From the unlikely endurance of titles like Dracula and Frankenstein, to the global popularity of fantasy series like Game of Thrones, to the recent craze over romance novels like Heated Rivalry, it’s clear that genre fiction is at the forefront of contemporary reading and writing. But what does genre even mean? How can we create stories that satisfy the rules of genre but also feel fresh and original? What about combining two genres, or writing that refuses to play by a particular set of rules?
This three-hour workshop with short fiction writer Matthew J. Trafford (MFA, University of British Columbia) will answer all of these questions and more. Through a series of readings and exercises, writers will explore three distinct genres – horror, romance, and science fiction – while honing elements of their craft. Together we will discuss upmarket fiction, genre lines, and tricks and techniques for adding genre appeal to literary proseNotes:
Instructor Bio: Matthew J. Trafford earned his MFA in Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia. He has twice taught short fiction at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. His debut collection, The Divinity Gene, garnered praise in Canada and the US. His second collection, Runs in the Blood (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2025) caused Strand Bookstore to name him “a rising doyen of the craft.
- This is a living-room style workshop (with snacks!). Location will be communicated with attendees in advance
- There is one full and two partial bursaries available based on need. Email info@victoriafestivalofauthors.ca for more details
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