A list of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror writing workshops (updated September 6, 2026). Thanks Marnee Chua for prompting me to update!
News about workshops can be found on this page at Locus.
Workshops for new, emerging, and established writers
Cascade Writing Workshops, Seattle, WA
Three days in July, plus one day workshops through the year
Clarion, San Diego, CA
Six weeks in the summer
Clarion West, Seattle, WA
Six Week Workshop – every summer, applications open December 1, currently virtual but a new building is in the works!
Novel Writing Workshop – virtual, runs 9 months from April-November each year, applications typically open late mid-late October
(see below for their Teen Camp and Online Classes)
FutureScapes Workshop, Sundance, CO
Virtual retreat and many other offerings
Gotham Writers’ Workshop, New York, NY
Ten week classes, online and in-person
Milford, Wales, UK
One week in September
Odyssey, Manchester, NH
Six weeks in the summer
Viable Paradise, Martha’s Vineyard, MA
One week in October
Villa Diodati Workshop, various locations in Europe
Two five-day retreats each year, spring and fall
Writing Excuses
Runs courses and a one-week retreat
Workshops for youth
Alpha, Pittsburgh, PA
Only for people aged 14-19
Two weeks in July/August
Clarion West Teen Camp, Seattle, WA
Two weeks in July, ages 14-18
Shared Worlds, Spartanburg, SC
Only for teens
Two weeks in July
Online workshops
Clarion West Online Classes and Workshops
Online Programs – including short intensives, multi-session workshops, and on-demand year-round
Flash Fiction Groups – runs every summer in June
Odyssey Online
Offers month-long classes through the year
Online Writing Workshop for SFF
Online workshopping community
LitReactor
Offers an array of online classes.
Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers
Live and on-demand classes through the year. Scholarships available.
UCLA Extension Program Online
Offers a certificate program in fiction writing. My wife Alyx teaches Speculative Fiction writing here.
Writing the Other
One day seminars, on-demand master classes, and weekend intensives
Various other offerings
Many established writers are passionate about paying it forward. Check out the websites of your favorite authors and subscribe to their newsletters. Chances are they sometimes teach.
Many Science Fiction conventions offer workshops, master classes, lectures, and/or manuscript critiques from established writers.
SFWA occasionally runs a career mentorship program.
The Surrey International Writer’s Conference embraces all genres. It’s a superb professional development conference that offers access to editors, agents, and superstar authors.
What have I missed? Email or skeet me.