If you’ve been reading GeekDad for long, you’ll know that we have a rather high degree of enthusiasm for Shared Worlds, the non-profit science fiction/fantasy teen writing camp that that’s been held annually since 2008 at Wofford College in South Carolina. Read about it here and here, if you’d like more on our take, or go to the Shared Worlds web site for details on the program. The students fortunate enough to attend have the opportunity to develop their love of writing under the guidance of such notable instructors as Jeff VanderMeer (who is also Assistant Director of the program), Ann VanderMeer, Minister Faust, Ekaterina Sedia, Nnedi Okorafor and Will Hindmarch. The camp has always presented a who’s who of the speculative fiction, science fiction and fantasy worlds, with a stream of NYT bestselling and award winning authors.
The big news at this point, almost 8 months prior to the July 17-30, 2011 edition of Shared Worlds is that the program has been awarded a $15,000 grant by Amazon.com. The money is earmarked for bringing more guest writers on board, as well as scholarships for disadvantaged students. The 4th edition of Shared Worlds is on track to be the best yet and there’s little doubt that some of the students will eventually be contributing to Amazon.com’s bottom line.
Press release here.
