How to Apply

Choose a Writing Sample

The writing sample should represent your current abilities as a writer. It should be no more than 4,000 words long and should be in standard manuscript format.

If you have a complete short story that fulfills these qualifications, then that is often the best thing to send. If you write very short pieces, you may send two, if the total is under 4,000 words, but no more than two.

If you only write longer stories or novels, then often the best option is to send the opening section of the work with a brief synopsis of the rest (the total of excerpt plus synopsis should be no more than 4,000 words).

Remember, the application deadline for all 3 sessions is April 10!

Standard Manuscript Format

Fill Out Application

Fill out the application form below. No portion of your application or fiction writing sample should be written by anyone other than you.

ODYSSEY AI (Artificial Intelligence) POLICY: No portion of your application or fiction writing sample may be developed, drafted, or written by AI apps, generators, bots, or similar tools, and you may not be assisted in these tasks by these tools. Violation of this policy may result in your being banned from applying to Odyssey programs in the future. Use of basic spellcheck and grammar-check does not violate Odyssey’s policy. If you have any questions, contact us.

Submit the application, writing sample, and $50 processing fee: BUT FIRST! Before you start filling out your application, scroll down to make sure there’s an “I’m not a robot” checkbox and a box for your signature near the bottom (not the top) of the application. If not, reload this page.

Your Personal Odyssey Application

Contact Information

Last Name: *

First Name: *

Email: *

Phone: *

Address: *

Address:

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal

Country

For which sessions are you applying?

I'm applying for (you may apply to more than one if your schedule is flexible):

6-week session starting 6/1/26

12-week session starting 8/10/26

18-week session starting 11/23/26

Please explain why you chose the session you did. (200 words max)

For which instructors are you applying?

I'm applying for (you may apply to more than one):

Jeanne Cavelos

Carrie Vaughn

Lane Robins

List the most recent schooling, then previous schooling:

School: *

Location: *

Major: *

Date From : *

Date To: *

Degree: *

GPA:

Add Remove

Writing Information

Additional training, workshops, and seminars attended:

Publications, awards, and memberships:

Please cover the following 3 topics.

Part 1: Describe your development as a writer. How long have you been seriously writing fiction? What inspired you to start? How would you describe your skills at this point? What are the weaknesses in your writing? What are your writing goals?

Part 2: What, specifically, would you like to learn during Your Personal Odyssey? What sort of experience do you want to have? Why have you chosen to apply to this program?

Part 3: What is your learning style? Does it fit with the structure of the program? This program requires you to be highly motivated and work independently. At what times in your life have you worked intensely on your own and had a successful result? Are your current living situation and life circumstances conducive to success in this program?

Writer's Statement (1000 words max) *

What unpublished works have you written?

Title: *

Genre *

Length *

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Employment Information

Company: *

Title:

Address:

Date From:

Date To:

Duties:

Phone:

References

List two persons familiar with your writing:

Reference 1 Name/Title: *

Email: *

Phone:

Reference 2 Name/Title: *

Email: *

Phone:

Writing Sample

Your filename should have your first name and last name followed by the first five (or fewer) words of your title with no spaces; e.g., JaneSmithWhenAliensInvadedTheWorld. Your writing sample can be no longer than 4,000 words

File Upload (formats accepted: .doc or .docx) *Please note Safari will only accept .docx files *

Maximum file size: 1MB

Additional Information

Please tell us how you learned about Your Personal Odyssey: *

If you have previously applied to an Odyssey program, can you tell us which program and what year that was?

Please Certify

I certify that the below information is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize investigation of all statements contained herein and the references listed above to provide Odyssey with any pertinent information.

Electronic Signature (Type full name) *

Date *

Email *

Captcha

Submit Application

Clicking Submit Application will send you to a PayPal page where you can pay the $50 application fee. If you would prefer to pay via personal check (if in the US) or bank draft in US dollars, click the button to submit your application, close the PayPal window, and send your application fee to Odyssey, P.O. Box 75, Mont Vernon, NH 03057, Attn: Applications

Please check one of the following: *

I will pay my $50 application fee via PayPal

I am sending my $50 application fee as a US check or bank draft via regular mail.

I am an international student and am sending my $50 application fee as a bank draft in US dollars.

If you are human, leave this field blank.