Scribes summer creative writing camp is an intensive two-week writing program facilitated by professional writers who will help you bring out the best in your work. You'll acquire a tool kit of literary forms, pick up exercises and techniques to develop your writer's voice, get serious and helpful feedback from your instructors and peers and tour the city to view new and familiar places with a writer's eye. There are two sessions of Scribes. The first session is for 7th and 8th graders only; the second is for 9th–12th graders.
What can you expect from Scribes? Here are some of the highlights from last summer.
Acclaimed guests
Besides your primary Scribes instructors, many illustrious guests visit Scribes to share their knowledge and experience. In 2008, cartoonist/graphic artist/author Ellen Forney dropped by to discuss her work. The Typing Explosion, a performance art trio who creates collaborative poetry using vintage typewriters, bells and whistles, came to give Scribes an exclusive show. And several writers’ panels gave Scribes participants a chance to ask questions and engage in discussion about the writing life.
Unique field trips
Just because Scribes is a writing camp doesn’t mean that you’ll be holed up in the House all day long. Scribes 2008 took trips to neighborhood art museums, parks and city streets to get us out and about, looking at the world with writers’ eyes.
Hands-On projects
There’s more to writing than simply putting pen to paper. ZAPP (the Zine Archive and Publishing Project) provided supplies and inspiration for making a zine. Seattle Book Arts taught us how to make our own handmade books. A visit to the Frye Art Museum got us thinking about how to combine story with image, and if and how words can cure the world.
Inspiring prompts
Do you know what found poetry is? How about metafiction? Do you think you could write a story using only 55 words? What questions would you ask inanimate objects if they could talk? At Scribes, you will draw inspiration from learning new styles, genres and forms, reading various authors, collaborating with your fellow participants and observing the world around you.
Here’s what some Scribes alumni have to say about their experience:
“My inner writer had never felt so alive than during the hours spent in that Cabaret space of Richard Hugo House. Ideas and words came so easily.”
–Adriane, age 15
“I really liked how it made me try things that I previously thought I would completely suck at, because I actually did well. Scribes exposed me to lots of different writing styles, those of famous authors as well as those of my peers.” –Hannah, age 16
“I loved everything! I loved how we were all treated so adult and allowed to write anything without limitations. I also really liked how much reading we did because I felt really sophisticated and informed by the end. I wish my English class was like this!” –Liz, age 14
“I got to explore such a variety of styles and forms I’d never tried before; I met awesome people that I learned a lot from, both teachers and peers; I was exposed to so much good writing and many influences; and I felt really safe sharing anything I wanted to.” –Ari, age 17
Application Information:
Scribes 2009 applications will be considered in two rounds:
Early registration will be in January. For those who are making their summer plans early, applications are due on January 15 and in-person interviews will be conducted January 20-30. Admissions will be granted on February 2.
Regular registration will be in April. Applications will be due on April 15 and in-person interviews will be conducted April 20-30. Admissions will be granted on May 1.
Students currently in 7th and 8th grade will be in Scribes July 20–July 31.
Students currently in 9th–12th grade will be in Scribes August 3–14.
Each session is composed of 20 students and two instructors. Class runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday with lunch and a snack. Community readings will be held the last Thursday of each session (July 30 and August 13).
For returning applicants: Please answer the following question in 250 words or fewer: Why do you want to return to Scribes? Submit this with the information below, plus a new sample of your creative writing, up to 10 pages. You will not need to interview again this year.
For new applicants: Please answer ONE of the questions below and submit with the general information below. Please include a writing sample of up to 10 pages of creative nonfiction, fiction, memoir or poetry.
For new applicants only, answer ONE of the following in 500 words or fewer:
-You want to spend two glorious weeks of Seattle sunshine inside, writing? Why!?
-Tell us about yourself. Feel free to fictionalize.
Name:
Grade:
School:
Home address:
City/state/zip:
Phone:
E-mail:
How did you hear about Scribes?
Submit to margotcase@hugohouse.org or by mail to:
Scribes 2009
Richard Hugo House
1634 11th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98122
