Clarion West: There and Back Again
I’m back.
Six Weeks. At least 21,000 words written, and close to half a million words read (~100 stories). Six great instructors, and seventeen other very talented writers. Plus two wonderful administrators, at least ten guest speakers, a great cook, numerous gracious volunteers and supporters.
Uncountable great conversations with like-minded souls, too many plates of delicious food eaten (ooo fried cheese curds). Vats of ice-cream consumed, at least a few beers and glasses of wine and whiskey. Many miles walked around Seattle (and paddled upon Lake Union).
Many, many new friends and some I now think of as “family.”
And–
Well, here’s the thing. My first response is to try and boil down the Clarion West experience to all these quantifiable things so that I can more easily explain it to people. But the six weeks I spent in Seattle defy easy explanation.
I hope in the coming weeks and months on this blog to talk a little about what the workshop meant to me–but I’m honestly still too busy processing the experience right now to form a coherent summary of everything I learned during the most life-changing of all the summer vacations I’ve ever had.
For now, all I can say is: If you’re an aspiring writer who feels they are just on the verge of a professional career, but you feel like you need something to boost you to the next level–consider applying for one of the Clarion workshops.
It will change your life, too.
