Shared Worlds 2026 will be held July 19 - Aug 1
Shared Worlds is an annual summer program designed for teen writers interested in speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, etc.). The students work in groups with an experienced “world-building coordinator” to design and build a world.
This unique writing camp brings together rising 8th-12th grade students from all over the world. Students work with critically acclaimed and bestselling fantasy and science fiction writers to imagine, build, and write their own stories.
Shared Worlds takes the ideas and enthusiasm of young writers seriously, and encourages their creativity in a fun, dynamic, and safe learning environment on the beautiful campus of Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.
We strive for an outstanding residential camp experience where students can make meaningful connections with other students and grow as collaborators and as writers. This experience is possible only when we can all meet safely together. Shared Worlds is also committed to the health, safety, and well-being of its campers and staff members.
Meet the 2026 Guest Authors!
We were pleased to have Kayla Cottingham, Xan Kaur, Naz Kutub, Liselle Sambury, and Rosiee Thor as our second-week guest authors for 2026! They bring amazing talent to our program and will be in our classrooms and working with students one-on-one during the program in week two!
KAYLA COTTINGHAM
is a New York Times and Publisher's Weekly bestselling YA author of sapphic horror and fantasy novels. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kayla now lives in Boston where they love to go hiking in the woods, play RPGs, and snuggle on the couch with their ridiculously large black cat, Squid.
Web: kaylacottingham.com/
IG: @kcottcanXAN KAUR
is a Punjabi-American author who grew up in rural Georgia, where there were more gnats than people. Her debut novel is When Devils Sing, an instant New York Times and national Indie bestseller. When not writing, you can find her behind a camera or swimming in the nearest ocean.
Web: xankaur.com/
IG: @xankaurNAZ KUTUB
author of The Loophole and No Time Like Now, was born and raised in Singapore and currently lives in Los Angeles with his partner Benson, and his two furry garbage collectors – Alex and Raffe. He will forever be grateful to fried chicken for being a primary motivator in his early years, and also for preventing him from becoming a fitness model because writing is much more fulfilling.
Web:nazkutub.com/
IG: @nazkutubLISELLE SAMBURY
is a Trinidadian-Canadian author and Governor General’s Literary Awards Finalist. She has a love for stories with dark themes, complicated families, and edges of hope. In her free time, she shares helpful tips for upcoming writers and details of her publishing journey through a YouTube channel dedicated to demystifying the sometimes complicated business of being an author.
Web: lisellesambury.ca/
IG: @lisellesamburyROSIEE THOR
is the Pacific Northwest Indie Bestselling author of Tarnished Are the Stars,Fire Becomes Her, and tie-in novels for franchises like Life is Strange and Firefly. They live in Oregon with a dog, two cats, and an abundance of plants.
Web: rosieethor.com
IG: @rosieethor