FAQs

Our most frequently asked questions are listed below. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at info [AT] clarionsouth.org

Wait, aren’t you supposed to be running a workshop in January 2011??

Yes, Clarion South has been operating on a biennial basis since 2005. We ran workshops in 2007 and 2009 and the next workshop was due for January 2011. However, we have made recent changes to our governance, funding and volunteer structure to put the workshop on a more sustainable footing long-term. Unfortunately this means we’ve had to put the workshop back one year. The next workshop will be hosted in January 2012.

Why has there been a delay?

Clarion South was forced to move locations at short-notice prior to the 2009 workshop. Sadly for us, this also meant a big increase in the cost of accommodation and venue hire which we funded from our reserves to avoid passing the extra financial burden on to our students. The financial setback prompted us to reassess the workshop’s governance and funding. Even though we’re keen to roll with the next workshop, we decided to do the sensible thing and take a 12 month break to ensure Clarion South has a solid foundation and continues to deliver high-quality development opportunities for writers.

When will you be announcing details of the next workshop?

Our normal timeframe for announcing details of each workshop is approximately 12 months prior to the workshop start date. We anticipate we’ll be announcing the 2012 tutor lineup before the end of this year, with applications opening in February 2011 and closing in June 2011.

But I was all set to apply for 2011. Now I have to wait a whole extra year?

Yeah, it sucks, and we’re honestly sorry to disappoint you. But this way we know we can ensure a top-notch learning environment with world-class tutors. We want you to get the best value you can out of the Clarion South experience so we’re taking the time to get it right. And don’t forget there are two Clarion workshops run annually in the US. Here are links to Clarion West Writers Workshop and Clarion Diego.

How can I apply for Clarion South?

Applications for the next workshop will open in February 2011 and close in June 2011. Prior to then we’ll put application forms and guidelines on this website for you to download. The basic details of the application and selection process can be read on the Workshop Information page.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from anyone 18 years and older who is aiming for professional achievement as an author of speculative fiction. We encourage applications from anywhere in the world, however be aware the workshop is conducted in English language so you will need proficiency in verbal and written English communication.

Do I have to live on campus for the whole six weeks?

The tuition fee for Clarion South includes your accommodation. You don’t have to live on campus for the duration of the workshop, however we do not discount the tuition if you choose to live off-campus. Even if you live locally we encourage you to reside with the rest of the class during the workshop because, well, it’s fun! And we also don’t want you miss out on some of the best and most important conversations and learning experiences, which often happen outside of class time.

What forms of payment are accepted?

You can pay by cheque, credit card (via PayPal) or direct bank deposit, however we are only able to accept payment in Australian currency. If you wish to pay by cheque, please ensure your cheque is in Australian currency, thanks!

Six weeks is a long time (and it’s hard to get time away from work/family/important stuff) Can’t you make the workshop shorter?

We understand what a challenge it can be to get six weeks away from your work and family commitments. When we established Clarion South it was important to us to follow the same format that has made the US Clarion workshops successful for more than four decades. Since then we’ve seen for ourselves the effectiveness of this six-week format and we’re committed to it. A shorter workshop may well be successful, but it just wouldn’t be Clarion!

Can I submit a sample of my novel for my application?

Clarion South is a short fiction workshop, but we do accept novel samples for the application process. We want to see your best writing, so if you feel that is your novel then send it in. However, please make it the beginning of the manuscript (not Chapter 14 or that exciting bit at the end) and be aware that you will be writing and critiquing short fiction only during the workshop.

We’ll be adding more FAQs to this page, so please send us your questions.