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2024 Workshop

Alpha 2024 will be held IN PERSON at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg Campus July 24th  – August 4th, 2024, and will feature multiple guest authors.

We are currently planning to hold our 2024 workshop in person on the University of Pittsburgh – Greensburg campus. UPG has instituted an array of COVID safety protocols, and Alpha is developing its own risk mitigation tactics based on recommendations from the CDC and the American Camp Association, among other organizations. We will do our very best to keep our students and staff safe.

What Is Alpha?

Writing

The days at Alpha consist of lectures, writing exercises, activities, time for writing, and time for just hanging out.

Students also write a short story during the workshop.

Some topics that lectures typically cover are:

  • developing new ideas
  • building science fiction and fantasy settings
  • character creation and portrayal
  • plot and story structure
  • conflict and tension
  • dialogue, description, and narrative exposition
  • pacing, mood, and imagery
  • the business of writing: publication, money matters, scams and pitfalls
  • marketing and manuscript preparation

Here’s the schedule for the previous Alpha. Information about author guests is posted here as guests are announced.

Tuition

The fee for 2024 as an in person, on campus workshop is estimated to be $1500.  This is the first time in many years that a fee increase has been implemented.  If this may limit your ability to attend, please read the section below on financial aid and scholarships.

The fee will include housing, airport/bus/train pickup. Three meals per day (dinner on the first day, through breakfast on the last) are also included. The fee does not cover travel to and from Pittsburgh. 

Financial Assistance and Scholarships

A pool of financial aid is available for students who need tuition assistance in order to attend Alpha. There are several scholarships available – please apply for these scholarships with your general application.

Housing

All students stay in dorms on campus at the University of Pittsburgh’s Greensburg campus (UPG). (Alpha is not owned by, operated by, or affiliated with UPG.) The price of the workshop includes a private room with door lock and key in a suite. Each suite contains four bedrooms, two baths, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a living room. Wireless internet access is freely available, but students should bring their own laptop computer, if possible. There are free washers and dryers in each dorm. Each room is carpeted, and has a desk, chair, bureau, closet, twin bed and a window. Linens (towels, sheets, blankets) will be provided.

Accessibility

Alpha aims to provide a workshop that is comfortable for all our students, staff, and guests. UPG provides barrier-free access for persons with disabilities including ramps, automatic doors, restrooms, water fountains, telephones, and reserved parking areas close to all building entrances. One suite per dorm is equipped for students with disabilities.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact the Alpha staff at contact@alphawritersworkshop.org. We will be happy to answer any queries you may have.

Technology

We recommend bringing a laptop for use during the workshop. Technology will be made available at the workshop for students who do not have access to a personal computer.

If you have any questions, or would like to inquire about the technology available on-site, please contact us.

Meals

Meals during the workshop will normally be taken at the college cafeteria, which has an extensive selection of food and drink, in an all-you-can-eat buffet style. Daily selections are available, as well as a pasta bar, a salad bar, a pizza station, a dessert cart, and a Belgian waffle/ice cream station. If you have special dietary needs, space for you to note these is provided on the application form.

Travel

The branch campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Greensburg is over an hour away from the Pittsburgh International Airport.  Alpha will provide transportation from the airport to campus. Students who take a bus or train to downtown Pittsburgh, Monroeville or Greensburg will be met and driven to the University of Pittsburgh branch campus. Free on-campus parking is available. After the workshop, we’ll see that each student gets directly to their transportation home.

Safety and Conduct

UPG is situated in a secluded rural residential neighborhood, away from commercial districts. Staff members will be on hand at all times, and students are encouraged to carry cell phones and keep in touch with their parents throughout the workshop. Students and staff are expected to observe our conduct policies.

Application

Interested in applying? Our Apply page has all the information you’ll need.