Spring Workshop
(Virtual)
March 6-9, 2025
| Workshop the first 3,500 words of your Novel |
| 7:1 Student-Faculty Ratio |
| Work with Top Agents & Authors in Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror |
| Our Faculty have won Hugo, Nebula, Newbery & World Fantasy Awards |
| Apply Early - Seating is Capped and Competitive |
The Spring Futurescapes Workshop is an immersive writing program designed for aspiring authors ready to take their manuscripts to the next level. Participants will submit a 3,500-word excerpt, a 1-page synopsis, and a query letter prior to the workshop. Each writer will be placed in a small cohort and will rotate through sessions with experienced faculty, receiving tailored feedback on their work. In addition to receiving critiques, participants are expected to read and provide thoughtful feedback on the submissions of their cohort members, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
2025 Keynote Speaker
Laini Taylor
NYT and Sunday Times Bestselling Author
Laini Taylor is the internationally bestselling author of Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Strange the Dreamer, and other acclaimed works of fantasy. Her novels, translated into more than 30 languages, have captivated readers worldwide with their lush prose and imaginative worlds. Laini’s accolades include a Michael L. Printz Honor and a shortlisting for the National Book Award. Known for her unforgettable characters and richly layered stories, she’s a beloved figure in speculative fiction.
2025 Spring Workshop Faculty
Futurescapes faculty have won or been nominated for numerous literary honors, including the Hugo, Nebula, Compton-Crook, World Fantasy, Bram Stoker, Newbery, Locus, Norton, and the National Book Award.
Monica Rodriguez
Agent, Context Literary
Monica's solution-driven strategies support our clients’ books before and after they’ve hit the shelves. She loves maximizing the career potential for our authors and brainstorming new ways to discover life-long readers.
In addition to her Director of Brand Management role, Monica is also a Junior Agent. She is on a mission to help uplift underrepresented voices in publishing, specifically within the Latinx community.
S.T. Gibson
#1 Sunday Times + USA Today Bestselling Author
Saint is an author and village wise woman in training. A graduate of the creative writing program at the University of North Carolina at Asheville and the theological studies program at Princeton Seminary, she currently lives in New England with her partner, spoiled cat, and perfume collection. She is represented by Tara Gilbert of KT Literary.
Shannon Lechon
Agent, Azantian Literary
Shannon is an associate agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She began her career with literary agency internships at P.S. Literary and Cake Creative, as well as an editorial internship with Penguin Random House. She holds dual bachelor's degrees in criminology and English from Florida State University and a master's in publishing from New York University.
Vicky Weber
Author & Agent, Creative Media Agency
Vicky Weber has always loved literature, even from a young age. In 2015, she began her career as an elementary school teacher and earned her Masters in Teaching & Learning with a concentration in ESL. Her first children’s was published in late 2019, and she’s never looked back! In April 2021, she gave birth to her daughter and left the classroom several months later to pursue writing full-time. She founded At Home Author, a coaching company to help other aspiring picture book authors learn the industry. She joined The Purcell Agency as an associate literary agent in 2022 and was promoted to literary agent in January 2023. In April 2023, her family grew once more with the arrival of her son and in May 2024, she joined the team at CMA. As a Latinx agent and author, she strongly prefers to work with traditionally underrepresented voices whenever possible. She firmly believes that growing her author list is like growing her little family and she does so with intention.
Christine Goss
Agent, FinePrint Literary
Christine Goss graduated from Lake Forest College with a BA in communications. Formerly a sales representative, her skills pair well with her love of reading and story development. As an author herself, the craft of writing is very important to her when she looks at manuscripts. In 2023, Christine was promoted to Associate Literary Agent at The Purcell Agency, moving over to FinePrint Literary in 2024.
Christine is drawn to stories with high stakes and tension. The first pages must draw her in with action and curiosity. Lyrical writing, along with emotionality, physicality, and interiority, are all key components Christine looks for in a manuscript.
Christine is generally interested in romance, historical fiction, book club fiction, and fantasy. Non-fiction and graphic novels covering a specific range of topics are also of interest. Championing marginalized voices is important to Christine as she seeks to include BIPOC, LGTBQ+, and neurodivergent (and more) authors on her list.
When she’s not working, reading, or writing, she’s usually chasing her two boys, who are likely chasing her fur baby (dog). In addition to her Director of Brand Management role, Monica is also a Junior Agent. She is on a mission to help uplift underrepresented voices in publishing, specifically within the Latinx community.
Morgan Wilson
Agent, Belcastro Agency
Morgan’s love for writing and books and was fostered from an early age by a grandmother that wrote them bedtime stories and taught them how to write poetry. As they grew this love evolved into devouring books faster than their bookshelves could keep up and writing their own stories in magical kingdoms galaxies away. With over a decade of work in classrooms across the Midwest, Morgan wants to uplift the stories that their students needed so that everyone can see themselves on the page using magic, finding love and defeating the bad guy. They are dedicated to being an agent for change in the publishing industry and working with marginalized voices so that every child and adult can experience the joy of a book that speaks to them.
Andie Smith
Agent, Booker Albert Agency
Andie Smith is a Junior Agent at The Booker Albert Literary Agency and a member of the AALA. She is also a writer and editor of multiple genres. Andie has previously served as a writer and editor for several local newspapers and magazines in Central Florida and is the Founder of Sun & Spines Editorial, where she offers a variety of editing services for authors. When she’s not agenting, she’s spending time with her husband and two kitties or hanging out at Disney World.
Tamra Kawar
Agent, DeFiore & Company
Tamara joined DeFiore and Company in 2022. She started her career with internships at Macmillan and Writers House, then worked at ICM for five years. Tamara represents writer and illustrator clients in both the children’s and adult markets, with a particular focus on talented LGBTQ+ and BIPOC storytellers. She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Princeton University and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Columbia University. She also serves on the AALA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, where she co-directs a mentorship program for early career agents from underrepresented backgrounds.
Tamara is actively seeking graphic novels for all ages and across genres; science fiction, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction for middle grade, YA, and adult readers; upmarket and book club fiction, especially genre-bending stories, and those with an international bent; and adult & YA rom-coms and romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She also represents select nonfiction, including illustrated projects. Across all categories, she is passionate about championing marginalized voices and perspectives.
Michaela Whatnall
Agent, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret
Michaela Whatnall joined Dystel, Goderich & Bourret in 2019 as the assistant to Michael Bourret in the West Coast office. After graduating from Emory University with a degree in English and linguistics, Michaela completed the Columbia Publishing Course, and in 2023 they were selected as a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree. Michaela’s background in school and library marketing accounts for their strong interest in children’s literature, particularly contemporary middle grade and young adult fiction of all genres, including contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, historical, adventure, horror, and rom-com. In the adult fiction space, they are particularly seeking contemporary, speculative, and historical upmarket fiction, as well as character-driven, grounded fantasy. They are also open to select narrative nonfiction for both children and adults, graphic novels, and picture books.
Coming Soon
Check back!
We’re just finalizing the details.
Regular Admit
Futurescapes Alumni
Pricing
Super Early Bird
Apply by November 1
$244
$198
Early Bird
Apply by December 15
$294
Regular
Apply by January 31
$344
Late
Apply by February 7
$248
$298
$398
$348
Scholarships and tuition payment plans are available
Spring Workshop Add-Ons
Classes available individually, in three-class bundles, and through an all-class pass. Available for add-ons exclusively to Spring Workshop attendees.
Roll for Story: Using TTRPG Tools to Develop Character and Drive Story
A strong character voice leaps off the page to grab the reader, but developing that character and voice can be one of the most elusive elements to master as an author. In this workshop, Maeve MacLysaght will show you how to use elements of Tabletop Roleplaying Games to develop characters with active backstory, plot-relevant drives, and authentic voices. This class will be accessible (and fun!) for all levels of gaming experience who love character-driven narrative.
Class will take place virtually April 5 or 6, 2025.
The Texas Hold 'Em Structure and Other Non-Three-Act Structures
In this class, Mia will guide students through the Texas Hold 'Em structure, a four-act based on the poker variant of Texas Hold 'Em. She will also discuss how other non-novel structures can be adapted for novels or short fiction pieces and hold a brief, anything-goes AMA at the end of class. Students are expected to bring a detailed outline of a novel or several short stories to rework and workshop during class. As this is a class on structure, Mia would prefer students to bring novels or short fiction pieces that are already in the editing process but are not yet at the polishing stage because of the heavy developmental nature of the work.
Class will take place virtually April 5 or 6, 2025.
Advanced Craft Class with S.T. Gibson
Details coming soon! Stay tuned for an exciting session tailored to elevate your writing craft.
Class will take place virtually April 5 or 6, 2025.
Advanced Craft Bundle
Perfecting Your Query Letter with Andie Smith
All-Access Class Pass
$490
Access all six classes—three-submission-focused and three-advanced craft sessions—in one package. Perfect for writers looking to fully immerse themselves in skill-building and manuscript refinement. Classes will take place virtually February 9, 2025 and the weekend of April 5-6, 2025.
$340 each
Submission Package Bundle
Prepare your manuscript for querying and the workshop with this comprehensive bundle. Featuring three focused classes on synopsis writing, crafting captivating first pages, and perfecting your query letter, this package is idel for writers looking to refine their submission package and make a strong impression.
All classes take place virtually on February 9, 2025.
Distilling Your Story with Vicky Weber
Bundles
Self-Editing Techniques with Kesia Lupo
Your first pages are your story’s handshake with readers, agents, and editors—make them count. In this workshop, Kesia Lupo will guide you through the art of self-editing, with a focus on crafting openings that captivate and compel. Learn to identify common pitfalls, refine your prose, and establish the voice, tone, and stakes that will leave a lasting impression.
Class will take place February 9, 2025 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM EST.
Perfect for intermediate to advanced writers, this bundle includes three advanced craft-focused classes designed to help you polish your manuscript and deepen your storytelling skills. An excellent way to cap off the workshop experience.
All classes take place virtually on April 5-6, 2025.
Individual Classes
Your query letter is your foot in the publishing door. Join Andie Smith for an in-depth session on crafting a query that stands out in the slush pile. From pitching your story’s hook to nailing the tone, you’ll learn actionable strategies to write a query letter that showcases your manuscript and makes agents eager to read more.
Class will take place February 9, 2025 from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM EST.
Summarizing your novel in a single page doesn’t have to be daunting. In this workshop, Vicky Weber will break down the process of writing a compelling synopsis. Learn how to highlight your story’s key beats, balance plot and character development, and create a synopsis that hooks agents and editors while staying true to your vision.
Class will take place February 9, 2025 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EST.
$140 each
Applications Open Now!
Apply early, seating is extremely limited this year!
Frequently Asked Questions
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We make a promise both to you and our faculty that we will not accept your hard-earned tuition money unless your writing is at least approaching professional level. Our faculty love Futurescapes because they know that the writing will be of an exceptionally high caliber. They don’t do Futurescapes just for the fun of it, they want make connections, too, and find potential clients.
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Acceptance rates vary by workshop, but generally Futurescapes is as competitive as admissions to many top tier graduate programs. The Fall workshop has a lower student cap and is likely to be more competitive than most.
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We prefer you make your tuition payment within two weeks. We also participate in the PayPal Pay-in-Four (or Pay-in-Three) program that allows you to pay in installments over a longer period of time.
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We’re looking for a few things:
Mastery of the fundamental mechanics of writing.
Compelling plot, characters, dialogue, and world.
Evidence of at least one standout attribute (e.g., sharp dialogue, great humor, impressive world building, etc.)
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You will need to submit your 3,500 word excerpt, query letter, and synopsis by February 1, 2025.
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You will move with your cohort and work with three different faculty leads; 1) one will review and provide feedback on your manuscript excerpt; 2) one will provide feedback on your query letter; and 3) one will provide feedback on your first page.
Included with your tuition are master classes taught by our incredible faculty.
You will have an (up to) 4 hour block each day of the workshop. You’ll be able to choose either a morning or evening block (based on U.S. Eastern Standard Time).
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Yes, it is.
