Creative Writing Techniques: Fabulist Fiction

Fabulism is everywhere these days: in books, movies, and TV shows. With its eclectic mix of genres, rich symbolism, and quirky voice, fabulism has captivated viewers of shows such as Stranger Things and The Umbrella Academy. So what is fabulism? It is the weaving of fantasy, myth, futurism, and surrealism into a contemporary fictional world.

In this course, you will learn how to write short stories in this genre that defies definition. Fabulist fiction doesn’t just break the rules—it knows no rules. The result is a wonderfully creative space to develop your writing skills.

The course will explore examples from contemporary masters of fabulist fiction to guide your understanding of the creative perspectives and elements of the genre. Throughout the course, you will be given writing prompts that will inspire you to reimagine fairy tales, delve into sci-fi and futurist realms, and break free of boundaries. By the end, you will have several short stories for your writing portfolio that showcase your creative skills in fabulist fiction.

What you will learn:

✔ Write your own fabulist fiction short stories
✔ Provide positive and constructive feedback to your peers
✔ Discuss the literary movements that produced fabulism
✔ Identify and describe the elements of fabulism in published works

Next Session

Jan. 12 - Feb. 8, 2026

Teen and adult sections

VIEW ALL DATES

Ages

Teens: Grades 6-12

Adult Learners: 18+

Tuition

$299

Rates increases Jan. 1

Expert guidance
Receive direct, personalized feedback from a professional artist.

Learn on your own schedule
Explore meaningful instruction in about five hours a week, over four weeks.

Collaborate
Work with your instructor and peers through messaging or optional real-time weekly classes.

Real growth
Develop artistic skills and projects that are important to you in 30 days.

Computer or mobile device with Internet and camera. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school.
Word processing program, such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word
Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) or similar PDF reader
(Optional) Paper notebook and pen/pencil

No, course sections are designed for their respective age groups, either for adults (students 18 and older) or young people (students under 18).

Yes, there are eight sessions of courses per year. View the academic calendar for more session dates.

Interlochen Online certificate This is one of three courses needed to complete the:
• Creative Writing certificate program
• Creative Writing: Fantasy and Fabulism certificate program

Our online arts certificate programs are perfect for...

✔ Adults looking to boost their creative résumé and LinkedIn profile

✔ Teens who want to earn high school credit for their passion

Upon completion of the program, you will receive a physical certificate and a shareable digital certificate. Certificates for students under 18 are accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS); high school-age students will also receive an official transcript to share with their current school for consideration for high school credit.