Join Clarion West at Local Cons!

We’ll be making a few in-person appearances this spring — below you can see where we’ll be when and how you can join in the fun!

1) Emerald City Comic Con (March 2-5, 2023)

We’ll be hosting two writing workshops during ECCC. We’re also looking for volunteers to staff our table in the Writers Block area, so please contact evan [at] clarionwest [dot] org if you’d like to get involved! Participation is free with your ECCC registration:

Dread for All: Gothic Storytelling for Writers
Thu, Mar 2, 2023
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
with Amy Hirayama

In this workshop, presented by Clarion West, we’ll explore the Gothic toolbox using examples from classic creepy literature, modern-day anime, film, television and fashion. This 90-minute workshop is designed for writers ages 13 and up who are comfortable talking about death in both serious and playful ways. During the workshop there will be time to sketch ideas for characters, settings and story arcs, so come ready to flex your creativity and share your ideas. If this sounds like you, then join us for this workshop that revels in the darker side of life.

A Writer’s Guide to Tropes
Sun, Mar 5, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
with Rashida J. Smith

The Chosen One, the Last Girl, and the Anti-Hero walk into a coffee shop…Knowing how to use and subvert recurring conventions in settings and characters can add nuance to our stories. But over-reliance on built-in expectations robs both of their texture. In this 90-minute introductory class presented by Clarion West, we’ll discuss what makes a trope, identify a few common tropes in popular media, and discuss strategies to avoid the dreaded cliché. Writers should come ready to think and talk about their own work or their favorite stories. No advance preparation is necessary.

2) Association of Writers & Writing Programs (March 8-11, 2023)

We’re running a speculative fiction writers social during AWP. You do not need to have tickets for the AWP conference to attend:

Clarion West AWP Social
March 9, 2023
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Come socialize and hear Clarion West alumni and community members read from their work! We’ll host a social hour from 7-8pm followed by readings at Old Stove Ship Canal brewery in North Queen Anne. Meet us outside under the heated tent after grabbing a drink on tap or bar food. Or, check out the food truck for a full meal.

This is a free event hosted offsite during the AWP conference. Make sure to RSVP!

3) Norwescon (April 6-9, 2023)

We’ll be tabling throughout Norwescon — come find us and say hi! Many of our alumni and instructors will also be present giving readings and speaking on panels, including Guest of Honor (and CW ’22 instructor) P. Djèlí Clark! Check out the Norwescon schedule to find out where we’ll be.