Science fiction, fantasy writers gather at MSU

Photo by G.L. Kohuth Tom Doyle of Washington, D.C., (left), a participant in the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop, discusses his new short story with Nalo Hopkinson, one of six distinguished science fiction authors who are serving as writers-in-residence for the six-week workshop.

By Kristan Tetens

Move over, J.K. Rowling.

Science fiction and fantasy writers from across the country are again gathering at MSU for a unique opportunity to hone their craft.

During the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop, now in its 36th year, apprentice writers study with nationally recognized authors who serve as writers-in-residence. The workshop began on June 8 and runs through July 19.

Sixteen competitively selected participants from 12 states and the District of Columbia are enrolled in this year’s workshop. Their backgrounds include computer science, English, chemistry, psychology, law and engineering.

This year’s writers-in-residence include Nalo Hopkinson, James Patrick Kelly, Kelly Link, Maureen McHugh, Richard Paul Russo and Howard Waldrop. They will be joined by Scott Edelman, editor-in-chief of two science fiction publications -- the Internet magazine Science Fiction Weekly and SCI FI, the official print magazine of the SCI FI Channel.

The workshop schedule is rigorous: mornings are spent critiquing manuscripts in a group setting; afternoons, evenings and weekends are devoted to individual writing, conferences with the writers-in-residence, completing class assignments and social activities.

“Clarion has been called the literary equivalent of boot camp,” said Lister Matheson, professor of English and workshop director. “The participants are all housed near each other in Owen Graduate Center, which enables them to provide mutual support. They’re united by their writing skills and all of them will be able to benefit from the Clarion experience.”

The Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop is widely acknowledged to be the best educational program of its kind in the world and has been the model for associated workshops elsewhere, such as Clarion West in Seattle and Clarion South in Brisbane, Australia. More than half of its graduates have gone on to successful publishing careers and many have won major fellowships and prizes, including MacArthur Foundation, Hugo, Nebula and Pushcart awards.

For more information about the Clarion Workshop, contact Matheson at 5-9598 or visit the Clarion Web site at: www.msu.edu/~clarion.

Copyright 2001 Michigan State University Division of University Relations.