WORLDBUILDING WITH EVOLUTION

Building the cultures of peoples who fly, swim, and strut...

DATE: 4th October 2026

VENUE: Newmarket Hall @ Newmarket

SUMMARY: Have you got an amazing character in mind, but you’re not sure where they come from? Maybe it’s the other way around. It can be difficult sometimes to get character from setting and vice versa, especially for sci-fi and fantasy writers. Maybe you’re even writing about humans from Earth, but there’s been an apocalypse. Who knows!

This workshop is all about thinking these things through and using the theory of evolution to answer some of these questions! We are all shaped by our environments, so that can tell us a lot about what life looks like. You definitely don’t need to have any background knowledge to get something out of this workshop, I promise it’s not an actual science lesson :)

BIO: Alex Orman is an unapologetic sci-fi and science nerd, who’s happy to chat about anything you or they find interesting. As a current student in writing, they are still learning the craft and are excited to share with you some methods that have helped them in the worldbuilding process.

Unsurprisingly, this is heavily based in their science background – they have a Bachelor of Science majoring in genetics! Therefore, they are indeed qualified to teach you about how to incorporate (biological) science into your writing for a more authentic and well-rounded feel!

They look forward to sharing what they know and hope you all find it interesting and helpful.

SKILL LEVEL: If you are a first-time writer, a long-time writer, or somewhere in between, you are welcome!

Authors & Adventure is designed for LGBTQIASB+ and neurodivergent writers seeking affirming experiences outside of cisgender heteronormative spaces. Our workshops are convened and/or coordinated by queer-affirming and neurodivergent-affirming service providers.