Help Bri Attend Aspen Summer Words this Year!

Hi y'all! I'm Bri Gonzalez, a writer and educator currently living in Colorado. I'm beyond delighted to share that I've been accepted to the 2025 Aspen Summer Words sci-fi/fantasy workshop!! The application pool was extra competitive, and, to be honest, I'm amazed I earned a spot. This opportunity involves a five-day workshop with P. Djèlí Clark and professional consultation on my novel, which would be invaluable to my editing/publication process. While I was granted partial scholarship, the remaining costs are out of my financial capacity, and I'm hoping my friends and community can help me attend Aspen Summer Words this year!

Why I Need Help:

Aspen Summer Words is an incredible opportunity for writers of all experiences. I'll have the chance to work with the indominable P. Djèlí Clark and a talented cohort to edit and critically think about my novel. This past February, I completed the first draft of my book, which revolves around a vampire with bipolar disorder. My text explores themes of identity, community, queerness, and clinical illness/violence, centered in South Central Texas. I (somehow) managed to complete this manuscript between two jobs and other writing engagements, such as a poetry collection release. Having access to a focused writing space--as well as the guidance of P. Djèlí Clark--will not only allow me to make progress otherwise not afforded in day-to-day life, but will also offer invaluable critique from a renowned fantasy author, whose work also explores supernatural figures and tensions in modern-adjacent spaces.

I'm currently a community college instructor, and while I adore the work I do, the pay can pose financial challenges. I've been dealing with cardiovascular issues as well--my standing medical bills add substantial pressure to remaining retreat costs. However, with my novel completed and in revision stages, being able to attend Aspen Summer Words could be instrumental in my project's culmination. The workshop includes two meetings with industry professionals, such as literary agents and editors. I'm hoping this opportunity can either connect me with an agent, or at least interest some in learning more about my work. Either way, the opportunity will better inform me on the novel publishing process. Attending this workshop would be a significant opportunity in furthering next steps toward novel publication, and I would appreciate any and all help to ensure my attendance!

Costs:

I'm asking for the cost of remaining tuition and assistance with housing, as lodging is not funded:

Tuition: $461

Room & Board: $770

The tuition payment deadline is May 5th and room & board is due May 26th. It would be wonderful to try to reach each cost before their due dates, if possible. Thank you all for your help!

About Me

Learn more about my writing at: bgwriting.org.

Bri Gonzalez (they/them) is a Chicanx, queer writer from San Antonio, TX. They are the author of A WELLNESS CHECK (Game Over Books, 2024), a hybrid collection that investigates diagnosis by putting prescription pads and glitter pens in the hands of Gotham's dark knight. A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder MFA program, Bri is wondering how exactly writing even works. Bri currently teaches at Front Range Community College in Longmont, CO and is diligently researching vampires.

Thank you!!

If you've read this far, or even just a portion of this, thank you so much for your time. I wouldn't be in this position without support from my community and loved ones!! My writing is so empowered by the love and creativity around me. Anything you can give is a step toward my attendance. It's like I say in D&D--all damage is good damage, regardless if it's a 32 or a 5. If you don't have the means to help at this time, sharing is very helpful!

Thank you <3