The June 18th edition of

The June 18th edition of Maclean’s (Canada) includes an interesting snippet about a weeklong summer writing camp for children, co-sponsored by the Canadian publisher of the Harry Potter series, Raincoast Books. (Thanks to Carla)

Thank Harry Potter for reviving the magic of the printed word. Joy Gugeler, editorial director of fiction for Vancouver’s Raincoast Books says the idea grew from the prepubescent manuscripts that arrived on her desk in the wake of Harry. “I had so many e-mails from kids who had written novels. ‘I’ve just written this story about a shark attack, can you publish me?’ Writing an encouraging rejection letter didn’t quite seem enough.”

Five published authors, including Andrea Spalding and W. D. Valgardson, will help the young people hone their craft. “It will be wonderful,” says Neilson. “I’d love to share my ideas with other people.”