Exciting news!
The Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices (AILAP) is working with #RomanceClass to bring you the 21st Ateneo National Writers Workshop (21ANWW)! This year, AILAP aims to explore romance writing that challenges current conventions, as well as contribute to the direction and future of the genre.
This is amazing to me in many different levels, but mainly because as a young aspiring writer who had an inclination toward writing love stories, I was never encouraged to write romance by the academe. Perhaps it was not conveyed directly to me that the romance genre wasn’t welcome in the literary sphere, but the way literature was being taught at the time and the type of short stories and poetry that the school’s publication put out made it seem so. To have an actual academic entity promote the exploration of the romance genre is refreshing to me, and I am looking forward to the stories we’re going to be seeing through this program.
Even more exciting is the fact that AILAP is looking for submissions that deviate from the conventional depictions of romantic experiences. Examples of these narratives include, but not limited to:
- queer romances
- romances about non-Christian experiences
- romances beyond middle-class experiences
- encounters outside Metro Manila
- romances dwelling on post-pandemic experiences
- polyamorous, ethical non-monogamous, and open relationships
- virtual romances mediated by new technology
- romances addressing issues of (dis)ability and representations
Interested applicants must submit their pitches, in Filipino, English, or any Philippine languages, to be presented in the workshop. Submissions written in regional languages must be accompanied by their Filipino / English translation. The pitch should be around 250-300 words, describing the narrative’s theme, outline, and main characters. It should be accompanied by a portfolio containing two to three (2-3) short stories; or the first two chapters of a novel or novella to be workshopped.
Submit the documents in A4 bond paper, computerized in Garamond font, size 12, with a 1-inch margin on all sides, and single-spaced. The author’s name should not appear anywhere in the pitch and portfolio. All documents, including the application form (which can be downloaded here: bit.ly/ANWW21AppForm), should be submitted in PDF format. All applications must be sent through bit.ly/ANWW21SubmissionForm. The deadline for submission is on April 6, 2024.
For additional information, message the AILAP Facebook page or email ailapofficial@gmail.com.
AILAP’s full announcement may be found here.
Oh, and did I mention that #RomanceClass2024 is happening soon as well? Mina V. Esguerra is delivering an Introduction to #RomanceClass lecture at the Ateneo de Manila University on Tuesday, February 13 (that’s tomorrow!), which will serve as the required first lecture for #RomanceClass2024 and the orientation for those who want to submit to this year’s ANWW.
Are you g? This event is free and open to the public, so we hope you could come! 🙂
