The success of Game of Thrones has brought author and A Song of Ice and Fire creator George R.R. Martin fame and fortune. But while the former can be a hindrance to his current projects, Martin has often used the later for the benefit of others. Case in point, Martin recently announced the recipient of his inaugural “Terran Prize” via his Not A Blog. Chosen by fellow genre author Walter Jon Williams, the prize was awarded to burgeoning Chinese author, Joey Yu.
What does the “Terran Prize” winner receive you might ask? Yu will receive a “full tuition scholarship to the Taos Toolbox master class for writers of science fiction and fantasy.” The Taos Toolbox will take place over a two week period in June, and will be held in Angel Fire, New Mexico. Teaching the class will be Williams, as well as writer Nancy Kress. Guest speakers will include Carrie Vaughn, E.M. Tippetts and of course, Martin himself. Now that’s a class I’d love to attend.
Yu has already published multiple works in China, including The Sunlight Trilogy, The Mirrored Truth and The Locus, in addition to works in non fiction, comic books, and mobile gaming. Yu believes in, “storytelling— the science and art of developing immersive metaphors and symbolism— is an important way (maybe the only way)— to bridge cultures and inspire empathy. In all my works I talk about the importance of unlocking an individual’s potential through challenging and reshaping the system.” Sounds like Yu and Martin will get along swimmingly.
Established this past January, Martin’s “Terran Prize” is intended to “bring an aspiring SF writer from a non-English-speaking country to the Taos Toolbox.” Martin promises to award the prize annually, and cover all costs for the writer to attend. More information on the Taos Toolbox, can be found here.
Elsewhere, Martin appears quite thrilled to be on the cover of Chinese Esquire. Even if he can’t read what they are writing about him…
George R.R. Martin looking good on the cover of Chinese Esquire. pic.twitter.com/iCg2LEWNWc
— Corey Smith (@CourtsideCorey) April 8, 2018
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