Clarion West is a non-profit organization best known for their intensive six-week workshop for writers preparing for professional careers in speculative fiction.
The Clarion West board of directors as of 2024[update] includes Shweta Adhyam, Izzy Wasserstein, M. Huw Evans, Kris Millering, M. L. Krishnan, Jon Lasser, Alexandra Manglis, Tod McCoy, Dominica Phetteplace, Nisi Shawl, and Yang-Yang Wang.
[2] In 1984, Clarion West graduate J. T. Stewart and Seattle writer, Marilyn J. Holt, reconvened the workshop with the support of founder Vonda N. McIntyre.
The emphasis of learning is primarily geared toward hours spent reading, writing and critiquing.
The remainder of the day is typically divided between writing for the next week's story deadline, reading, and preparing critiques.
Weekends are free time to socialize, explore the local sights, and catch up on unfinished writing and reading.
Each student typically gets a weekly private conference with each instructor to ask questions and gain insight from that professional writer or editor.
[4] The speculative fiction community around the Seattle area has built support for the workshop over the years, and many special events have become part of the Clarion West tradition.
The application window typically opens December 1 and runs through March 1 for the year attending.