Ok, i have only been on this site for a few days and there is a lot of talk about Boot Camp. From what i gathered, it's extremely educational and only happens once a year. If so helpful, why does it only occur annually? And how do you know when one is going to begin and where to sign up for one? ~Fetch
Posted by bladeofwords (Member # 2132) on :
I should probably let a boot camper answer this, but I'll try to give you the quick and dirty to tide you over until they post something. Boot camp is a seminar put on by Orson Scott Card once a year. It's an extension of the "uncle orson's writing class" seminar. This is an actual seminar (as opposed to a virtual one) that involves going to (usually) a university and participating in lectures, discussions, and writing exercises.
On why it only happens once a year. It's an intensive week-long seminar personally led by OSC. He has other things to do besides teaching other people how to write (like writing) and only has so much time. Plus, I think once a year is pretty reasonable when you consider that it is basically a summer camp for adults.
On when to sign up. The camp usually occurs in the middle of summer and people start talking about sign ups before they happen (I think around February or March). If you check hatrack regularly you will probably see the sudden flurry of activity that acompanies the beginning of sign-ups.
I've probably gotten some of the details wrong here, so feel free to correct me.
Jon
Posted by DragonfireEast (Member # 2498) on :
Thats about it Jon...though this year there is going to be two Bootcamps. One already happened at the end of june, and the other one is on the eastcoast somtime in august I think... At least thats what I remember reading. And yes, its defiently worth it.
Posted by iamfetch (Member # 2684) on :
You said that it's like a summer camp for adults. Would it be impossible for a teenager to go? I went back and read a thread about this year's camp and it sounded amazing. I feel like a sponge, trying to soak up anything i can learn right now and the camp sounds like a good way to get into the swing of things for school, especially the long hours of homework!
Posted by DragonfireEast (Member # 2498) on :
Im quite sure it is open to only college age..18+.
Posted by Spaceman (Member # 9240) on :
It is definitely 18+ and it is also limited enrollment based on OSC personally selecting based on submitted writing samples.
It is not summercamp for adults. It is very hard work and very little sleep.
[This message has been edited by Spaceman (edited July 01, 2005).]
Posted by dpatridge (Member # 2208) on :
Yeah... I don't think I'm ready for one.
The name "boot-camp" is enough to keep me away for now, I'm not a very manageable person.
Perhaps I'll be ready to try in a few years...
Posted by Elan (Member # 2442) on :
There is a cost involved, as well... not that I could toss an accurate number at you. Perhaps it's on OSC's main website.
Posted by Spaceman (Member # 9240) on :
Shoot. I had the web page printed out, but I must have used it for printing a draft. (Darn writers, always using paper...)
I think it was something like $850 for both Uncle Orson's Writing Class and the Boot Camp portion. A bargain, if you ask me.
Posted by Kickle (Member # 1934) on :
I was interested in bootcamp, but I thought the one in the east was next year. Does anyone know where information on the August bootcamp is? I assume it is to late to apply.
Posted by Spaceman (Member # 9240) on :
I think it IS in 2006. Boot camp takes almost as much of a toll on OSC as it does on the campers. I can't imagine he would put himself through that twice in one year, especially on the heels of a book tour.
Posted by autumnmuse (Member # 2136) on :
From what I understood, yes, he only does once a year. The east coast one was mentioned in this year's blurb merely because OSC intended to give a slight preference this year to westerners. Next year he will do the same for people who live in the east.
