April 16, 2004

Young Writers Workshop set for June 30-July 3

by K.C. Jaehnig

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- High school sophomore, junior and senior writing students can sharpen their skills at a creative-writing camp offered June 30 through July 3 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Now in its sixth year, SIUC's Young Writers Workshop teams faculty and graduate students in the University's creative writing program with aspiring poets, novelists and short-story writers in a co-educational, residential program aimed at developing budding talent. Campers will work on technique, read and critique their own poetry and prose, attend panel and technical discussions, listen to readings by other writers and share their own creative work.

Tuition costs $230, which also covers three nights lodging at University Park, a supervised, air-conditioned campus residence hall, as well as meals at the Student Center and all materials. A commuter option costs $190, which covers tuition, lunches and dinners, and materials. Returning campers can receive a 10 percent discount on their fees.

All campers must pay a $60 nonrefundable deposit; the balance is due upon arrival. Along with the deposit, applicants must provide typed samples of creative work -- up to three poems, or a story or essay not more than five pages long. Some half-tuition scholarships are available based on writing ability demonstrated by the samples.

Maximum enrollment is 30, with students accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is June 11. A brochure and registration form are available on the Web at http://www.dce.siu.edu under "Youth camps/academic camps." Would-be applicants without Internet connections may write to SIUC's Division of Continuing Education, Washington Square C, Carbondale, IL 62901-6705, or call 618/536-7751.