  Definitions, History, and Basics
Available in days
days after you enroll

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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