Writing the Other offers Vonda N. McIntyre Sentient Squid Scholarships to all writers, regardless of background, for all of our online classes. Our goal is to set aside up to 25% of available seats for scholarship students.
The Sentient Squid Scholarships are awarded as full and partial scholarships. Full scholarships cover the cost of the course and, when possible, the cost of required texts (if applicable). Partial scholarships are awarded based on applicants’ self-stated ability to pay.
Scholarship applications open on a class-by-class basis. Interested students receive instructions to apply when enrollment opens. Then, applications are processed immediately and awarded for the class they wish to attend.
Check our list of classes open for registration for current scholarship opportunities.
The History of Our Scholarship Program
Our fund is named for author Vonda N. McIntyre, an award-winning and beloved science fiction and fantasy novelist who founded the Clarion West writing workshop. Vonda, who passed away in April 2019, was a generous author and is the reason this scholarship exists.
In 2016, Vonda offered to pay for registration in an upcoming Writing the Other class so writers who couldn’t afford to learn could still enroll. Though she didn’t want to be publicly credited for her donation, we named our scholarship “Sentient Squid” to secretly honor her. The Sentient Squid Scholarship was inspired by a character in Vonda’s Starfarer book series, the “squidmoth” Nemo.
When announced, Vonda’s anonymous donation inspired others to donate as well; this helped us cover class enrollment fees for two additional students. Afterwards, we continued to receive donations and were able to establish a small scholarship fund that continues to help students to this day. Up until her passing, Vonda’s generosity continued, helping our small fund grow. Not only did she donate anonymously to the fund on multiple occasions, she also promoted the scholarship whenever we had a fundraising drive.
Because of Vonda N. McIntyre’s support and example, Writing the Other has been able to offer scholarship seats in every online course since Spring 2016 to make our classes more financially accessible. Approximately 20% of our alumni, a wide range of deserving applicants, have been awarded Sentient Squid Scholarships totalling over $25,000 in financial aid to date.
Want to Support the Scholarship?
The Sentient Squid Scholarship is made possible by donations from individuals and groups who have overwhelmed us with their generosity. We are extremely grateful to our donors and their commitment to helping all writers learn.
Would you like to contribute to the Sentient Squid Scholarship? Please click the button below or give using this link.
Writing the Other is operating as a nonprofit organization under the fiscal sponsorship of Clarion West, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations to Writing the Other are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
How to Apply for a Sentient Squid Scholarship
The Vonda N. McIntyre Sentient Squid application is short and designed not to overwhelm! Specific application details are available on class registration pages along with the applicable deadlines. In general, the application asks for:
- A brief (300 or fewer words) statement of financial need
- A brief (500 or fewer words) description of a work or works in progress that you hope the class/webinar will help you write.
- For partial scholarships, the amount you can afford to pay.
- A limited number of classes will also require a short (1000 words or less) writing sample.
Scholarship recipients are determined by the online class administrator and sometimes the instructor. Applicants will receive notification of acceptance or rejection by email by the deadline listed on the class description page.
Would you like to be notified when classes with scholarship opportunities open for registration? Subscribe to the Writing the Other newsletter.
Applicant FAQs
Do you have scholarships for marginalized writers?
We set aside a certain number of our scholarship spots for writers whose identities are covered by the POC, BIPOC, or BAME acronyms as well as Palestinian writers and those of Palestinian descent. We do not limit the number of scholarships we offer to these groups.
How do you define Financial Need?
We have a broad definition that includes people who outright do not have the money to pay the fee, people who technically have the money but cannot spend it on a writing class, people who live in countries where the registration amount in local currency puts it out of reach, people who are out of work and living on savings, and other situations in-between.
We do not require applicants to be flat broke or living in poverty in order to qualify. Please don’t self-reject!
I’m hesitating to apply because…
- Paying for this class is something I am technically be able to do–I have the funds in my bank account today–but I don’t feel I can afford to spend the money on the class, even though it would be beneficial.
- I sometimes have enough money to pay this fee, but not right now. And it would be unfair of me to ask for a scholarship when I can wait and hope the class comes back.
- I don’t want to take the opportunity away from someone else who needs it more.
- I already received a scholarship for a previous class (or two or more).
The response to all of these is: APPLY ANYWAY. None of those are reasons for you to not apply. Let us make the determination. Again: Don’t self-reject!
Have a question not covered here? Ask us directly.
Testimonials from our Squid Scholars
The Sentient Squid scholarship allowed me to take my first ever writing workshop. Beyond teaching me invaluable information regarding writing the “other,” this class provided exercises to improve my craft, opportunities to expand my network, and access to terrific resources. I’m an older working mom who’s managing various health challenges–both my own & my kids. Until I won this scholarship, I thought writing workshops were just a dream for me. A “one day” thing. Now I’m aware of accessible options available.
—Dianne M
I’ve been blessed to receive multiple Sentient Squid Scholarships, and the courses I’ve taken through them have completely changed the way I approach my fiction writing. I am grateful for everything I’ve learned, and for the huge collection of resources I’ve gained for future research.
—Dianna G
As a financially struggling trans man, I don’t have the means to attend classes for professional development, despite how much I want to and how much I know it would improve my work. I was lucky enough to receive a Sentient Squid Scholarship which removed that financial burden, allowing me to attend the Deep Dive into Building Inclusive Worlds course. The course changed the way I look at world building and the scholarship gave me the space I needed to expand my knowledge and grow as a writer.
— Luke T