Writers in Paradise — 2027 Short Story with Andre Dubus III
Overview
Writers in Paradise has announced a call for short fiction for its 2027 program, featuring a workshop taught by Andre Dubus III. The submission window closes on November 2, 2026, and requires a $25 fee. This opportunity is structured as a paid application, indicating a curated selection process rather than an open enrollment. The organization's decision to anchor the workshop with Dubus III signals a commitment to craft-intensive, character-driven fiction, aligning with his stated pedagogical focus. Dubus III's description of his workshop outlines a specific curatorial vision: he rejects outlining and pre-planned narrative arcs in favor of what he calls an 'honest excavation of the characters’ total experience.' The workshop promises to demystify the tools that allow a story to 'write itself,' emphasizing daily faith and nerve over authorial control. For the selected writer, the value lies not in a prize or publication guarantee but in sustained engagement with a master teacher whose approach prioritizes organic discovery over structural prescription. The submission guidelines request one or more short stories in a single file. While the full guidelines are not provided here, the fee and deadline are firm. Writers should note that this is a workshop opportunity, not a contest with a cash prize; the reward is the instruction itself. The program's name, Writers in Paradise, suggests a retreat-like setting, though the location is not specified in the provided facts. The absence of a stated prize or publication contract reinforces that the primary benefit is the workshop experience with Dubus III.