Clarion West

Short fiction is the workshop's focus, with emphasis on science fiction, fantasy, and horror. You should come prepared to write several new stories during the course of the workshop, to experiment and take artistic risks, and to give and receive constructive criticism.

Each week the workshop is taught by a different instructor, each a highly regarded author or editor offering their unique perspective on the field. Class size is limited to 18 students. Instructors work closely with students, critiquing stories, leading class discussions on technique and other professional concerns, and holding individual or small group conferences. Drawing on Seattle's vibrant SF community, the workshop also presents informal sessions with acclaimed area authors.

You will come away from the workshop with essential tools for improving your writing: good writing habits, the ability to analyze and critique others' stories and to evaluate critiques of your own work, and a set of friendships and professional contacts that can last a lifetime.

For further background on the Clarion West Writing Workshop, read our FAQ.

Cost

Total cost to attend the workshop is $3600. This includes tuition, room, and partial board: all students stay in the workshop residence, and breakfast and most weekday meals are included. Wireless Internet access is free.

Scholarships

All students are eligible for scholarships.

2013 application period opens in December 2012

The application period for the 2012 Writers Workshop has passed. All accepted students have been notified.

We'll post news on the Writing Workshop's 2013 session on our homepage in July 2012. In December 2012 we'll begin accepting applications again.

About Clarion West

Since 1984, Clarion West has presented the workshop annually in Seattle, Washington. Widely known as a training ground for the field's finest writers, its graduates include Kathleen Ann Goonan, Justina Robson, Andy Duncan, and Sheree R. Thomas.

Clarion West is a nonprofit organization committed to equal opportunity. Minority and special needs students are encouraged to apply.

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Clarion West gratefully acknowledges our sponsors, including Amazon.com; Renovation, the 69th World Science Fiction Convention; Norwescon; Potlatch; the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs; King County 4Culture; the Susan C. Petrey Foundation; and Arisia.