Who is this class for?
This online writing workshop is for writers who are new to the magical realism genre and work in fiction, memoir, or poetry. It's open to introductory and intermediate writers of all backgrounds and experiences.
What to expect:
Magical realism is both a literary and writing style in which the author combines realism with imaginary or fantastical elements that readers are meant to take as "real." In this four-week magical realism writing workshop, we'll explore the history of the genre, how to identify it in text, and the major players in this literary movement—from Franz Kafka to Gabriel García Márquez, Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende, Ana Castillo, and more.
Each week, students will read excerpts from magical realism and short stories, then practice writing in this style through a variety of exercises. Class discussions on reading materials will take place during our live Zoom sessions, while additional readings, exercises, and resources will be available on Wet Ink for asynchronous engagement.
This creative writing course is writing-intensive, but designed to be fun and target your creative side in ways you didn't know were possible. Students will have the opportunity to write one magical realism short story, a personal essay, two poems, or the first chapter of a novel, and receive personalized feedback from the instructor on six pages.
What are the writing goals?
In this course, students will learn how to write magical realism through a variety of exercises, come to better understand the genre through reading short stories and novel excerpts, and will have the opportunity to write one magical realism short story, a memoir essay, two poems, or the first chapter of a novel. Students will receive written feedback from the instructor on up to six pages (double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman). Submitting work for feedback is voluntary and must be submitted by agreed-upon deadlines.
Readings
Readings may include excerpts from Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston, and Half Outlaw by Alex Temblador; short stories including "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" by Gabriel García Márquez and "Americaa" by Aimee Bender; and potentially others.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week 1: Introduction to Magical Realism
Week 2: Deep Diving into Myths, Legends, Magic/Supernatural, and Religious Beliefs
Week 3: Magical Objects and Nature
Week 4: Using Magical Realism to Connect to Culture, Community, and Tough Topics
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
Learn how to write in fantastical ways while grounding the story in reality
Explore how magical realism can capture a unique perspective or experience
Discover techniques for discussing tough topics through metaphorical storytelling
Understand how magical realism can contribute to social activism
Practice blending real and unreal elements through targeted writing exercises
Receive personalized instructor feedback on your magical realism writing
What writers are saying about Alex Temblador:
"Alex's friendly personality helped relax her class. Her exercises led to insightful writing." — Former Student
"I took the Magical Realism class with Alex Temblador. It was a great class, and so much fun! Alex is a very good instructor. Her writing exercises were stimulating and got the whole class talking." — Former Student
"Alex is positive, engaging, and encouraging. Terrific at listening to participants and pulling out/distilling/reinforcing salient points from their questions/comments." — Former Student
Can't Make It Live?
No problem! The session will be recorded and available to watch after the seminar concludes.
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Tuition is $330 USD. You can pay for the course in full or use Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. Both options are available at checkout.
Instructor: Alex Temblador
Begins Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Class will meet weekly via Zoom + Wet Ink on Wednesdays, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM ET
Tuition is $330 USD.
🌍 Class Times by Time Zone: Los Angeles (PT): 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM / Chicago (CT): 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM / New York (ET): 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
***SIGN UP AT THE LINK BELOW***