Our Story
Novel Bookcamp is unlike other conferences and workshops you may have attended. It was created so that small groups of writers can work intimately with instructors on shaping and refining their craft. Our instructors will have read samples of your work in advance. They will know your goals, they will know your strengths and weaknesses, and they will know how to help. We offer two parallel genre tracts to choose from, All-Genre or Speculative Fiction.
Our Mission
Through its programs and genre tracts, Novel Bookcamp strives to provide useful advice and instruction on the writing craft and publishing trends, focused on the book-length writing projects of our clients, in a friendly and encouraging venue. Open to writers of all fiction genres and creative nonfiction.
Our Facility
The Siena Retreat Center is located on the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan less than an hour north of Chicago and 30 minutes south of Milwaukee. The single guest rooms are nicely appointed with comfy beds, linens, workspace, and private bathrooms. Dine in the cafeteria where all-day beverage and breakfast are available, as well as a catered lunch and dinner. Siena can accommodate your dietary needs. A full kitchen is also available for guest use. Plenty of open well-lit rooms, private nooks, and outdoor spaces to spend quality time with your laptop. The grounds are beautiful and serene. Perfect for a wooded hike or a stroll by the water.
Our Supportive Friends
Our Non-Profit Status
Founded in 2012, with our first camp in 2013, Novel Bookcamp, has been honored to serve writers from all over the US and Canada who dedicate a week to their works in progress. Our parent organization, the Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization based in Wisconsin. The six-member Board of Directors serving in 2024 are Director, David J. Rank, Assistant Director and Secretary Lisa J. Lickel, Vice President Jo DeMars, Treasurer Jennifer Rupp, Maggie Smith, Renee James, Deborah King, and Steve Wilton.
