Blog
Alumni Alison Weber Wins Fairy Tale Magazine Prose Contest!
by Writing Workshops Staff
2 months ago
We're thrilled to celebrate one of our talented alumni, Alison Weber, whose enchanting short story "The Sea Witch" recently won the 2025 prose writing contest in The Fairy Tale Magazine. Judged by acclaimed author Amy Trent, this achievement showcases the power of dedicated craft development and the magic that happens when passionate writers find their voice.
A Journey Through Fantasy and Reality
Alison's path to publication began with our workshops led by instructor Ploi Pirapokin. She first enrolled in From Fantasy to Reality: Crafting Impactful Speculative Fiction. This transformative experience inspired her to dive deeper into her craft by signing up for the intensive Writing Fantastical Characters 6-week program with Ploi.
"I took a workshop with Ploi Pirapokin, and that was enough for me to sign up for a longer class," Alison shares. The knowledge she gained proved invaluable. "What I learned in the workshop really inspired me to update a manuscript I had left in limbo for a while."
That manuscript became "The Sea Witch," a haunting tale that begins:
"In the deepest part of the ocean plain, where seagrass waved and eels writhed in the current, a sea witch lived in exile. Far from the crystalline halls of the undersea palace, she made her home of woven grass, spindly ocean wood, and sorrow."
The Art of Storytelling
What sets Alison apart is her unique dual passion as both writer and illustrator. Inspired by fairytales and the Golden Age of Children's Book Illustration, she creates visual art for her stories, sharing her work on Instagram. "The illustrations keep me inspired to write, and the writing keeps me inspired to illustrate," she explains.
Her literary influences include beloved fantasy authors Patricia McKillip, Tanith Lee, and Katherine Arden, while her visual inspiration draws from masters like Arthur Rackham and Florence Mary Anderson. This rich artistic foundation, combined with her love of family, nature, animals, and history, creates the perfect alchemy for her magical storytelling.
Skills That Spark Success
When asked about the most valuable lesson from our programs, Alison highlights learning "how to write internal dialogue"—a crucial skill that brings readers deep into characters' emotional landscapes.
She particularly appreciated Ploi Pirapokin's "upbeat nature and the community that came from the other students," emphasizing how our supportive workshop environment nurtures both craft and confidence.
"Ploi Pirapokin's From Fantasy to Reality: Crafting Impactful Speculative Fiction and her longer class Writing Fantastical Characters were both very helpful and inspiring! She's the only teacher I've had so far, but I can't recommend her enough!"
Living the Dream
Currently based near Seattle with her "tiny family and beloved creatures," Alison is building her dream illustration business while continuing to craft stories "for everyone who still dreams of magic."
Her recent contest win serves as inspiring proof that the writing community and skills developed through dedicated workshop participation can lead to remarkable achievements.
Your Story Awaits
Alison's journey from workshop participant to published winner demonstrates the transformative power of quality writing instruction and supportive community.
Whether you're crafting fantasy worlds, developing complex characters, or exploring any genre, our experienced instructors and fellow writers are here to help you discover your unique voice and achieve your publishing goals.
Ready to begin your own writing adventure? Explore our comprehensive selection of online creative writing workshops and find the perfect class to elevate your craft. Your next great story is waiting to be written.
