Tag: Clarion West

Clarion West Class of 2016!

~ emmakosborne ~ 4 Comments

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be a member of the Clarion West class of 2016! I can hardly believe I’m writing these words. You may know that I’ve been trying to get into Clarion for a long time – six years, to be precise. 

I received the top-tier rejection from Clarion West at least five of those times, and made the wait list for Clarion UCSD once. Every time that I got the rejection emails, I was crushed. I put so much hard work and emotional energy into my applications, and to be knocked back time and time again was so hard. 

You know what, though? I’m nearly certain that I wouldn’t have made it in this year if I hadn’t tried all of those other times. Every single application was a step closer to this one. Every story I wrote helped me to get better at some aspect of the craft, and each round of applications introduced me to scores of other hopefuls who have gone on to get in (or not, yet) and to kick arse and take names in the SFF community. I don’t begrudge the previous applications for a second. 

I guess this year was just my year?

If you’re reading this and you weren’t lucky enough to score a place this year – I am sorry. I’ve cried those tears, and I’ve felt that heartsick ache when new classes shout out their acceptances. Last year I had to physically leave my work to go sit in a park so I could messily cry for about an hour (although a lovely stranger did come to see if I was OK, so there’s proof that kindness still exists in the world). If you didn’t make it, I hope that you try next year, and again until you make it. It’s not silly or ridiculous to keep trying. KEEP TRYING. I hope with all of my heart that you make it someday, and I am always available for cheerleading and support if you want to reach out. 

I also want to thank everyone who ever commiserated with me, and everyone who kindly reached out to me when I announced my rejections. Thank you to everyone who ever read and/or critiqued my work. A special thank you to Clarion instructors and students  past and present, who have been so supportive and encouraging when I’ve talked over my desire to attend. Thank you to all of the writers and editors and agents out there who make up this awesome community, and who have cheered me on. Thanks to the Melbourne Clarion hopefuls (Sofie Bird in particular) for taking this journey with me, and for the tequila shots. Thanks to my friends and family for always supporting me, and for understanding that sometimes I need to go and write. Thanks to the UCSD Class of ’13, who have been so warm and lovely and wonderful. 

And thank you to Eliza Tiernan, my darling love, whom I met trying to get into Clarion, who has been there and loved me, and who keeps refusing to read new drafts until I take the last round of critique seriously and actually put in more dialogue. 

I made it. I MADE IT. 

Another Crack

~ emmakosborne ~ Leave a comment

I sent my Clarion West and Clarion UCSD applications off last weekend. What a relief to have it finally done!

This is my fifth try for CW and my fourth for UCSD. I reckon I’ve gone through all of the stages of grief after being rejected in previous years. Right now, I’m feeling excited and hopeful. I don’t know why, but I have a great feeling about 2015.

I think it’s because, this year, I’m completely happy with my application and I feel ready on a personal level to attend. I’ve also experienced the rush that comes with working until you’re ready to scream and pushing through it (which yes, has happened in the past, but for many reasons, it isn’t quite the same).

I feel like I’ve leveled up just by getting my application together, and I know that whatever happens, this year is going to be exciting and filled with hard work and travel and beautiful people.

Wish me luck! Hurrah!

‘Clean Hands, Dirty Hands’ Out Now at Aurealis

~ emmakosborne ~ 2 Comments

I couldn’t ask for a lovelier thing to have happen on a dreary Monday morning – my fantasy story Clean Hands, Dirty Hands is now available in Aurealis #71! You can purchase a copy through Smashwords here.

And look at the pretty cover! Allow me to gush.

aurealis_71_cover_small

I’m really excited that this story is out in the world. It was originally written a couple of years ago with the applications for Clarion Writers’ Workshop and Clarion West in mind. I haven’t managed to sneak into a workshop yet, but I’m very happy that this story managed to find a home regardless.

I set Clean Hands, Dirty Hands in and around my home town, Castlemaine, albeit at a time when there were more tents than solid buildings. At its heart, it’s a story of loss and grief. Charmingly, Aurealis called my story ‘Australian Gothic writ large’. I must admit that I’m quite stoked with that.

Aurealis is also looking for subscribers to enable them to pay pro rates for their stories. They’re gunning for SFWA status as a pro market, so consider a subscription if you like what you read. It’s only $20 for a year of great fiction, and will go a long way to supporting the Australian speculative fiction community.

Edited to add: I forgot to put up a shout-out to my issue-buddy, Michael Grey. Congratulations, Michael!

Tenterhooks

~ emmakosborne ~ 5 Comments

At this point, all I can do is hold myself in a state of cat-like readiness.

If you’ve found me by searching for people waiting on Clarion news, welcome. Pull up a chair. UCSD is pretty much sorted, I suspect, but you and I both know that West is a mystery.

Maybe a writing exercise would help pass the time?

You’ll have to excuse me, I’m far too frazzled to come up with something, but do hit me up in the comments if you’re up for some kind of word-related challenge.

Clarion Season

~ emmakosborne ~ 18 Comments

It has rolled around for the fourth time. Like, oh, hundreds of writers around the world, I have submitted an application to both Clarion UCSD and Clarion West.

I can’t stop checking my email.

Usually I’m waiting on something writing related – a submission, a beta read, very occasionally a contract – but this is different. I know (promise) that I’m not going to hear anything for a little while. I still can’t help checking. And checking. And checking.

Brain, Please Stop.

I really, really, REALLY hope that this year is my year. But, you know, all of the other times I’ve missed out have only made me a better writer, and if I don’t go to Clarion then I’ll be off on a holiday to Europe. You could call that win-win, yes?

I’ll just be over here, pushing F5 and thinking positive thoughts.

*stares*

Edited to add: So, I’ve gotten a rejection from Clarion UCSD. Holding out for news from West. Eeeeeeeeeeek.