Body Horror: The Body as a Worldbuilding Canvas

A sub-genre of horror, body horror repulses and disturbs readers by displaying transgressions of the human form. Traditionally, this has often represented a source of conflict, but increasingly diverse narratives also depict the liberatory potential of such bodily transformations. This workshop will explore body horror as a versatile lens for studying ourselves against the contexts of our societies and surroundings.

Testimonials

Ayida Shonibar's workshop on body horror was so well constructed! As participants, we were handed the tools we needed to understand this subgenre, analyze its use, and implement it in our own writing practice. I loved how we were invited to use the principles of body horror both to process our own painful or frustrating experiences with our bodies and to imagine liberation from the forces that threaten our autonomy and wellbeing. Ayida's innate curiosity and sensitivity set the tone for the workshop. I left energized, full of ideas for my current writing project and for new stories.

- M. C. Benner Dixon, author of The Height of Land and Millions of Suns: On Writing and Life

I attended Ayida Shonibar's Body Horror Workshop and WOW! I took so many notes. The more I learn about the horror genre, the more I appreciate it. Ayida guided us through such great examples to lead to deep understanding of the functions of this sub genre. This was such a fantastic workshop. I learned so much and I have a clearer understanding of how I personally can connect to body horror as a genre. Thank you so much, Ayida for your insights and guidance, and everyone in attendance for sharing.

- Catherine Tavares, speculative fiction author

Fantastical Facts for Strange Fiction: Building Speculative Concepts from Fungal Science

Some of the oldest and most expansive organisms on the planet, fungi are remarkably adaptable in terms of their own biology as well as their capacity for symbiosis with other living beings. They can do beautifully weird things that reflect both their consistent pursuit of resources and the changing state of their environment. This makes them a fascinating subject of study for finding worldbuilding inspiration: taking into consideration the history of a place, the evolving interactions of its residents, and the potential to reimagine laws of nature. This workshop will teach participants how to draw from cool science to develop speculative concepts that are personally meaningful.