I’m still wrestling with epic internet problems, so I’ll keep this short.
My friend and mentor Walter Jon Williams brought it to my attention that the venerable and life-changing Clarion Writer’s Workshop is now accepting applications for the 2011 class. Ditto Clarion West.
The Clarions are a marvelous, once-in-a-lifetime experience for people who are really serious about writing. I wasn’t kidding when I used the term “life-changing”. Clarion isn’t for everybody, and it isn’t 6 weeks of 24/7 fun. It’s hard work, and can get pretty draining at times. Some people discover that they don’t enjoy writing that much; others learn the thing that will push their work over the hump and launch their career. Everybody learns something and comes away changed.
I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I wish I could re-experience Clarion. I loved it and have a great fondness for my own stint at Clarion in 2005.
It isn’t cheap, but financial aid is available.
I’m happy to share more of my own thoughts about Clarion with folks who are considering applying but not sure about what to expect. Send me a note, or post a comment here, and I’ll get back to you as soon as my internet connectivity issues allow.