Science Fiction & Fantasy Novel Writers Workshop

For 2010, the Center for the Study of Science Fiction will again offer the Science Fiction & Fantasy Novel Writers Workshop, plus a short follow-up "Repeat Offenders" workshop for those who have already taken her full-length workshop. Award-winning author Kij Johnson has been teaching this workshop since 2003. The novel workshop fills up fast! If you're interested in applying, please let us know by March 31, and we can let you know about openings.

The Campbell Conference plans to bring the winners of the Campbell and Sturgeon Awards to the campus as special guests, as well as Frederik Pohl and his wife, Elizabeth Anne Hull, a former president of SFRA and a Campbell juror. Several special SF-writer guests and more are also scheduled for the special Campbell Conference this year.

Housing information is available below. Participants will have time for writing, for recreation, for socializing, and for individual conferences.

2010 Novel Writers Workshop Offered July 5–16

This summer, in conjunction with the Center for the Study of Science Fiction and James Gunn's SF Writer's Workshop, Kij Johnson is teaching a two-week intensive workshop on writing novels. The goals of this workshop are to generate the best possible chapters and an outline for a writer's submission packet; to learn what will be necessary to complete or revise the novel with an eye toward publication; and to have fun in one of the prettiest and most likable towns in the Midwest build bonds with other members of the writing community.

Kij at the whiteboard during her 2008 Novel Writer's Workshop.

The Workshop is intended for novelists who have just begun to sell or who need that final bit of insight or skill to become a published novelist. Workshoppers submit several chapters and an outline for a science fiction, fantasy, horror or slipstream novel in progress - in other words, the materials you would include in a submission packet to a publisher. The novel doesn't have to be complete. It may be better if it's not, because a complete manuscript may make a writer resistant to significant changes.

The Workshop typically runs each morning from 9 am–12 noon, and the rest of your time is free for writing, study, consultation, and recreation. Note: For 2010, the schedule might change. Contact Kij for more information. 

The Workshop is in two segments. We workshop the novel chapters or segment in traditional round-robin workshop style, with the emphasis on writing and characterization. We also do what I call, for want of a better term and in the tradition of “kit-bashing,” novel-bashing: Starting with an outline, synopsis, or scene breakdown, we deconstruct and reconstruct the plot, looking for holes or flaws and for ways to deepen the novel's structure and storyline. Then, taking these notes, workshoppers revise either the outline or the chapters and resubmit the material to the workshop for further discussion.

We may also select a published SF/F novel, read it before the workshop, and analyze it for insights into successful novel plotting. We are likely to turn to Sock Monkey Action Theatre™ as a blocking tool.

"Repeat Offenders" Novel Writer's Workshop (potentially) Offered July 18 - 24, 2010

Kij Johnson plans to run a second Novel Writer's Workshop in 2010 especially for those who have previously attended her Workshop. Contact Kij right away if you're interested.

Our official dorm housing last year was Templin Hall, a renovated residence located at the top of the hill. Most rooms in these dorms have a private bathroom as well as a sink and counter space for a microwave or other small kitchen equipment. The Workshops meet in a lounge area on our dorm floor. Dormitory rooms are available to out-of-town attendees at the rate of approximately $228 or $456 for each two-week stay ($228 for a double, $456 for a single room); if you want the double rate, you will need to work out a roommate in advance, because the Center is charged per room, not per occupant. To stay for the Campbell Conference, add $38 or $76 to your two-week stay. If you wish to stay longer (we have Sunday activities!) or arrive earlier (to participate on Thursday-night activities), please let us know in advance; this will add $19 per night double, $38 per night single to the total.

The "Repeat Offenders" Workshop will cost approximately $157 for a double or $304 for a single.

Participants must make dorm reservations by May 28. Please pay for your room in advance and make this check payable to CSSF (you may combine checks for CSSF).

Use this form to reserve a dorm room.

The SF Novel Writing Workshop of 2005
Standing: Chuck Marsters, Larry Taylor, Erick King, Leonid Korogodski.
Sitting: Maria Zannini, Robert Hamm, Kij Johnson, Lane Robins.

See this map of the University of Kansas to find your way to the dorm: http://www.ku.edu/~parking/ParkingMap.pdf

Check out VisitLawrence.com for local hotel information.

Meals are available in a variety of wonderful restaurants, and Lawrence offers at least one fine micro-brewery. Check out Lawrence.com for a list of just a few of the local eating establishments.

Costs

Tuition for the Workshop is $500, exclusive of meals and housing, payable to Kij Johnson. Those also taking the main Writers Workshop must pay tuition for that Workshop, as well, to James Gunn. Dorm and meal costs rise the longer you stay, of course, so plan appropriately. Meals vary in cost depending on where you eat. Please send a check payable to KU Housing before you arrive.

Tuition for the "Repeat Offenders" Workshop is TBD. Contact Kij for more info.

A limited number of reduced-cost scholarships are available for those in financial need. To be considered for the reduced rate, please request it and explain your need when contacting us. Typical reductions range from $100 - $200, depending on circumstances.

We limit enrollment to approximately 8 enrollees, so if you wish to attend, be sure to enroll early! Positions are still available but are going quickly. If you are a previous attendee and wish to enroll in the "Repeat Offenders" Workshop (Sunday 7/18 through Saturday 7/24), you must contact Kij Johnson (kijjohnson@gmail.com) early.

• Express interest in the workshop.
• Describe your experience with workshops, if any.
• Talk about your goals as a writer generally and for this workshop in specific.
• Describe the project you wish to work on, either in the synopsis/outline you will be submitting to the workshop, or a shorter document.
• Include 5-10 sample pages of your novel. If you do not have pages of the novel, you may be able to apply using other fiction writing.

You may be asked for additional information. You will be informed of acceptance by April 15.

If you are accepted, your packet will be due May 15. This deadline needs to be firm, since workshop participants must read and prepare notes on anything up to 400 pages of material. This packet can be electronic and will include:

• A 5-20 page synopsis, outline, or scene breakdown. This should be your best effort at describing the novel. This is not a pitch; it is the functional tool you are using to write the book.
• The first three chapters or 15-30 pages of the novel.
• Whatever additional materials are essential to the reader’s understanding of your goal.

Participants often exchange full manuscripts during or after the Workshop, so bring the entire manuscript if you have one, and be prepared to share more if you find interested readers!

Contact us for any logistical help you might need in getting settled for your stay. More logistical information is available on the CSSF LiveJournal.

Transportation from Airport to Lawrence

The shuttles most people use to get to and from the Kansas City International (MCI) airport to Lawrence are:

• KCI Airport Shuttle (also known as the "Roadrunner Shuttle"). Full information here (scroll to the bottom of the page for rates). Toll-free phone contact number: (800) 747-2524 or call your travel agent.
• Ground Transportation, Inc. (a local Lawrence business) 888-467-3729 or 785-838-4500. See a schedule here.

Maps

University of Kansas map:
http://www.ku.edu/visit/maps.shtml

Kansas Union map:
http://www.jayhawks.com/union/images/KansasUnionMap2.pdf 

Lawrence map (a bus-route map, but very useful):
http://www.lawrencetransit.org/maps/ltspage2.pdf 

Lawrence in the Summer

For anyone who hasn't visited, Lawrence is wonderful, a lively small city in the Kaw River valley, filled with art, events and activities. The location of the University of Kansas, Lawrence is situated about 40 miles from Kansas City and 20 miles from Topeka. Summers can be hot, but classrooms and housing are air-conditioned.

Among its many amenities, the University of Kansas has a large science-fiction collection and good reference collections; museums of natural history and art; and sports, theater, and concerts. Lawrence has many excellent restaurants and shopping and recreational opportunities. Kansas City is less than an hour away. Nighttime opportunities include movies, dinner, concerts, star-gazing sessions, and more.

The nearest major airport is Kansas City International, about 55 miles from Lawrence. Transportation to Lawrence from Kansas City International can be arranged through one of several airport shuttle services. By car, Lawrence is at the intersection of U.S. 59 and I-70 (Kansas Turnpike). The west interchange is closer to campus. Lawrence can also be reached along the lovely Kansas Highway 10.

Find out all about Lawrence - its history, stores, museums, observatories, and SFnal activities - here.

Contact us for any logistical help you might need in getting settled for your stay:
        Kij Johnson (kijjohnson@gmail.com), Chris McKitterick (cmckit@ku.edu), or James Gunn (jgunn@ku.edu).