Registration is now open for 2017 Odyssey Writing Workshop for fantasy, science fiction and horror writers
Odyssey is an internationally known workshop for fantasy, science fiction, and horror writers. Held for six weeks each summer at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, Odyssey offers developing writers an intensive learning and writing experience combined with in-depth critiques on students' manuscripts. Students also have the option of earning undergraduate credit for the workshop. Fifty-nine percent of our graduates have gone on to professional publication.
Odyssey is the only program of its kind run by an editor. Jeanne Cavelos, the director and primary instructor, is a best-selling author and former senior editor at Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing, where she won the World Fantasy Award for her work. She gives each student direct, useful, and personal attention in identifying the strengths and weaknesses in his writing.
The workshop also attracts top writers in the field to serve as guest lecturers. Over the past nineteen years, authors such as Harlan Ellison, Terry Brooks, Ben Bova, Jane Yolen, George R. R. Martin, Patricia McKillip, John Crowley, Elizabeth Hand, Dan Simmons, and Nancy Kress have taught at the workshop and shared their insights into writing and the writing life.
ODYSSEY WRITING WORKSHOP SETS WRITERS OF THE FANTASTIC ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS
About Odyssey
For writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror who want to improve their skills, the Odyssey Writing Workshop is widely considered the program to attend. Writers from all across the world apply to the six-week workshop held each summer in Manchester, New Hampshire. Fifteen are admitted. Top authors, agents, and editors serve as guest lecturers. Intensive instruction in advanced writing techniques and in-depth feedback on manuscripts help students to make major improvement. Students work long hours, venture outside their comfort zones, and gain valuable insights. Fifty-nine percent of them go on to professional publication. Among Odyssey's graduates are New York Times bestsellers, Amazon bestsellers, and award winners.
This summer's workshop runs from JUNE 5 to JULY 14, 2017. Class meets for over four hours each day, five days a week, for both workshopping and lectures. Feedback reveals the strengths and weaknesses in students' manuscripts. An advanced curriculum provides the writing tools necessary to strengthen those weak areas. Students spend about eight hours more per day writing and critiquing each other’s work.
The program is held on the campus of Saint Anselm College, one of the top small liberal arts colleges in the Northeast. Odyssey students love the Coffee Shop, the peaceful, beautiful grounds, and the friendly, efficient staff. College credit is available upon request.
Odyssey is for writers whose work is approaching publication quality and for published writers who want to take their work to the next level. The early action application deadline is JANUARY 31, and the regular application deadline is APRIL 8. The workshop is held by the Odyssey Writing Workshops Charitable Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Odyssey is funded in part by donations from graduates, grantors and supporters, and in part by student tuition. Tuition is $2,025, and housing in campus apartments is $870 for a double room and $1,740 for a single. All applicants receive feedback on their writing sample.
Financial Aid
The Parasite Publications Character Awards, sponsored by Odyssey graduate Sara King, provide financial assistance to three character-based writers wishing to attend. The awards provide three scholarships in the amounts of $2,025 (full tuition), $500, and $300.
The Odyssey Class of 2016 is sponsoring a scholarship to provide $1,100 of financial assistance to an international student with stated financial need.
Several other scholarships and a work/study position are also available.
