Viable Paradise

"Mother, Darling" got me into @viableparadise.bsky.social. I wrote "Bootcut" soon after. VP showed me there were readers out there for *this* Peter Pan retelling told through the lens of motherhood AND for a darkly funny, violent 2nd POV story about possessed pants. And that I *could* write both.

I wrote this story in 3 days @viableparadise.bsky.social in 2019. I'd just turned 30. I put it up on the wall with everyone else's then took an exhausted nap, and when I woke up, I was told @tnh.nielsenhayden.com and @pnh.nielsenhayden.com were looking for me. Truly most surreal sale I've ever made.

We do! Isn’t that great?!!

If you’re an SFFH writer and have ever asked yourself “how do I find a writing community?” then you should definitely apply! (The bad news mentioned below no longer applies — apps are open!)

No more bad news. We’re ready to go!

Are you a writer resolving to build craft and community in 2026? Applications to the Viable Paradise workshop are now open! We’re looking for 24 writers to join us in October.
Learn more and apply: viableparadise.com

The bad news? We’re not quite ready to open for applications at midnight. We expect to open by late on January 1, or possibly on January 2. We know you’re eager to apply, but please be patient.
You can get the latest status at viableparadise.com

They’ll be teaching alongside regulars Max Gladstone, Daryl Gregory, Scott Lynch, and Sherwood Smith. Elizabeth Bear and Patrick and Teresa Nielsen Hayden will be in residence, and also Holly Black.

viableparadise.com/viable-parad...

Writers! How are your workshop applications coming?
I have good news and bad news…
The good news is that we have a STELLAR group of instructors this year! Fonda Lee is back this year after a break, joining Arkady Martine and Valerie Valdes, and new to the faculty: John Wiswell! FOUR amazing alumni!

_screams in delight_
Congratulations to N. K. Jemisin, who attended Viable Paradise in 2002 (VP VI, back when we counted that way), and has gone on to do remarkable things!

Sidewalk chalk drawing of a jellyfish and some smaller fish.

It’s workshop time! Is everyone ready?

I can't wait to read this book, from one of the members of my @viableparadise.bsky.social cohort!

This story is built around 2 folksongs: The well known Whiskey in the Jar, and the less popular Parting Glass. I chose that one because it's personal to me. I have sung that song and wept at the passing of my closest friend's mother, and on the farewell evening of @viableparadise.bsky.social

Courtney was the first of our @viableparadise.bsky.social class (not already represented) to sign with an agent, sell her book and see it released almost exactly 3 years later. She is our vanguard and we march at her back, cheering and inspired. God willing and the creek don’t rise, see you soon.🪼🤘

Glad to join #VP2025 and meet alumni staff and my cohort!

I am incredibly offline at the moment, so I am late to the news, but WELCOME VP2025!!! You may still be in shock. You may be thinking that, surely, some clerical error is to blame for your acceptance (I did 😂), but I PROMISE you earned this, and you're about to have an absolutely amazing experience.

Somewhat late, but I was accepted to VP 2025! Aaaah! I am so thrilled, and also a little bit nervous, and totally shocked that it happened. Was not expecting this at all! Aah! So excited to meet my cohort and learn from our instructors and read everyone's work! Aaaaah!

So honored to have been accepted to 2025 @viableparadise.bsky.social and so excited to meet staff, teachers, and fellow classmates. #VP2025

I’m now pondering the merits of hoard vs horde.

excited to announce i was accepted to viable paradise 2025!! looking forward to reading some cool stories from my cohort :]]

Huge congratulations to the 2025 class of Viable Paradise! You have so many friends you haven't met yet.

Thrilled to be joining the Viable Paradise class of 2025! I will be workshopping the first chapters of my novel and can’t wait to be part of the extraordinary community of educators and learners at VP this fall. #vp2025

Congratulations #VP2025! VP was exactly what I was hoping it would be and more, I bet it'll be the same for you.

And may you have weather as nice as we did last year.

I'm left questioning whether the powers that be were feeling especially generous or if they just made a mistake, because they let *me* in! #VP2025

Stunned and elated to be part of #VP2025! (thank you, haunted placenta story) Cannot wait to meet the rest of my cohort and the faculty.

Congrats to those going to the workshop.
(and as is tradition, I hope to see you in future years at @4thstreetfantasy.bsky.social )

hey there #VP2025! going to viable paradise was life-changing for me, introduced me to a bunch of amazing people, and was in general really fun. have a great time & don't stress over Thursday. 🚀

Welcome to the dance, #VP2025!

VP social media is currently handled by @phiala.bsky.social but it doesn’t really matter for pep talk purposes.

Congrats to the new cohort!