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Aspiring Writers Learn from Top Science Fiction, Fantasy Authors
Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Workshop Debuts at UCSD
Christine Clark | August 20, 2007
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UCSD Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop participants.
(Photo/Keyan Bowes) |
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“Science fiction is about breaking the rules, because most of the time, nobody likes the rules,” Justin Whitney says.
The visiting tech journalist from San Francisco didn’t have to break the rules to enroll in UCSD’s Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop, one of the most prestigious writers’ workshops in the country. But he did stretch them by taking almost all of his accumulated vacation to come to La Jolla this summer. He was one of several Clarion students who moved away from their home, work, family and friends for the duration of the six-week writers’ course.
The Clarion, founded in 1968, is one of the oldest workshops of its kind. It was first located at Clarion College in Pennsylvania, then in Michigan. Now it is part of UC San Diego’s department of literature. The workshop, which ran from June 25 to Aug. 3, is widely recognized as a premier training ground for aspiring writers of fantasy and science fiction.
Donald Wesling, professor emeritus of literature, directed the program and Department Chair Don Wayne provided oversight. The highly regarded science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson, who earned his doctorate at UCSD before becoming a prolific author, was instrumental in the program, as was UCSD External Relations executive Jim Shea. Tania Mayer was this year’s workshop program coordinator.
The instructors in this summer’s conference were some of the most respected names in their field, including Cory Doctorow, a science fiction novelist, blogger and technology activist. He is the co-editor of the popular weblog Boing Boing and a contributor to Wired, Popular Science and The New York Times. Other instructors include Karen Joy Fowler, whose novels range from “The Jane Austen Book Club” to the less conventional “Sister Noon” and “Sarah Canary.”
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Instructor Cory Doctorow (second to the right).
(Photo/Keyan Bowes) |
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Doctorow, Fowler and fellow instructors taught 19 students, handpicked from 83 applicants. Students’ ages and backgrounds varied. Most of them have not been published and many had to use their vacation time or their sabbaticals to enroll in the course. However, the Clarion is far from a vacation, according to Whitney.
“My life has never been so regimented before,” he said. “We write, critique, write, write and maybe sleep.”
The students took part in several activities together throughout the day and evening. They ate every meal together; attended critiquing workshops during the day and readings or seminars in the evening. Plus, they sometimes had impromptu gatherings where they discussed stories. They also lived side-by-side in the International House dorms on the Eleanor Roosevelt College campus. Their close living quarters helped them bond and critique one another’s work, according to Clarion student Kari O’Connor, who is a part-time business owner and blogger from Las Vegas.
“We’re always wandering in and out of each other's apartments, pacing in frustration over a story, or talking things out in a story, or procrastinating doing work,” O’Connor said.
“Another part of it is we’re together in the actual workshop for three hours in the morning, reading incredible stories and getting some very smart feedback. There's a mutual respect with these folks that's grown since we've been here.”
The group especially felt close-knit because many of them shared frustrations over how the science fiction genre and science fiction writers are perceived.
“People think that it’s all space ships and aliens and that all science fiction fans are nerdy,” said Catherine Cheek, a stay-at-home mom from Arizona.
Jerome Stueart, a former College English teacher from Texas, agreed that the myths of the genre are quite different from its reality. “Many of us are more familiar with mythologies, pop culture, religions and science fiction tropes through literature and movies than most people, but we don't live there,” Stueart said. “We play with these tropes to better understand the world we live in now.”
Students often worked together, but they also worked closely with faculty throughout the workshop. Six different professors each taught for one week during the workshop. Students said the various instructors helped gain exposure to different writing and teaching styles. The students also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with each faculty member. The faculty often ate lunch with students and attended events with them in the evening.
“The experience has been totally amazing,” said Keyan Bowes, a consultant from San Francisco. “They have all been positive and very committed; and they have all been lovely people to have around. I learned something from each of them.”
Although a majority of the students have not been published, many of them aspire to become professional writers after they completed the workshop. Over one third of Clarion graduates have been published and many have gone on to receive critical acclaim.
“I hope I start getting checks for my stories instead of ‘we’re sorry’ letters,” Cheek said.
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The workshop blows off some steam with super soakers.
(Photo/Keyan Bowes) |
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