It’s that time of year again. This will be my third time applying to the Clarion Writer’s Workshop. Last year, I got waitlisted for UCSD and had a hard no from West. This time, I applied only to UCSD because West is virtual (I doubt I’d get the most out of that format with all the distractions at home). I submitted two 5-6k word horror stories this year. The main differences from last year’s stories: I outlined both before writing (I’m usually more of a gardener/pantser) and the stories were more personal. I’d say they’re much better than last year’s stories, but are they good enough to get into Clarion? I’ll find out in late March/early April. Fingers crossed while I start prepping a new “nope, not accepted again” playlist (some NIN and kawaii metal, for starters) and outline my next story.
If it’s a no-go again, will I try next year? Probably. I don’t have anything to lose, and it certainly forces me to write two new stories at the end of the year when it’s dark and cold, and I’d rather hibernate/binge-watch anime. If I’ve learned anything from this process, it’s that you and your writing have to be in the right place at the right time to get accepted to Clarion. The last two years weren’t it for me, and maybe this year isn’t either. I’ll keep doing what I love and maybe one year, it’ll be the right time for me.
PS: If you’re combing the internet, trying to figure out when you might hear from Clarion about your application, I heard from UCSD on March 28 both times and from West on April 12 (West apologized to everyone for the delay in responses last year, so that must have been later than usual). It’s hard to say if that’s when responses will go out this year since the UCSD and West deadlines were two weeks earlier than in previous years. Anyhoo, I did the same internet search last year and the year before, so I know how you feel. Just keep writing/reading to distract yourself and good luck! I hope you get in 🙂