This is a Facebook post by a friend and co-Clarion alum of mine. He's not the only one that's had issues after the workshop. I didn't write for a whole year once I got back. It's a great idea to help jump-start ideas and get back into the swing of things.

"I am creating a FB group to feel out the need and desire for a post Clarion/Odyssey workshop, specifically targeted to writers who have (as I have) lost their way after the six weeks of boot camp. I'm interested in meeting writers for a weekend to workshop stories and novels, particularly those who have attended Clarion or Odyssey but have not had much success since. Writers who would like to workshop for a weekend but are not at a level where they might be invited to Sycamore Hill, Rio Hondo, etc. Writers who have reached a plateau they just can't crest. Writers who want to re-ignite their passion. Writers who are in the same place James Patrick Kelly was after his first Clarion but before his second.

I am not interested in writers who have not attended a Clarion or Odyssey and have not sold stories to a reputable market. (Not professional necessarily, but not those that accept any store that crosses the transom.) Not because they don't need help or workshops, but because I don't want to be a teacher, and because I don't want to workshop with those who have not learned to workshop.



I certainly would like to have writers who have reached a professional level, but I am more interested in those who are at the 'semi-professional' level, partially because I am insecure but mostly because I think there's a need for a follow-up workshop. I have no doubt there are other writers who feel like they've lost whatever it was that got them into Clarion or Odyssey, and that they got from Clarion or Odyssey.



The way I see it working is this: Turkey City rules no more than twenty writers (otherwise it just gets unwieldy). I'm interested in possibly hosting it at my house, though at the moment I cannot offer rooms. I'm not looking to make any money. All I'd ask is that writers put a little into the coffers for home-cooked meals. Rooms are another problem. I'd be happy to sleep in someone's basement if it's more comfortable than mine. (Mine is cold concrete and maybe five and a half feet high.)



This is obviously a work in progress, not a finalized plan by any stretch.



Please post this to your FB or LJ profile or website or wherever else. I'd simply like to hear from others about the need and feasibility. (I envision a number of such workshops centered around an area where there might be multiple graduates simply looking for others in their geographical location and career level.)



If you are interested, either friend me on FB and mention this note, or email me at sean_melican (at)yahoo(dot)com."