Debra Li

debra_lidan@163.com

THE second Shenzhen City Writing Camp wrapped up its first phase of 10-day training in the form of lectures and discussions Sunday. But instead of being an end, the camp’s head tutor Nan Xiang said that this is only the beginning of a tough trek where the campers pursue their literary dreams. In the next phase, the tutors will discuss with the campers whose works have passed muster and offer them online advice one on one.

Gathering at a cozy ceremony at Easyread Books at Xiangmi Lake in Futian District on Sunday afternoon, the 33 campers expressed gratitude to their peers and tutors, some shedding tears upon their farewell.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to get to know the big shots in contemporary Chinese literature in person and listen to their preaching,” said Yang Dianmo, one of eight “excellent campers” voted by the tutors. “I am also overjoyed to have met so many classmates who, like myself, have harbored an unwavering passion for literature and writing, despite the prevalent consumerism around us.”

Zhang Yaobo, a Shenzhen-based journalist and one of the campers, said the tutors not just widened his horizons but gave him self-confidence as well.

Like the campers, several tutors said the writing camp was unforgettable. Zhang Ji, professor with the Chinese department at Shenzhen University, said she was touched by the passion of the students.

“Great literature brings thrilling joy to those who appreciate it,” she said. “When I lectured on Homer’s ‘Iliad,’ I could feel the campers were thrilled by the heroic deeds and deep tragic fate of those from 3,000 years ago. I feel the same each time I reread the books.”

This is the second year that the writing camp was organized. Sponsored by a Shenzhen government cultural development fund, the program is executed by Shenzhen Book City Cultural Investment Holdings Co. and the Easyread Books chains.