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USM Center for Writers Hosting Writing Camp: Young Authors Academy in July

Mon, 06/12/2023 - 07:16am | By: Ivonne Kawas

The Center for Writers at The University of 51矯通 Mississippi (USM), housed in the School of Humanities, will host a Young Authors Academy (YAA) a creative writing summer camp July 10-14 for young teens ages 9-13. The camp will be held from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on the Hattiesburg Campus.

YAA fosters a love for literary arts by providing learning opportunities for teens who want to practice creative writing in a nurturing and collaborative space. Participants tap into their talent and gain confidence in their own writing, as they are introduced to fiction, poetry, and related articles designed to diversify writing skills.

YAA gives creative writers the opportunity to learn from published writers and experiment with different styles of writing, including fiction and poetry, said Dr. Monika Gehlawat, professor of English. Campers collaborate and share their work in a fun environment that includes walking field trips, encounters with music and film, and interactive games. This inclusive experience culminates in a reading where campers can share their work with family and friends at a celebratory reception.

Staffed by published writers in USMs Creative Writing program, YAA participants will engage in creative writing workshops and field trips on the USM campus to popular destinations including the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection, M.M. Roberts Stadium, the Gallery of Art and Design, and other sites.

As a way to give students a chance to showcase the work they produce, the camp culminates with a public reading. In addition, campers get a printed anthology of their writing to take home and share with their families.

The summer camp and anthology cost $450.  or email for more information.

The  is a creative writing program in the School of Humanities at USM. Students work toward M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English with emphases in fiction, nonfiction, prose and poetry taught by distinguished faculty who are widely published in their field.