[UPDATE] James Gunn's online workshop, spring session

[will_couvillier]

It's getting close to that time when I contact Mr. Gunn about his Arpirl session of the online workshop.  Here is the link to those reserved for it -

http://will-couvillier.livejournal.com/35040.html

Please post if you are still interested.  He feels that the best group size is 6-8.  The August session began with this number, and 3 participants completed it.  This seems to be the usual ratio.

And, as a reminder of what is included in the workshop, here is the link to my post with the syllabus:

http://will-couvillier.livejournal.com/35079.html

Thanks!

EDIT: May as well keep the list here, as well. 

1) wishwords  (2^nd) - confirmed

2) mgsmurf   (2^nd) - confirmed

3)  Will Morton (2^nd) - confirmed

4) joycemocha   (2^nd) - confirmed
5) dsmoen   (2^nd) - verified - email
6) gsemones  (2^nd) - confirmed
7) musingaloud  (2^nd) - confirmed
8)  Joseph M. Newcomer (2^nd) - confirmed


Waiting List for August (will move up if opening available) --

1) _starlady_  interested, if space allows - email - waiting list, fall
2)  Anthony Hildebrand
3) ldragoon  waiting list, fall
4) jeffsoesbe  interested, if space allows - email

5) david_de_beer  verified -email
6) alaneer  interested, if space allows - email - 

Oh, and I should note that only a couple of us completed the last one so  be sure anyone who would like to participate has the time and determination to finish--perhaps some of those in last group not able to finish just might not have found the workshop worthwhile (although I can't say that for myself.  I find it very valuable!)

Comments

[bearleyport.livejournal.com]

is this workshop guaranteed to increase a writer's calibre?

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

What workshop is? I love it -- that's why I organize them for him. It's one of the best I'm seen that teaches the actual structure of the short story, and illustrates the function of the scene. What you get from the workshop is a better understanding of the parts of the story, a completed new short story, and, if you can apply the critique, a publishable short story.

When I say "what workshop is?" I say it from my belief that the effectiveness of ANY workshop is what the writer takes from it. You, as a writer, can attend all the Clarions, Gunns, Wotf, or whatever as many times as you like and still not get anthing from it or do anything with it. So, no guarantees - it's all up to you.

[bearleyport.livejournal.com]

so what you're saying is writers to Gunn's workshop must supply their own ammo.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Yep, guess that's the case. On the personal side, I didn't start to sell until after I had this understanding under my belt. Even more established authors can use this workshop. As I mentioned, it's fantastic in teaching the scene, and what part of the short story it makes.

[musingaloud.livejournal.com]

Hey will, let me know if there's space available still. I didn't sign up earlier, but I'm interested if I have the time available to do this.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Definitely put you on the list!

[wishwords.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'm stamping down my self doubt. I've begun writing again, and damn it I need this. It sounds challenging, but well worth the cost. I still want to be in the class.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Cool...

You're the first check-in from the list, and I know that Will Morton has been asking a few times since the Fall session finished.

[wishwords.livejournal.com]

I'm nervous, but determined. It sounds like it will be one of the hardest classes I've been through, but hey, ADHD meds now! I bet I can do it.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you can. And it's really cool seeing the finished story at the end -- critted all along the way by a Grandmaster of the field!

[david-de-beer.livejournal.com]

I am still interested. question: by SF, is meant science fiction only or SF&F? I should have asked this before, come to think of it. probably doesn't matter either way, would just like to know.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Well, the focus is on the short story. Prof. Gunn does focus mostly on the "SF" over the "F"; however, the SF can be light, and the story could have minor fantasy elements. One of the stories in fall was superhero.

One thing I should point out is that there were a lot of people not finishing the workshop. Three of us completed it out of the 8 that started. This is something that takes a bit of determination to complete, even with it covering 8 weeks. Not too sure what this says, although I can say that I found it to be a valuable experience.

[david-de-beer.livejournal.com]

all righty then, unless something drastically, I'm in. not sure no. what I am on the list, but let me know please.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

I'll repost the list instead of linking. I can keep track of those verifying better that way, anyway.

[jeffsoesbe.livejournal.com]

It looks like from the list that the class would already be full?? Or is that an old list from an older version of the class?

Cause it sounds interesting...

- yeff

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Those were carry-over from the fall "recruitment" who were still interested in taking this. For this session I'm looking to contact those on this list, and perhaps set up a group for a possible fall session, as well.

So, there may well be spots here. Or places in a fall session. We'll see as those on this waiting list post or contact me.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Well, would you be interested in it? I can add you to the list, but anything can happen and you might just make it in. Never know...

It is something to dedicate to, though. It's a shame seeing as many let it go before finishing, like with the fall session.

Also, you can read through the syllabus at any time. It'll show you what we do in the workshop.

[jeffsoesbe.livejournal.com]

I saw the syllabus in the earlier link and it looked interesting, so go ahead and put me on the list as interested. If I do it, I will do it all. I'm not going to drop out after paying the $$$.

So it would run through April and May?

Funny thing: I googled James Gunn and the first person who came up was a filmmaker who makes a show called "PG Porn" and is engaged to Jenna Fischer from "The Office". I was like, um, ohhhkay...

- yeff

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Yea, I know about that googling thing with Prof. However, he is big on the University of Kansas site, just go there, go to the "G" on the departments, and there he is, with his SF program.

[jeffsoesbe.livejournal.com]

He has his own center! Wow. Pretty cool.

Well, sounds like fun. Let me know if I make it in or not...

[joycemocha.livejournal.com]

I am still interested. Running tired, and brain is slow about generating new stuff--but the April start date gives me time to get up and running.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

It'll be a really nice learning experience! It does take a bit of dedication to push through though - heck, we even crit the IDEA the first week!

[therinth.livejournal.com]

Hey Willis -- I don't think i can make it this time around. I'm getting my writing-workshop juju from Potlatch and Wiscon this spring, and really, that's all i'll have time for.

Sorry!

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Oh, no prob! After all, this is best for beginners, intermediate, and refresher - you are still fresh from WotF - way more intensive!

[mgsmurf.livejournal.com]

Will, put me down as still interested. I may have to put some of my novel writing on the shelf during it. But it sounds worth that.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

Cool!

[ldragoon.livejournal.com]

I've read everything over, just one last question -- this will cover April/May of this year?

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

If it follows how last fall worked, it will startthe last week of April and run for 8 weeks. I'll verify the timing and post when I have the information.

[ldragoon.livejournal.com]

Okay - thank you. :) I appreciate it.

[will-couvillier.livejournal.com]

This may change things for some - it is planned to start mid-March. I'll also post a new update on my LJ.

[ldragoon.livejournal.com]

Ah! That's actually really good for me. Go ahead and add me to the list.

[dsmoen.livejournal.com]

Thanks, love to!

[alaneer.livejournal.com]

I just saw the lineup, and I want to clarify things for future workshoppers. I'm one of those who finished the workshop and I learned so much and had lot of fun, so I want to sign on again in the fall just for the fun of it.

The James Gunn workshop was the best writing related thing I ever did.