Class of 2009
Thanks to Oso's suggestion in another thread, please announce yourself once you've been formally annouced into Clarion West 2009!
The class so far:
- Jordan Lapp
- Kris Millering
- Derek Muir
- Rochita Loenen-Ruiz
- Vicki Saunders
- Randy Henderson
- Tom Rodgers
- Lucas Johnson
- Julia Sidorova
- Elizabeth Wasden
- Nate Parkes
- Miranda Shevertalov (Katrina S. Forest)
- Siobhan Carroll (Von Carr)
- Emily C Skaftun
- Joel Walsh
- LaShenda Vavra
Waitlisted
- Scott Baker
- Tanya McDonald
Comments
Submitted by Kris Millering (not verified) on March 10, 2009 - 7:14am.
I got phoned last week (amazingly enough, I actually picked up the phone; I thought it might be the editor of a project I contributed to) and sent my deposit off. I am so looking forward to June!
Submitted by Oso on March 10, 2009 - 8:19am.
Congratulations, Kris. I'm happy for you. I'm also happy to hear more than one call has been made. (I'm not thrilled it wasn't to me yet, but I digress.)
Two down, sixteen to go.
Congratz again.
-Oso
Submitted by AlexWolfe (not verified) on March 10, 2009 - 8:46am.
2 down, 16 to go... only if you assume that everyone who applied is a part of these forums and they decide to post here about it.
Submitted by Oso on March 10, 2009 - 8:57am.
If a slot is occupied and no one posts it, did it really make a sound? I know of two full slots, so any of the other sixteen could be mine. (I applied to east, too, so it's more like 34 other slots.) It's a count of the ones I know...since I can't count the ones I don't. A poll of the existence of vacancies relative to me.
Who knows, I might already be cut. But until I know, I don't know.
Ouch. Deep thoughts like that are painful.
-Oso
Submitted by vylasaven (not verified) on March 13, 2009 - 10:56am.
If they called three people on the first day they started calling, chances are they might've called everyone by now, yeah?
http://www.progressiveintellectualism.org
You can also catch me on www.authonomy.com - my novel's name is Wizards!
Submitted by Oso on March 13, 2009 - 11:45am.
I don't think so.
Firstly, I find it hard to believe that only 2 out of 18 applicants would bother introducing themselves on this forum.
Secondly, just because they were ready to make a few calls doesn't mean they were sure about all of them. I suspect there were quite a few applications in the last couple days. They wouldn't call to accept anyone unless they were certain the new apps would not bump them.
Thirdly, Vylar suggestes it may be another week or two before people hear (though she did say "for most people" and most people will be rejected).
Fourthly (funny word, isn't it?), no one called me. *nervous laugh*
-Oso
(http://osomuerte.wordpress.com)
Submitted by Stu on March 13, 2009 - 12:19pm.
Ya not that I have any actual knowledge of how their system works but from what it sounds like they read manuscripts throughout January and February, so I'm guessing the people that got called right away were the people who had submitted their applications earlier and had been put down as 'definitely in', and so once the application deadline passed it was safe to call them.
The people who aren't definitely in just yet or like me, waited until the last possible moment to hit the send button have to wait until everything is more or less read, because it would be kind of awkward to call a bunch of people telling them they were in and then have the last ten submissions all be amazing and have to call people back saying 'oops, your story was swell but we actually like this other one more so here's your deposit back and no hard feelings'.
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 13, 2009 - 12:59pm.
I applied by the early bird deadline, not at the last minute.
I think there will be a lot more calls once Clarion (East) starts accepting people. Some who've already been accepted here might want to go there, etc. My primary target was always Clarion West, but if Clarion had phonedfirst, I would have waited until I'd heard from Clarion West before making a decision. And don't forget that Odyssey is accepting at the same time. I know people who've applied to all three.
I certainly wouldn't come to any conclusions until you either get accepted, wait-listed,or rejected.
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by Vylar Kaftan on March 13, 2009 - 1:55pm.
Try not to think about it too hard. Distract yourself -- write another story.
Vylar Kaftan
CW '04, Clarion West Forum Master
http://www.vylarkaftan.net
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 10, 2009 - 10:38am.
Neile mentioned that she was phoning a "Kris" on the same day that she phoned me! I look forward to meeting you in June!
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by izanobu on March 10, 2009 - 12:23pm.
She didn't mention anyone else, did she?
Grats to both of you!
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 10, 2009 - 3:05pm.
She was calling three, but only the name "Kris" came up (and only because apparently they had Kris on the phone at the time). Neile didn't want to share any other names before they were notified
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by izanobu on March 10, 2009 - 9:23pm.
It was a long shot hope ;)
Just trying to calculate odds of getting a call. of course, having no idea what the competition is, my poor poker brain is going crazy :P
*stares at phone*
Submitted by vylasaven (not verified) on March 10, 2009 - 2:32pm.
Kris:
What kind of deposit did they ask for?
http://www.progressiveintellectualism.org
You can also catch me on www.authonomy.com - my novel's name is Wizards!
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 10, 2009 - 3:05pm.
Two hundred bucks.
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by clothingoptional on March 10, 2009 - 4:34pm.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing the news!!!!
- Jamie
Submitted by Sandra M. Odell on March 10, 2009 - 4:38pm.
That is great to hear!
Sandra
Submitted by sciomancer on March 17, 2009 - 3:30am.
Following Jordan's prompt to add a post in this thread: as mentioned
over at "They're phoning people!!", I got the call on Sunday. Once
again, good luck to those waiting, and for those who make it, I
look forward to seeing you in June.
Derek
Submitted by rcloenen-ruiz on March 17, 2009 - 6:53am.
I did the double post again.Of course, it's quite possible that this one is my other self. Gee, Randy must be contagious...or I must be delirious again.
Submitted by rcloenen-ruiz on March 17, 2009 - 6:50am.
I suppose I should formally announce myself too. I got the invitation on Saturday, announced it on my lj, and got the flu on Sunday. I suppose this makes it sound like the flu was excitement-induced <g>.
Anyway, I wasn't in a state to send my deposit until late yesterday evening (when the shakes finally left me). I didn't want to post in here until I'd done that.
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 17, 2009 - 8:26am.
D'oh! I should have added you, since I think I congratulated you on your LJ. Anyways, you're added! Looking forward to meeting you in June!
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by VNS (not verified) on March 17, 2009 - 1:44pm.
Vicki Saunders says I'll be there too! They called Sunday morning, I didn't know enough to expect a phone call: it was a complete surprise. I was envisioning something more like a college admissions packet: the thin envelope vs the thick one...or an email, or March 31 rolling around with no word, and then a making an inquiry, anticipating disappointment.
I am so looking forward to six weeks of writing, and thinking about writing... and meeting you all, and our teachers. What a chance!
Submitted by clothingoptional on March 17, 2009 - 2:22pm.
Congratulations!
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 17, 2009 - 3:08pm.
Congrats, Vicki! Can't wait to meet you in June!
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by Sandra M. Odell on March 17, 2009 - 4:12pm.
Glad to hear you made it in!
Sandra
Submitted by Randy_Henderson on March 17, 2009 - 5:33pm.
I just got the call that I foresaw in my time travelling in the previous posts. So I can reveal it now.
It's official. I'll be confusing you and managing my efforts for global domination in person. I'm in.
I'm totally psyched. And slightly dazed.
I told her my fellow applicants on the forum would be itching for any tidbit of news I could give them. She said to tell you they are just reaching midway through their evaluations. So do not despair, my funky fun forum friends! You still have an equal chance of getting in.
Randy
Submitted by Oso on March 17, 2009 - 5:46pm.
A big congratulations to you, sir. Long awaited and well deserved.
I'm going to go do a little yoga to try and relax. Wait, did I say yoga? I meant yogurt. Frozen yogurt. In a cone, with sprinkles. Prozac sprinkles.
-Oso
(http://osomuerte.wordpress.com)
Submitted by Randy_Henderson on March 17, 2009 - 6:31pm.
Mmmm ... frozen yogurt.
The only thing that sounds better than that, of course, is a pudding pop.
Submitted by Stu on March 17, 2009 - 5:51pm.
Hah, congrats Randy and thanks for thinking of us. I guess I can stop obssessing over my phone since I waited until the last minute to hit the send button.
Submitted by Sandra M. Odell on March 17, 2009 - 6:51pm.
And good for you. Looks like those robot armies came in handy after all, you sly meglomaniac bent on world domination you.
Sandra
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 17, 2009 - 7:46pm.
Great news! And great news for everyone else, too, since you know they're still calling people!
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by clothingoptional on March 17, 2009 - 8:51pm.
I for one welcome our new robot masters.
Submitted by AlexWolfe (not verified) on March 17, 2009 - 9:06pm.
Overlords you fool! Overlords!
Submitted by clothingoptional on March 18, 2009 - 6:32pm.
Meh, I prefer masters. Less ambiguous. ;)
Submitted by izanobu on March 17, 2009 - 9:42pm.
Glad the robots worked out for you (though now you need to rain-proof them).
Thanks for the news about where they are in the app process too, that was kind of you to ask :)
Submitted by rcloenen-ruiz on March 17, 2009 - 10:33pm.
Hooray! I'm so pleased you're in Randy :) Looking forward to seeing you in June.
Submitted by Randy_Henderson on March 18, 2009 - 10:46am.
Thank you all for your congrats :) This is a rockin' group.
I have ordered my robot army into slumber mode. I've got too much important stuff to do now to be distracted with conquering the world. So rejoice in your continuing freedom from my iron (but totally fun) rule, and be sure to send me your contact info so I can put you on my list of "those whom I shall spare."
Randy
Submitted by Oso on March 18, 2009 - 11:29am.
Sure, now he's sparing people since he's in. If he hadn't made it, there would be no quarter for anyone.
-Oso
(http://osomuerte.wordpress.com)
Submitted by Freezepop (not verified) on March 17, 2009 - 8:07pm.
They're phoning people about one/two a day it looks like. Rochita on Saturday, Derek and Vicky on Sunday, Randy on Tuesday and uh...me, yesterday, on Monday (thank god! puts away noose)
So it'll be a while yet. There's still plenty of hope, but believe me, I know that doesn't help shit. The waiting is murder. Just stay strong. I remember how it was last year. Even if you don't get in, you survive. Barely.
But, don't worry, guys, and don't put me on the acceptance list just yet, Jordan. Cicumstances have come up so that I have a very hard decision in the next day or so. A harder one than I've had to make in a long time.
Submitted by Sandra M. Odell on March 17, 2009 - 8:30pm.
May your decision turn out for the best, even if that is not the easiest path to take.
Be safe,
Sandra
Submitted by clothingoptional on March 17, 2009 - 8:52pm.
No matter how you decide, you made it. Hope it all works out for the best.
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 18, 2009 - 5:36am.
Just getting accepted is a milestone even if you choose not to attend. Let me know and I'll put you on the list if you decide to come!
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by rcloenen-ruiz on March 18, 2009 - 6:19am.
Congratulations too. Here's sending you good vibes as you make your decision.
Submitted by Amman Sabet (not verified) on March 18, 2009 - 10:41am.
Congrats! If anything, at least you're not gnawing on your own limbs waiting. Either way, I wish you the best.
Submitted by vylasaven (not verified) on March 18, 2009 - 10:38am.
Has anyone gotten word on or needed a scholarship thusfar? Anyone know if admission has anything to do with whether you need a scholarship or not?
http://www.progressiveintellectualism.org
You can also catch me on www.authonomy.com - my novel's name is Wizards!.
Submitted by Jordan Lapp on March 18, 2009 - 11:00am.
Being a white, heterosexual male from Canada, my scholarship options were extremely slim. Besides, my wife and I have been saving us since last year, so it'll be tight, but we'll manage.
Jordan Lapp
Visit My Blog: www.withoutreallytrying.com
Submitted by neile on March 20, 2009 - 5:11pm.
How it works is we accept people on based on our reader reports. Once the class is entirely settled (this is NOT yet the case for 2009), we then look at who has submitted a scholarship request and sort it out from there. This is why we can't tell anyone when we accept them how much we can offer them--we don't know how many students need the help until we know for certain who is coming. Then within the constraints of the particular scholarships and the money we've raised ourselves for scholarships we do our very best to make it possible for everyone accepted to attend.
--Neile
writer; workshop administrator
http:www.sff.net/people/neile
Submitted by LesHowle (not verified) on March 18, 2009 - 5:36pm.
Congratulations to those of you who have been accepted thus far!
Neile and I have been taking turns calling people and we plan to be through with admissions by the end of this week.
I mentioned on the "What to bring" thread that right around April 1st Neile will be creating a CW09 class list serve so we can communicate with each other quickly and easily.
The selection process is arduous - we can't thank our jurors enough for reading and considering all of your manuscripts. They read the stories carefully and are very concientious. There are always many more good writers than there are available spaces, so it's hard and sad to send out the rejection letters. We sincerely hope that those of you who didn't get in will apply again. I plan to post an article on the application process here on the Forums soon that should be helpful for people who are considering applying again.
I am excited by the writers coming to Clarion West this year and looking forward to meeting you all in June.
All best;
Leslie
CW Director/Co-Administrator
Submitted by AlexWolfe (not verified) on March 18, 2009 - 7:08pm.
Leslie -
I'm sure everyone who is still waiting to hear from you guys is as appreciative as I am for your post (read: immeasurably).
Interestingly enough, I read an article earlier this week about the psychological toll associated with rejecting people from something (http://www.psychologytoday.com/rss/pto-20090116-000005.html) and your post struck a chord. I never really thought about the position of the rejector before, but it makes sense. I'm sure most the work you do regarding Clarion is never seen by those who it most concerns, and that can't be easy. The workload must be just as, if not more stressful for everyone on your end, so from me and everyone else on this side of the wall, to you, Niele, and all the jurors: take care, and thank you.
Submitted by LesHowle (not verified) on March 18, 2009 - 7:25pm.
Thanks Alex, for your understanding. It is indeed stressful. Even Neile's cat is stressed (because Neile is) and Luke, the stalwart CW mascot, hasn't had a good dog walk since this process started.
We want every good writer to have a shot at the workshop and we agonize because we simply don't have the space. It's tough.
Thanks again for your kind thoughts; Les