Updates: Clarion, Shared Worlds, Anthos

First off, just a reminder: if you're in high school and interested in being a SF/Fantasy writer or you're the parent of a high school student looking for a creative writing experience involving SF and Fantasy for your teenager this summer...consider Shared Worlds. It's two weeks of awesome fun and instruction that involves world-building, creative writing, working in teams and solo, and getting fascinating crash-courses in a number of subjects. Instructors include myself, Holly Black, Michael Bishop, Marly Youmans, Kathe Koja, and more. Attendees also have access to Wofford College professors. Also, artist Scott Eagle will drop by for a two-day workshop that's going to be amazing. For more information, check out the site . There's nothing else quite like it.Meanwhile, as the anchor instructors for Clarion San Diego, we've been helping read applicant submissions. This week the final decisions will be made, including invites for the 18 slots and those of talent who are added to the wait list. Quite frankly, it's been tough as heck to reach final decisions--there were so many worthy applicants that instead of inviting the maximum of 18, there could've been 30 invites without a dip in quality. Anyone who makes it in or makes it to the waiting list should be proud of that accomplishment. I know that the competition wasn't nearly this tough the year I went, in 1992. (I also have to say that I was incredibly impressed by the fairness and structure of the selection process--kudos to Clarion San Diego for that.)Finally, it looks like the big book of weird may be downsized by a couple hundred thousand words. Still waiting for the final word on that. Regardless, it'll still be a huge anthology. (And we'll have some new book announcements soon.)