Clarion West

Application season for the Clarion West and Clarion writing workshops is in full swing. Prompted by Jim Kelly, many alumni have been talking about the “Five Things” they learned at Clarion. As a 2010 Clarion West grad, I figured it was time to join the conversation. I’m going to break this up into multiple posts because I’d like to discuss each one in a little more depth.

A small caveat: Six months out, I feel like the lessons about writing craft are still sinking in. What follows is a mix of general advice and workshop specific stuff.

It’s not about them. It’s about you.

I’m not talking about Ego or Ambition here. What I really mean is that the workshop is not a competition. Everyone comes to a Clarion workshop from a different place in their creative lives. Some writers are just starting out, while others have made a few sales and had some professional success.  Some writers will seem to spin effortless prose and gain the accolades of the class and instructors, while others (maybe even you) will struggle with every single word.

Don’t get jealous. You’re there to learn how to improve your craft, so pay attention to the things that help you do that. What doesn’t help you is obsessing about how so-and-so’s story was perfect and you’ll never be like Famous Writer X. Actually, that last part is true. You never will be like Famous Writer X, because no one will be except Famous Writer X. Every writer has his or her own path to follow, so follow yours.

Now as you can probably guess, this advice applies long after you leave the workshop, too. Once you’re back in the “real world” and struggling to balance writing with your day jobs and everyday life, the words may not flow as easily as they did at Clarion. Rejection slips may pile up even as the authors you admire announce sales to prestigious magazines or multi-book contracts. Maybe even some of those authors are your friends and fellow classmates.

Writing is not a competition. Focus on your own goals and track your own progress. Don’t measure your success against that of others. This kind of yard-sticking may short-circuit your ability to get your own stuff done. It may lead to envy and frustration.

One last note. Sometimes it is about them, after all.

When your friends, classmates, and even Famous Writer X announce a new sale or book, it’s a happy time. Celebrate the successes of your peers and remember that they’re cheering you on, too.

Applications will be accepted for Clarion West and Clarion until March 1, 2011. What are you waiting for?