Online Pen to Print: Defying Genre in Fantasy & Sci-Fi with Claire Buss

20 October 2026

Explore new approaches to sci-fi and fantasy writing by reimagining familiar tropes, blending genres and creating unexpected stories.

Bend the genre rules by exploring how to push the boundaries in sci-fi and fantasy writing and explore the magical realism next-door, the everyday science fiction that blends into the background and challenge trope expectations.

This workshop will look at the traditional sub-genres often seen in sci-fi and fantasy and show you how to flip them, create the unexpected and write your characters journey despite the setting.

Please come armed with your imagination!

Claire Buss is a versatile author whose imagination knows no bounds. With a knack for creating vibrant worlds and interesting characters, she weaves stories across genres, from whimsical fantasy to thought-provoking science fiction.

Whether she’s penning magical adventures or exploring futuristic landscapes, Claire’s writing is known for its wit, heart, and a touch of quirky charm. When she’s not writing, she’s indulging in her love for books, tea, and all things creative.

Follow her journey and dive into her tales, where the ordinary meets the extraordinary at clairebuss.co.uk

If you are no longer able to attend a Pen to Print online event or have found yourself booking more than once for the same event – please use the ‘cancel my ticket’ option instead of ‘request a refund’ before the event is due. By doing so, an automatic refund will apply.

If you have any accessibility requirements, please directly get in touch with us at pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk

Booking is essential. Pen to Print and our partners reserve the right to remove participants who are found not to have booked a place for a session

We encourage all participants to keep their cameras on during the session

Pen to Print and our partners reserve the right to remove participants who are disruptive to a session

NB: May feature content that some people may find upsetting, uses language or depicts scenes reflecting attitudes that are no longer seen as acceptable

Pen to Print reserves the right to cancel, delay or postpone the event for any reason, including adverse weather conditions, an emergency situation or unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances out of its reasonable control. In such cases, the event organiser will endeavour to inform participants as quickly as is possible

The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire people to make reading a regular part of their lives.

We all understand the benefits of reading and how it expands our minds, builds confidence and fuels creativity, yet fewer people are doing it. With growing distractions and limited time, reading for pleasure is declining across many groups.

This national campaign aims to change this by reconnecting reading with everyday culture. It is not about guilt or obligation, it is about showing that stories, ideas and imagination have a place in everyone’s daily life. Click here to find out more!