I’ve talked about Viable Paradise, the SF & Fantasy Writing Workshop that Laura and I teach at every year on beautiful Martha’s Vineyard, a misty isle awash in tradition and money. We got back after this year’s event, VP XI. Eight instructors, a handful of staff (and non-staff, “Hi, Ernie!), and twenty-eight students. Here’s one of the group photos at the end of the week.

Instructors were (alpha by last name): Elizabeth Bear, Cory Doctorow, Debra Doyle, Jim Mcdonald, Laura J. Mixon, Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Teresa Nielsen Hayden, and myself. Jim and Debra have been doing it since the beginning, eleven-years-worth. Patrick and Teresa go back to the second one, so it’s ten for them. I started at VP IV so I’ve done eight and Laura’s done five, Cory two, and this is Bear’s first year. (We decided she’s a keeper.)

Alas, though, as often happens, not all instructors can do this year after year. Cory has his first child on the way and will not be doing VP or Clarion next year so we had to get a replacement.

I’m delighted to announce that it’s John Scalzi.

The swearing of the VP Oath:

Hell, no, I won’t tell you what’s in the Oath! You’ll have to attend VP (either as a student or instructor) to find out.

(Lots more photos at Flikr.)