Speculative Fiction Writing Retreat
for alums of the Ad Astra workshops
two or four weeks from June 21 – July 18, 2026

also available in Ad Astra's Science Fiction Summer program:
Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop (June 21 – July 4),
"Repeat Offenders" Spec-Fic Writing Workshop (July 5 – 12),
& SF/F Novel Writing Workshops (June 15 – July 12)

For 2026, we continue our month-long Science Fiction Summer, including the Writing Retreat for alums of the Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop and "Repeat Offenders" advanced workshop for alums (check both pages for announcement of the year's special guests).

The Writing Retreat is designed to serve alums of our workshops however you need. Attendees are welcome to join the usual night-time group movie watches, games, dinner, and so on, and generally catch up with writing friends from prior cohorts. Some even join the workshops to offer critiques on others' work.

We also offer short and extended online and hybrid offerings throughout the year, including our Science into Fiction writing workshop series.

Writing Retreat for Alums

"I had no TV, no internet, and no other distractions. Just a hermit-like room with a view of the Kansas horizon.
I wrote 30,000 words in a week, and built momentum on my book that didn't fade until October.
When I needed human company (better yet, the company of other writers), I had lunch and dinner with the Workshop participants.
It was glorious."

- Wolfgang Baur

As in prior years (space allowing), we offer a Writing Retreat for alums wanting to focus on their writing and reconnect with fellow AdAstranauts / Young Gunns. Immerse yourself in the creative energy of multiple workshops running in the same space!

Alums of our writing workshops are welcome to join Ad Astra's Science Fiction Summer and co-habitate in the same building as those attending the Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop, "Repeat Offenders" Workshop, and Kij Johnson and Barbara Webb's "Novel Architects" workshop for up to four weeks, coinciding with the formal workshops. There are no classes, though Retreat writers may choose to sit in on workshop sessions so you can enjoy the creative energy that develops around a workshop with the freedom and privacy to use your time as you wish. Attendees are free to write, revise, study, socialize, sightsee, and consult privately about their writing with other Retreat or Workshop attendees.

This option is only available to alums of the workshops, and on a space-available basis. Because of when we need to turn in enrollments to Housing, please let us know by June 1 if you'd like to join us for the AdAstranauts Writing Retreat either through the upcoming Google Forms application or by writing Chris directly (spec.fic.workshop@gmail.com) and letting us know the dates you wish to stay.

How to Apply

Apply starting in February

Enrollment for the Writing Retreat is limited to 6 attendees (or less, depending on total enrollment in the workshops), so if you wish to attend, be sure to apply early! Positions go quickly. To reserve a spot for this year's Writing Retreat:

• Between February 1 and June 6, fill in this Google Forms application.

If you cannot upload it through that form page, write to Chris McKitterick (spec.fic.workshop@gmail.com) expressing your interest. For clarity when emailing, please use the subject line "2026 Writing Retreat Application."

If you are accepted, you'll be informed how to register and pay, and must do so in advance to hold your spot. Housing is the primary challenge for the Writing Retreat, so be sure to let us know as early as you can that you plan to join us!

Housing for the Writing Retreat
and Workshops

This year we plan to stay and work in the new Stouffer Place Apartments on the University of Kansas campus, where we held the past two years' SF Summer program. It's a dorm-style structure divided into full-featured apartments within. We'll hold the workshops and hangout-sessions on the same floor of the building, so your commute is only a short walk down the hall.

Apartments in Stouffer Place come fully furnished, and we can order linens service (which Housing will wash each week), or you can bring your own. Shared living room furniture includes a couch, accent chairs, coffee table, end tables, entertainment stand, and bar stools. Shared full kitchens have a stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and combined washer-dryer. Private bedroom furniture varies slightly by number of roommates. Housing costs are separate from tuition, because we sometimes host local attendees who do not need a room.

As a college town in summer, Lawrence also boasts a number of AirBnB-style places and hotels.

If you'd like to help future workshop attendees, please consider making a donation!

Costs

We try to price our program fairly, and those who can afford to pay full cost help subsidize scholarships for those who cannot. We also seek donations to help offer more scholarships, so if you'd like to help someone attend our programs, consider donating!

Full-price costs to attend McKitterick's SF workshops or writing retreat for 2026 (2026 Housing will be similar):

• Full tuition for the Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop:
  • $1200, payable within two weeks of acceptance.
• Full tuition for the "Repeat Offenders" Advanced Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop for alums:
  • $900, payable by 6/9.
• Full tuition for both the SF Writing Workshop and "Repeat Offenders" Workshops:
  • $1900, payable within two weeks of acceptance or by 6/3 for alums.
• Writing Retreat for alums:
  • $300 for any period up to the full month, payable by 6/9.
• Housing fees for all workshops (same as last year!):
  • Budget $800 for either two-week (13 nights) workshop in private-room, shared apartments.
    If staying for the full month, budget $1660 (includes an additional night between workshops).
    We can add days on to the beginning or end of your stay for an additional $60/night if you let us know enough in advance.
    Housing is payable by 6/3 for new attendees, upon arrival (at the latest) for alums.
• Locals: If you're not staying in Stouffer, please add $150 for space-rental fees for our meeting and hangout space (included in Housing cost for those staying on-site).

Examples:

• June is an alum joining us on a Writing Retreat for the full month, and is staying on-site. Her total cost is $1450.
• Sean is an alum coming for a Writing Retreat for the first two weeks plus RO, requesting a $100 AdAstranaut scholarship for RO, and is staying on-site. Their total cost is $1900.
• Londo is an alum coming for a Writing Retreat over the RO weeks, and driving in from home. His total cost is $450.

Please complete your registration and make all payments before you begin, unless you make special arrangements. After you are accepted, we will send you payment instructions (the payment form includes donation options to help support other writers in financial need). We accept Zelle (use adastra.sf.institute@gmail.com to make a payment or scholarship donation), PayPal (please add an additional 3.4% to cover PayPal's fees, or use "send to a friend"), or check. Please send checks to:

Ad Astra Institute for Science Fiction & the Speculative Imagination
1809 Indiana St.
Lawrence, KS 66044

Meals, housing, and incidental costs rise the longer you stay, so plan appropriately.

Join the Ad Astra community and reach for the stars!

Donate

The Ad Astra Institute is a registered 501(c)3 educational, arts, and research nonprofit. If you wish to support our activities by making a charitable donation to help others attend the workshops who might otherwise not be able to, contact McKitterick (cmckit.sf@gmail.com). We accept Zelle (use adastra.sf.institute@gmail.com to make a direct donation), PayPal (which takes an additional 3.4% fee), and checks; please send checks to:

Ad Astra Institute for Science Fiction & the Speculative Imagination
1809 Indiana St.
Lawrence, KS 66044

We also partner with Farbeyond Books - a fantastic spec-fic bookstore - which donates at least 50% of all sales to Ad Astra, so if you have books you'd like to donate, let us know. Your donation is fully tax-deductible!

Thank you so much to our donors and supporters! You make all this possible.

The "Young Gunns" of 2003
Front row: Kij Johnson, Jeannette Cheney, Betsy Boyce, Nolen Harsh, Terry Mackey, Adrian Simmons.
Middle row: Harold Agnew, Thomas Seay, Pat Buehler, Jennifer Schwabach, Cliff Johns, Kelly Green, Betty Hull.
Back row: Wolfgang Baur, David Kirtley, Rod Rogers, Frederik Pohl, Chuck Marsters, Larry Taylor, James Gunn.
Not pictured: Chris McKitterick (photographer)

Diversity, Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Commitment to Equity

Everyone enjoys equal access to our offerings, and we actively encourage students and scholars from diverse backgrounds to study. We especially encourage people from historically under-represented groups to apply for our courses and scholarships. Many of our other courses are available to be taken in hybrid format (if space is available) to help enable those who might not be able to attend in person to participate, and we happily make accommodations to enable everyone to enjoy the fullest experience. We also make accomodations for those who cannot attend in person.

At Ad Astra, we also believe that earning a creative education should not depend on financial privilege, so we offer several scholarships to enable everyone to participate. If you wish to help support others to enroll, please consider donating to our scholarship fund (the Ad Astra Institute is a not-for-profit organization). Many of the most promising writers don't enjoy the same privilege as those who do, so we strive to level the playing field so everyone regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, income, nationality or immigrant status, physical ability status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or marital, parental, and veteran status has equal opportunity to participate in our educational programs, and equal access to our activities. We want everyone to enjoy the same opportunity to become a professional speculative-fiction writer! We work to be a safe space for those who come to our events and educational programs. 

Click here to read our thoughts on diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity, and our commitment to equity.

The Academic Achievement and Access Center (AAAC) coordinates accommodations and services for eligible KU students and those staying on campus. If you have a disability for which you wish to request accommodation and have not contacted the AAAC, please do so as soon as possible. Their office is located in 22 Strong Hall; their phone number is (785)864-4064 (V/TTY). Also please contact us privately about your needs when working with us. 

Transportation:
In Lawrence and from the MCI Airport

By car, Lawrence is at the intersection of US 59 and I-70 (Kansas Turnpike). The west interchange is closer to campus. Lawrence can also be reached along the lovely Kansas Highway 10.

If you're driving, our housing facilities have nearby parking. McKitterick and Johnson usually leave a vehicle or two on-site for attendees to use while in town. Friends also often offer to give rides to and from the airport for less than the cost of a shuttle (especially when carpooling with others).

The nearest major airport is Kansas City International (MCI), about 50 miles from Lawrence. Transportation to Lawrence from Kansas City International (MCI - "M" is for "Mid-Continent") airport can be arranged through one of several airport transport services, including:

• Ad Astra Institute friends: Contact Ad Astra staffer Lauren for this option - it's more comfortable, fun, and usually cheaper, especially if you share a ride with another workshopper. Lauren picks you up outside the gate and drops you at the Stouffer Place Apartments entryway.
• Better Alternative Transportation Services (BATS): 24/7 door-to-door service; individual rates.
• SDM Transportation: 24/7 door-to-door service; offers airport shuttles or luxury cars with individual rates.
• Jayhawk Taxi: 24/7 door-to-door service; fixed rate to the airport for 1-2 passengers.
• Super Shuttles: 24/7 door-to-door service; group rates; group discount code: S6Q2W.
• Five Guys Shuttle: 24/7 door-to-door service; rates per van, not per person.
• Here 2 There Shuttle: 24/7 door-to-door service, airport shuttle, and reservations for special events. Can hold up to 10 passengers at once. Call or text 785-380-8879 or email 785shuttle@gmail.com
• KCI Express Shuttle offers pickup and delivery right to our dorm or your hotel for a small upcharge. Phone Reservations: (816)645-1815. After 8:00pm CST (816)372-1556.
• Ground Transportation Services is a local Lawrence business that provides 24/7 taxi service within Lawrence, and the surrounding areas. They also operate daily door-to-door shuttle service from Lawrence to the Kansas City Airport. (888)467-3729 or (785)838-4500. See a schedule here.
• Uber and Lyft also operate in the area.

Notes:

• Reserve well in advance of your trip to confirm pricing and availability.
• The Kansas City International Airport's official airport code is MCI - "Mid-Continent International Airport."
• This list is for your information only. We are not affiliated with these services, and some attendees had problems with others, so do your research.

 

Maps

University of Kansas map.

Kansas Union map.

Lawrence bus routes and maps.

Google Maps centered on the KU Kansas Union.

History

SFWA Science Fiction Grand Master James Gunn established the workshop in 1985 and led it (with appearances from many authors and editors) until 1995, when author and long-time co-instructor McKitterick began co-teaching; Kij Johnson also co-taught from 1995-2002, before branching off her own Novel Architects Workshop (the development of her and Barbara Webb's previous SF&F Novel Writing Workshop), which traditionally meets in the same space. At 87 years young, Gunn stepped down from teaching in 2010, handing off the workshop to his protegé McKitterick but still dropping in from time to time as our permanent special guest to offer words of writing wisdom (until his death at 97 in 2020) - 2023 marked the start of Jim's centenary year during the Repeat Offenders Workshop (July 12), when we celebrated his life.

From 1985-2019, we held the Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop exclusively as an intensive, two-week, residential program. The pandemic changed how we offered things, and between that and our move under the umbrella of the new Ad Astra Institute for Science Fiction & the Speculative Imagination means we've learned a ton of new ways to offer not only our traditional workshops but also an ongoing, year-round series of interdisciplinary bi-monthly workshops (series 5 is coming soon!), seminars, talks, masterclasses, write-ins, and much more led by a wide diversity of experts in many fields - plus of course the best spec-fic authors, editors, and educators - designed to help writers gain what we hope is the most well-rounded educational experience in SF offered anywhere! 

Recent guest instructors have included Philip Baringer, Pat Cadigan, Bradley Denton, Andy Duncan, James Gunn, Kij Johnson, and John Kessel. Earlier guests included Betty Anne Hull, Theodore Sturgeon, and Frederik Pohl (who served as special-guest instructor for nearly two decades). Stay tuned for upcoming announcements!

James Gunn's 1992 SF Workshop - what first brought Ad Astra director McKitterick to Kansas.
Back row: Frederik Pohl, Chris McKitterick (my first year!), John Ordover, James Gunn.
Front row: Tom Crice, Dan Gollub, Rebecca Bates, Sheila Hartney, and...

Lawrence, KU, and Ad Astra in the Summer

For anyone who hasn't visited, Lawrence is a wonderful, lively, small city in the Kaw River valley, filled with art, events, and activities. Lawrence and the University of Kansas are about 30 miles west of Kansas City and 20 miles east of Topeka. Summers can be hot, but meeting and housing spaces are air-conditioned.

Among its many amenities, the University of Kansas contains a large science-fiction collection (including a number of single-author paper and manuscript collections, such as Theodore Sturgeon's) and other great reference collections; museums of natural history and art; and sports, theater, and lots more. Lawrence offers many excellent restaurants and shopping and recreational opportunities. Kansas City is less than an hour away. Nighttime opportunities include dinners, games, movies, live concerts, star-gazing sessions, and of course discussion about writing and more.

View of KU from the Ad Astra library.

The Ad Astra Institute holds a beautiful collection of speculative-fiction books and writing and science reference libraries, plus a great deal of SF historical paraphernalia - one of our attendees describes it as a "shrine to science fiction." For many years, our office and library lived on the KU campus, first in the run-down Humanities building but then for two years overlooking Potter Lake and the lovely central park. We bring selected works and custom displays from this wonderful collection to many of our events. This is where we've held some of our writing workshops plus some write-ins and other events, as well as in KU scholarship and residential halls, the Lawrence Public Library, at conventions around the world, and other venues.

Part of the Ad Astra library and SF artifact collection.

The nearest major airport is Kansas City International (MCI), about 50 miles from Lawrence. Transportation to Lawrence from Kansas City International can be arranged through one of several airport shuttle services, or by arrangement through Ad Astra staff. By car, Lawrence is at the intersection of U.S. 59 and I-70 (Kansas Turnpike) or K-10. The I-70 West Lawrence interchange is closer to campus. Lawrence can also be reached along lovely Kansas Highway 10.

We request that attendees demonstrate vaccination status and stay away if feeling signs of illness - many of our events stream live via our YouTube and Discord channels, so you won't miss out even if sick. We want to help keep our AdAstranauts healthy!

Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop

Learn to write SF that sells. Using the short-story form, we help you master the elements that create great fiction.
Led by McKitterick since 1995, continuing James Gunn's tradition starting 1985.

Award-winning SF author, scholar, and educator Christopher McKitterick continues our residential, two-week workshop on speculative-fiction storytelling, and usually invites a Special Guest Instructor. The Ad Astra Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop is designed to serve writers at all levels: those who have just begun to publish, those who need the final bit of insight or skill to master the elements that create great stories editors want and readers love, and published authors who want to grow their writing or refresh their skills through an intensive workshop experience with a diverse, focused cohort of enthusiastic writers.

We work with all flavors of speculative fiction including fantasy, hard SF, horror, magical realism, slipstream, speculative philosophy, and so on. Though the workshop is useful for writers of all lengths of fiction, for practical reasons we use short-form works to master the art and craft of creating great spec-fic.

McKitterick strives to put together a creative cohort that's diverse in genre, backgrounds, and experience, with an emphasis on developing a mutually supportive cohort adept at respectfully offering useful critiques and accepting feedback in the positive spirit they're offered to help everyone learn and grow not only as authors but as members of the spec-fic community.

full info
on the Spec-Fic Workshop page

"Repeat Offenders"
Advanced Spec-Fic Writing Workshop

Return to the scene of the crime to reinforce lessons from prior workshops and reconnect with alums. Since 2016.

Chris McKitterick offers an advanced (and less formal) two-week workshop exclusively for alums (aka "AdAstranauts" and "Young Gunns") of the Spec-Fic Workshop.

Repeat Offenders offers the opportunity to work with similarly trained writers - and special guest instructors - on whatever projects you have underway. Details are customized for each year's attendees, but we usually plan project-development sessions (either short and long work), traditional workshopping, theory and business talks, and so forth, and time for writing (some come primarily for a writing retreat and to find inspiration from participating in discussions): Details to come as we work out everyone's wishes. This is not only a time to further develop your writing, but also a great chance to get advice and feedback on ongoing, longer projects - and to meet up with your cohort again!

New participants in the traditional Speculative Fiction Writing Workshop are welcome to stay for RO, which follows immediately after.

full info
on the Repeat Offenders page

Kij Johnson and Barbara J Webb's
Novel Architects and "Repeat Offenders" Workshops

Return to the scene of the crime to reinforce the lessons from your workshop, and reconnect with other alums.
Since 2010.

This follow-up workshop to Kij Johnson and Barbara Webb's annual two-week residential writing workshop is offered to alums of that program only. Develop in-progress work while re-connecting with your past cohort!

full info
on the Novel Workshops page

Related SF-Writing Workshops and Resources

"Science into Fiction" Spec-Fic Writing Workshops:
  Series 1: "The Higgs Boson in This Particular Universe"
  Series 2: "Creativity and the Brain"
  Series 3: "Writing in (and about) the Age of Artificial Intelligence"
  Series 4: "Six great stories and what makes them work: The science of SF writing"
  Series 5: "Hopepunk" coming Fall 2026: apply Summer 2026

Chris McKitterick's Spec-Fic Writing Workshop & Repeat Offenders Workshop

Kij Johnson & Barbara Webb's SF&F Novel Writing Workshops and Masterclasses

Speculative-fiction writing resources

Ad Astra Scholarships

AI policy

Connect with Ad Astra