What I Write 

I write speculative fiction, like science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and superheroes.

My Write-a-thon project,  is the second book in the Unity Song Trilogy, Ghost Squadron. The series is a high-action, epic science fiction/fantasy, combining the entrenched machinations of Dune with the grim realities of Joe Abercrombie’s The First Law series, and a splash of Sicario. The story originated during my years as a writer and artist for Marvel and DC, while a large amount of the setting came from living in Manhattan through the 9/11 attacks and its aftermath.

Read a Writing Sample Here

Writing Goals 

• Average 1,500 words a day by the end of week 2. (July, 8th) ACHIEVED

• The next goal, average 2,000 words a day by the end of week 3. (July, 15th)

• This should end up around 60K words by the end of week 6. (August, 5th)

Fundraising Goals 

My goal is to raise over $2,000 during the Write-a-thon for Clarion West.

I am creatively ambitious, because of the support I’ve received since childhood, through family, teachers, and friends. But not everyone has that same support system. That’s where organizations like Clarion West come in for many underserved voices. They foster the writers who create the books, movies, games, and television we all enjoy. Joining the Write-a-thon and encouraging every person who reads this to donate to the organization in my name as I write the next tale in my greatest creative project.

    If you need more encouragement, please see the list of donation incentives. Let's join forces and break all Write-a-thon donation records to date, and maybe they'll name a chair or a card table after us.

Publications 

• Writer/artist for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image Comics and the upcoming Trail of the Orb with Gary Düfner.

• Author of Tradecraft, my ongoing Substack, focused on my journey as a writer.

• Host of Tradecraft Podcast, a weekly podcast, where I have inclusive conversations about the creative journey and process with the people responsible for the books and comics we love.

Group Donation Stretch Goals

• $0-$100: My endless thanks for supporting me.

• $250+: I’ll post the first 21 reader chapters of my first novel, Blackfire, on the writing section of my website. That’s one every-other day.

• $500+: Above, plus I’ll post five original character sketches on the writing section of my website. 

• $1000+: Above, plus I’ll post an original full-color character illustration on my website—following Write-a-thon.

• $5000+: Everything above, plus I’ll post an original full-color annotated galaxy map for the series on my website—following Write-a-thon.

Individual Donation Benefits

• $50+: I’ll email you a PDF of all 21 reader chapters—following Write-a-thon.

• $100+: Above, plus I’ll email you a hi-res digital character sketch—following Write-a-thon.

• $500+: Above, plus I will email you a hi-res original digital character sketch of your choice—following Write-a-thon.

• $1000+: Above, plus I will email you a reader copy of the Blackfire manuscript with a full-color illustration on the cover—following Write-a-thon.

• $5000+: Everything above, plus the galaxy map included in the manuscript, and I’ll add your name to the Thank You section of the book when it’s published.

NOTE: If you donate, contact me through twitter or my website to make sure you receive your Individual Donation Benefits.

Clarion West 2023 Write-a-thon

Amal El-Mohtar during the 2019 Summer Reading Series

The Write-a-thon supports Clarion West programs year-round. All donations support Clarion West classes, workshops, panels, and other programs for emerging writers, including our Six-Week Workshop. We also hold events, offer scholarships, raise awareness, and promote diverse speculative fiction in Seattle and all over the world. 

Clarion West

Our mission is to support emerging and underrepresented voices by providing writers with world-class instruction to empower their creation of wild and amazing worlds. Through conversation and public engagement, we bring those voices to an ever-expanding community.

Write-a-thon Home