Classes and Workshops for Writers

Taught by world-class instructors in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, we offer a diverse set of programming to take your writing to the next level. Our workshops and classes vary in intensity, topic, and format. We invite prominent authors from across a broad range of speculative fiction to teach our classes and workshops.

Accessibility: Information about accommodations for classes and workshops is included in our Accessibility page.

Financial need: Discounts and scholarships for those with financial need are offered for our classes and workshops. Find out more about our financial aid options.

Limited Free Registration: We reserve a percentage of free seats in every paid class for writers who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or Persons of Color (BIPOC) on a first come, first served basis, regardless of financial need. To request a seat, please fill out this our request form, and include the names of the classes you are interested in, in order of preference. We will email you 10-14 days before the class begins if a seat is available.

Summer Six-Week Workshop

Rocket fuel for writers

Clarion West’s renowned Six-Week Workshop is an immersive six-week experience geared to help students build a foundation for professional careers as writers of speculative fiction. Each cohort is limited to a maximum of eighteen students to create an intimate, close-knit community, and each week is led by a highly regarded author or editor offering a unique perspective on the field. The Clarion West Six-Week Workshop is one of the most respected speculative fiction workshops in the world.

Participants must apply to attend and there are more applicants than there is space in the workshop. We offer a number of full and partial tuition scholarships for attendees. We especially encourage historically underrepresented writers to apply.

Learn more about the workshop

On-Demand Classes

Highly focused and packed with learning

Our On-Demand and Asynchronous Classes are highly focused courses that cover both genre and craft, as well as the business side of writing.

Whether you want a deep dive into worldbuilding or help choosing between submitting your work to literary or speculative markets, our online classes can help you achieve your learning goals on your schedule. With writing classes taught by professional writers, teachers, and authors, you’ll be able to hone your craft and develop your unique voice.

Learn more about classes

Year-Round Programs

Small groups, community, and critiques from peers in speculative fiction

In our workshops and year-round programs, you’ll attend highly focused courses; attend a workshop for in-depth feedback in a group setting; or learn more about the business of writing in a community class. All our programs are led by a seasoned instructor from the field, and most focus on a specific aspect of the writing process.

We offer intensive workshops both online and in-person. Workshops range from 4-6 hour intensives, two and three-day weekend retreats, to our acclaimed six-week workshop.

Learn more about year round programs

Community Programs

Write, connect, and get inspired

The community at Clarion West is a treasure trove of connections waiting to be made. Though connection has been made particularly difficult during the pandemic, our need and desire to be in community with others remains unchanged; it may be more important now than ever before.

Throughout the year, Clarion West hosts many free or very low-cost community events, including public readings, co-writing sessions, webinars, and more that are open to everyone. Many events are facilitated online via Zoom, at partner locations in Seattle, or in our Community Discord. Find accountability partners, help inch your project that much closer to completion, and enjoy an event with like-minded readers — the people you’ll meet may surprise you!

Every event offers a different format. Sign up for our newsletter to learn about upcoming events!

Learn more about community events

Youth Programs

From time to time throughout the year, Clarion West runs youth programming for teens to connect to speculative fiction, new friends, and a writing community. Our youth workshops are designed to empower youth early in their careers and help them to discover their voices through writing speculative fiction.

Additional Resources:

Accessibility

Financial Aid

Workshop Methods & Culture