Unlike Odyssey or Clarion, Launch Pad isn’t workshop for aspiring writers about writing, it’s a workshop for established writers about astronomy and science, workshop director Mike Brotherton says. "Clarion instructors are the applicant pool rather than those who would apply to Clarion," he says. "NASA is footing the bill and the workshop is free, or nearly free, for attendees.  We even cover airfare for attendees who request it."

The workshop consists of a week-long crash course in modern astronomy that includes lecture, lab exercises, first-hand experiences with professional telescopes, and discussions about how to present scientific concepts effectively to general audiences. "Ideally we’re looking for writers with larger audiences who are looking to include more and more accurate astronomy in their work in the near future," Brotherton says. "While science fiction writers are the majority of applicants, we’re also looking for writers/editors of all kinds who would benefit from this experience."

Brotherton says that the workshop was sold to NASA based on the idea that it could help educate the public about space science and inspire future scientists by better educating the writers who reach the public.  "My background as both an astronomy professor and science fiction writer make this a natural marriage of my passions," he says.

The workshop is held in Laramie, Wyoming. Most of the workshop activities will take place at a local university campus; lodging will be provided for students at nearby hotels.

This year’s workshop is scheduled to take place immediately preceding the 2008 Worldcon, in Denver, CO. "We fly attendees for the workshop into Denver (Laramie is only a two hour drive away), and they can stay in Denver after the workshop for Worldcon if they wish," Brotherton says. "Wyoming is beautiful in the summer and the skies are darker than you can imagine."

Brotherton says that Launch Pad is particularly interested in female and minority writers who have been historically under represented in the physical sciences and hard science fiction, though all are welcome to apply.

Last year was Launch Pad’s first workshop; graduates of the inaugural class include: Vonda McIntyre, Jeffrey Carver, Jo Sherman, Eugie Foster, and others.  See http://www.launchpadworkshop.org/attendees.html for a complete list.

Tuition: Free
Housing: Provided
College Credit: N/A
Application Fee: None
Application Deadline: March 31
Workshop Schedule: July 30-August 5, 2008
Location: Laramie, WY
Number of Participants: about 12
Founded: 2007
URL: www.launchpadworkshop.org