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    Writing Speculative Fiction
    In-person Program

    Writing Speculative Fiction

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Brown’s creative writing course develops speculative stories through close reading, daily writing and peer workshops, with a strong emphasis on revising first drafts.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Writing Speculative Fiction at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 9-12; no course prerequisites

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $8,372; $6,416

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Creative WritingLiterature
    Accommodation: Single, double or triple residence-hall rooms
    Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
    Campus experience: Libraries, activities and fitness facilities
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. ET; daily homework
    Main output: Short stories and one revised longer story
    Instructor: Michael Stewart

    Writing Speculative Fiction summary

    Writing Speculative Fiction is a practical writing course within Brown University’s Summer@Brown program, combining storytelling craft with close reading.

    You write regularly, discuss published stories and workshop classmates’ drafts, developing short stories and a substantially revised longer story.

    It suits writers who want to move beyond first drafts and can engage thoughtfully with criticism.

    What is Writing Speculative Fiction?

    Writing Speculative Fiction is a Brown University Pre-College course focused on writing and editing imaginative stories. Within Summer@Brown, it combines short lectures on storytelling, discussions of published fiction and workshops on students’ drafts.

    Students examine story structure, concrete detail and the possibilities and limitations of genre. Nightly writing exercises turn those ideas into practice, while peer critique develops the ability to explain weaknesses and revise deliberately.

    Why Succeed highlights Writing Speculative Fiction

    • Revision is central to the course, helping students develop beyond quick first drafts.

    • Reading discussions connect literary analysis directly to practical storytelling choices.

    • Peer workshops require students to explain their reactions and offer constructive solutions.

    • The final writing includes several short stories and a longer story developed through substantial revision.

    Who is Writing Speculative Fiction for?

    Best for

    Writers interested in imaginative fiction who want regular practice, close reading and honest feedback on their drafts.

    Not ideal if

    You want a light summer activity, dislike discussing unfinished work or need continuous adult supervision outside class.

    Is Writing Speculative Fiction worth it?

    This course is a strong fit if your goal is to improve the writing itself through sustained practice and revision. Its combination of close reading and workshops gives you concrete ways to diagnose a draft rather than relying on vague praise.

    The substantial fee makes the decision depend on how much you value the campus experience alongside instruction. It is non-credit, and Brown states that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission, so the clearest return is stronger work and greater independence.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $8,372; $6,416; includes Course instruction and campus learning resources., Residential housing and three meals daily., One dining-hall meal daily for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics facilities., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report for completing students..

    Accommodation

    Single, double or triple residence-hall rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily

    Supervision or safety information

    Trained residential staff provide support, with nightly face-to-face check-ins at 10 p.m. Students can explore Rhode Island independently within program rules, so families should be comfortable with substantial independence.

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programs

    How much preparation does Writing Speculative Fiction need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Begin application preparation four to six weeks before the next announced deadline, allowing longer for language testing and travel.

    Main challenge

    Turning feedback into meaningful revisions while keeping up with new writing.

    Typical preparation

    • Gather current and previous academic-year grades and draft the required 250-500-word application essay.

    • Arrange English proficiency testing early if it applies to you.

    • Practice explaining how a short story’s structure and details affect your reading.

    • Plan for two to three hours of daily homework and agree on a family communication routine before arrival.

    Useful if

    You want a regular writing routine and practical experience giving and receiving criticism.

    What do students do on Writing Speculative Fiction?

    You alternate between learning storytelling techniques, analyzing published fiction and testing ideas in your own drafts. Workshops turn classmates’ responses into practical editing decisions.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Attend a short lecture on a fundamental storytelling technique.

    2. 2

      Discuss published stories and articulate how their craft works.

    3. 3

      Complete a nightly short writing prompt to apply classroom concepts.

    4. 4

      Workshop classmates’ stories and give constructive feedback.

    5. 5

      Revise your stories, including one longer piece that receives significant editing.

    Writing Speculative Fiction dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College deadline.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22 June-10 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College application cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Decisions delivered through the Student Portal.

    Reference date

    Pre-program forms

    29 May 2026

    Health, housing and other required forms.

    Reference date

    Campus check-in

    21 June 2026

    9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET at Sayles Hall.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Complete grades 9-12.

    • Be 14-18 by 14 June 2026.

    • No course prerequisites apply.

    • Have strong English language proficiency.

    • Submit language-test results if required for international admission.

    • Meet Brown’s in-person immunization and health-documentation requirements.

    How much does Writing Speculative Fiction cost?

    Residential program fee

    $8,372 — One three-week course with housing and meals.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $6,416 — One three-week course with one meal daily.
    • Application fee: $80 — Eligible applicants may request a waiver.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required after admission; generally non-refundable.
    • Conditional insurance fee: $80 — Applies to international students and qualifying uninsured U.S. students.
    • Sibley Scholarships: Need-based aid — Eligibility restrictions apply; funding is not guaranteed.
    • PPSD Scholarships: Full scholarship — For admitted eligible district students completing the scholarship form.
    • Employee-dependent scholarships: 20% or 50% — For eligible Brown employee dependents; tax treatment differs.

    What's included

    Course instruction and campus learning resources., Residential housing and three meals daily., One dining-hall meal daily for commuters., Fitness, athletic and aquatics facilities., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Instructor Course Performance Report for completing students.

    How to apply to Writing Speculative Fiction

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account through Brown’s Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the Brown Pre-College application and write the required 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.

    4. 4

      Pay the $80 application fee or request an eligible waiver.

    5. 5

      Provide applicable English-test results and any recommendation you choose to submit.

    6. 6

      Monitor your portal for missing-material requests and the admission decision.

    7. 7

      After admission, review course options before paying the $500 deposit, then separately enroll in your chosen eligible course.

    8. 8

      Complete the student and parent or guardian pre-program forms and payment requirements.

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    What does Writing Speculative Fiction cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Story structure

    Study how structure supports plot development and guides editing.

    Making the fantastic tangible

    Use incidental details to make imaginative settings and events convincing.

    Reading for craft

    Analyze classic and contemporary stories to understand storytelling mechanics.

    Genre possibilities

    Explore the opportunities and constraints of writing within a genre.

    Workshop and revision

    Identify draft weaknesses and offer constructive ways to improve them.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Writing Speculative Fiction?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course meetings

    Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. ET, with lectures, discussion and workshops.

    Independent work

    Plan for at least two to three hours of homework and a nightly short writing prompt.

    Campus activities

    Optional workshops, events and activities fit around class and independent study.

    Residential check in

    Face-to-face check-in is at 10 p.m. ET, followed by remaining on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Writing Speculative Fiction?

    Michael Stewart is the listed course instructor. Students can also use instructor office hours, Brown’s Writing Center and university library resources to support their work.

    Where do students stay on Writing Speculative Fiction?

    Residential plan

    • Residence-hall rooms: Single, double or triple rooms include furniture, wireless internet and air conditioning.
    • Three meals daily: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff provide support and require a nightly 10 p.m. face-to-face check-in.
    • Campus facilities: Students can use libraries, fitness and aquatics facilities, activities and residence-hall laundry.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter option: Attend the same on-campus course without a campus room assignment.
    • Daily meal and activities: One dining-hall meal daily, campus activities and fitness facilities are included.
    • Commuter transport: A Brown ID provides free RIPTA transportation during the course.

    Roommate requests are not honored; residential students should bring their own bedding and towels.

    What happens after Writing Speculative Fiction?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Develop your short stories further after the course.

    Keep a substantially revised longer story as evidence of your writing.

    Receive a digital certificate after successful completion.

    Use the instructor’s Course Performance Report to reflect on your engagement.

    Apply stronger critical reading and constructive critique to future writing.

    This is a non-credit course and does not provide an undergraduate transcript.

    Where does Writing Speculative Fiction take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Families arrange transportation themselves, with campus check-in at Sayles Hall on the Main Green.

    Students may explore Rhode Island independently within program rules; out-of-state travel requires prior parent or guardian authorization.

    Writing Speculative Fiction FAQs

    There are no course prerequisites. The work involves writing regularly, discussing stories and giving constructive feedback.

    You will produce a series of short stories and one longer story that undergoes significant revision. Nightly short writing prompts help you apply classroom concepts.

    Classes combine short lectures, reading discussions and peer workshops. The listed section meets Monday through Friday from 12:15 to 3:05 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Summer@Brown students should plan for at least two to three hours of homework daily. This course also assigns a short writing prompt every night.

    Yes. The commuter option includes one dining-hall meal daily, campus activities and fitness facilities, with no campus room assignment.

    The course is non-credit. Successful completion earns a digital Certificate of Completion, and the course's length qualifies completing students for an instructor Course Performance Report.

    Trained residential staff provide support, with nightly face-to-face check-ins at 10 p.m. Students can explore Rhode Island independently within program rules, so families should be comfortable with substantial independence.

    No. Admission and course enrollment are separate, and admission does not guarantee a seat in a particular course.

    Alternatives to Writing Speculative Fiction

    Compare these options if you want a different writing focus or prefer to study online.

    Alternatives to Writing Speculative Fiction

    Journalism Summer Program

    In-person journalism summer study in Cambridge

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    Deadline: Not announced
    From £7400
    14-18
    Cambridge
    In-person

    Best for

    Writers curious about journalism

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Scholarships | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Writing Speculative Fiction - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Official course page checked

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Course timetable checked

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Application date compared

    • Scholarship restrictions reviewed

    • Housing and meals verified

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.