Writers in Paradise — 2027 Supernatural/Suspense/Horror with Michael Koryta
Overview
Writers in Paradise has announced a workshop for writers of supernatural, suspense, and horror fiction, to be held in 2027 under the instruction of Michael Koryta. The program is designed for those engaged in novel-length works that incorporate paranormal or supernatural elements, with a stated lineage that includes Shirley Jackson, Ira Levin, Stephen King, Megan Abbott, and Joe Hill. The workshop will concentrate on foundational craft—character, structure, scene building—and on the particular challenge of grounding supernatural suspense in emotional realism. The submission requirements are precise: up to 25 pages of a novel-in-progress, accompanied by a one-page synopsis that includes a brief paragraph on the book and its current status (e.g., unfinished first draft, completed draft, etc.). If the submitted pages are drawn from later in the manuscript, the synopsis must also provide a detailed account of the preceding pages. This structure suggests a jury attentive to both the quality of the prose and the writer's grasp of the larger architecture of their project. The fee is $25, and the deadline is November 2, 2026. There is no mention of a prize or publication. The workshop's focus is on the development of the work and the writer's craft within a tradition of literary supernatural suspense.
What you’ll need
How to apply
Review the organization’s current instructions and submit through its official website.