Speculative Fiction Summer Camp for Teen Writers

Speculative Fiction Summer Camp for Teen Writers

Join us for the Clarion West Speculative Fiction Summer Camp. Over one week, campers will explore genres like science fiction and fantasy and forms like flash fiction and short story while practicing tools including world-building, voice, and character development. Bond with other campers as you engage with the playful aspects of creative work. Whether you're interested in creating magical realms, futuristic societies, or otherworldly creatures, this camp is your chance to push the boundaries of your imagination. Instructors are Rachel Kessler and Karen Finneyfrock.

Location: Hugo House Seattle

Cost: $535-$735 Sliding Scale *Limited scholarship seats are available—email director@clarionwest.org for a scholarship application form. 

Program Dates: July 28-August 1 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Daily. 

Eligibility: Students entering 9th through 12th grade high school. 

Instructors: 

Karen Finneyfrock is a poet and the author of two young adult novels, both published by Viking Children's Books. A previous Writer-in-Residence at Hugo House, Karen is a recipient of grants from the City of Seattle, Artist Trust, and 4Culture as well as residencies at Hedgebrook, Bloedel Reserve, and Mineral School. Karen has taught youth writing workshops for almost twenty years through Hugo House, Writers-in-the-Schools, Arts Corps, and YouthSpeaks.

Rachel Kessler is a writer, artist, and educator in dᶻidᶻəlalič. She co-founded interactive poetry collaborations Typing Explosion and Vis-à-Vis Society, and collective Wa Na Wari, a residential reclamation project centering Black art and media in Seattle's Central District. Her work is deeply rooted in place: her public art pillar representing Seattle’s Central District Jewish history will be installed on the street her ancestors immigrated to, lived and died on. As artist-in-residence at public housing project Yesler Terrace (her great grandparents’ home), she and community members activated a vacant apartment slated for demolition with live music, storytelling, VR, potlucks, dancing, karaoke and collective murals. Her illustrations of the PNW urban shore feature in Cascadia Field Guide. 

Sliding Scale Pricing:

The Supporting Tuition rate is shown for each class or workshop for folks who can pay it. Paying the Supporting Tuition rate enables us to continue to pay our staff and instructors equitably, as well as support access to classes for others who may be in a different situation. 

The Helping Hands rate is available to folks under more limited economic circumstances, no matter your background.

For more information, see our financial aid policies.