Workshop Decisions

[cathschaffstump]

I’ve spent some time researching and thinking about workshops. While there’s always more I could learn, I’ve taken short story workshops frequently in college, and that’s not my genre, so I’ve ruled out Clarion.

There are about 3 I’ve found that interest me as a novelist. Here are the links.

CSSF SF Novel Writers Workshop: Two weeks writing in Laurence, KS during the summer.

Viable Paradise: One week in October on Martha’s Vineyard focusing on a variety of topics.

Odyssey: Six weeks in New Hampshire studying the craft, with a focus on novels available.

My personal restraints:

1. The college probably wants me around on and off during the summer.
2. There’s a two-week workshop on mythology that I’ve already committed to.
3. I would like to use my professional development to pay for it.
4. As well as working on my craft, I would like to learn more about the industry.

Frankly, Odyssey would be great, but I doubt that the college would be happy with me disappearing for six weeks and I have that work shop. It doesn’t seem to be the summer for it.

CSSF would give me two weeks of writing, but wouldn’t teach me the other pieces.

This year, I will apply for Viable Paradise, unless my circumstances suddenly change. Perhaps during a future year, I will apply for Odyssey.

At this point, then, I need to decide what 8000 words to send them. I’ll see what develops, as their deadline for application is June 30, 2009, and I believe two short stories would be my best bet. Mark Twain’s Daughter, perhaps, and something else.

Catherine

Originally published at Writer Tamago. You can comment here or there.