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George R.R. Martin Summer Intensive Writing Workshop

George R.R. Martin Summer Intensive Writing Workshop

Long before George R.R. Martin wrote “A Song of Ice and Fire,” he was a student at Medill. Now, Medill is offering the George R.R. Martin Summer Writing Workshop, a seven-day writing intensive for mid-career journalists who have a story to tell in the creative realm.

The workshop, which will take place in Evanston July 9 to 16, 2025, will focus on writing fiction. The workshop is generously funded by George R.R. Martin. The teachers of this workshop will be award-winning novelists and writing instructors. The aim is to have fellows arrive with an idea for a novel that they will write and workshop and leave with the foundation of solid pages or chapters.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance in March.

What is the program?

The George R.R. Martin Summer Intensive Writing Workshop is a seven-day writing intensive for mid-career journalists who have a story to tell in the creative realm and want to cross over into writing fictional prose. Medill is committed to identifying a pool of talented, established journalists with an idea for a specific fictional project and immersing them in a nurturing and supportive environment filled with writing time and reflection. We will provide the time, space, guidance and mentorship for these writers to produce exceptional creative works. GRRM Fellows will have the opportunity to learn from award-winning novelists and writing instructors. The aim is to have fellows arrive with an idea for a novel or work of fiction that they will write and workshop and leave with the foundation of solid pages or chapters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the workshop?: The program is for mid-career journalists with at least five years of experience in the field, either full-time or freelance.
I have published a book. Can I apply?: This workshop is designed for journalists who have not published a novel or a book-length work of fiction yet. If you have published a novel, you are not eligible to apply. If you have published a non-fiction book or fictional short stories, you are eligible to apply.
If I have self-published a novel, am I eligible to apply?: Please contact grrmworkshop@northwestern.edu to inquire.
I am under contract for a novel/fictional book with a publisher, but it hasn’t been published yet -- am I eligible to apply?: No.
How long is the workshop?: One week.
How much is the workshop?: The workshop is considered fully funded. Participants will receive funds for transportation from their home base to Chicago (roundtrip economy airfare, or similar), lodging in a single room at a group hotel, and all meals during the program. Participants are responsible for their own incidental expenses – this includes ground transportation from their home to the airport as well as within Chicago and Evanston.
What is expected of me at the workshop?: The workshop is an intensive writing boot camp. If you are invited to participate, your attendance at every craft class, workshop, opening and closing events, and nightly dinners, is mandatory.
How many fellows are in the program?: We will be inviting up to 12 fellows for the workshop in July 2025.
Do you accept applications from non-U.S. journalists?: Yes. However, applicants must be fluent in and writing in English.

Additionally, applicants who reside outside the U.S. may need to obtain a visa to participate in this workshop. Medill can provide visa sponsorship for international applicants when required, but applicants will be responsible for all visa processing and fees, as well as purchasing NU-required health insurance for the duration of the program.
What is the decision-making timeline?: The deadline for applications is January 8, 2025.

Successful applicants will be notified in March.
Who reviews my application?: A jury of experts in fiction and writing will review applications.
Can collaboratives apply?: No.
Will George R.R. Martin be there?: This workshop was generously funded by George R.R. Martin. It is not a guarantee that he will attend.
What will the lodgings be like?: Workshop fellows will be housed in individual hotel rooms within walking distance of Northwestern University’s Evanston, Illinois campus. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served communally. The communal dinner each day will be a hallmark of the workshop experience and fellows are expected to attend each one.
Will I need a car?: No.
Is it OK to bring my car?: Yes, but you will be responsible for any parking charges. Northwestern University has a parking garage located next to Medill's buildings, where most of your workshop classes will be. You can find more parking information on Northwestern's website.
Can I bring my partner or family?: No. Because this is designed to be an immersive writing bootcamp with a strong sense of community, neither partners nor other outside guests can be accommodated for meals, readings or other events, or overnight stays.
How accessible is Medill?: Medill's two buildings on the Evanston campus--Fisk Hall and the McCormick Foundation Center (MFC)--are located next to one another and have elevators that access all floors. Medill is committed to being open and accessible to all participants.