The 2012 alumni fundraiser will begin January 13, with an auction including items donated by George R. R. Martin, Tamora Pierce, Patrick Rothfuss, and many other wonderful writers and editors. In addition, those who donate any amount will receive a flash anthology, written and illustrated by Alpha alumni, as a thank-you gift. Check it out!
The Alpha SF/F/H Workshop for Young Writers (ages 14 – 19) will be held at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg Campus July 18 – 27, 2012 in conjunction with Pittsburgh’s science fiction convention, Confluence, July 27 – 29.
We’re looking for enthusiastic, talented young writers who have a strong interest in science fiction, fantasy and/or horror and a passion for writing. Students from anywhere in the world are welcome. In the past, students have attended Alpha from Canada, the United Kingdom, all over the United States, and even as far away as New Zealand.
Come spend ten days working with professional authors, each of whom will spend two days at the workshop:
- Tamora Pierce, Writer-in-Residence
- Kij Johnson
- John Joseph Adams
- Catherynne M. Valente
(Read more about this year’s author guests.)
Learn about writing and publishing. Meet other teens who share your interest in writing speculative fiction. Talk about short stories, novels, and films. Have your submission story critiqued. Brainstorm new story ideas, write a first draft, receive feedback, and rewrite. Attend readings by the authors. Do a public reading. Learn about submitting for publication, and send off your story at our manuscript mailing party.
(Read what previous students have to say about the workshop.)
Finally, at the conclusion of the workshop, attend Confluence, Pittsburgh’s annual, literature-based convention, where you will have the opportunity to attend panels and readings, and interact with other fans, authors, editors, musicians, artists, agents, and scientists.
2012 will be Alpha’s eleventh year. Previous attendees have placed in the Dell Magazines Award and Writers of the Future contests, and have sold stories to Clarkesworld, Strange Horizons, Fantasy Magazine, Daily Science Fiction, Cicada, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet, Nature Futures, Pseudopod and more. (Read more about Alpha graduates’ publications and awards.)
Workshop tuition is $995 and includes all workshop-related costs, but does not include transportation to and from Pittsburgh or hotel/meals at Confluence.
The workshop is small, with a maximum of 20 participants. Admission is based solely on the strength of the application story.
Application deadline: March 1, 2012
