Hear it from Them!
One of the Best Parts of Bookcamp is our support system – the writers who talk about bookcamp and return the following year with friends.
Hear about Bookcamp in their own words.
Alum, 2023
I know that my writing has grown considerably, thanks to Bookcamp.
Alum, 2023
Covered all topics related to creating the written novel (with a) variety of skilled instructors, coaches, agents.
Mary, 2021
Thank you for all you did to make the 2021 Bookcamp a magical experience. It was everything that I hoped for—challenging, supportive, and fun. I learned so much and feel more energized than ever to finish my novel.
Steve, 2019
I knew there was something wrong with my novel, but I didn’t know what it was. Not only did the NIP staff show me what was wrong and how to fix it, they showed me what was right as well. Writing is a tough business and these folks can help you prepare to navigate it.
Frank, 2018
Inspiration, support, making new friends, reconnecting with my Chicago roots, a week out of time, beautiful setting.
Cody, 2017
I have participated in Novel-In-Progress Retreat two summers now and plan to attend again in 2018; I guess that alone says that I have benefitted significantly from the week long program. NIP has been a transformative experience. It has given me a sense of community – with professional staff, who inspire participants to dig deep into our creative souls; and energetic writers eager to enhance their craft, the art of writing, by absorbing all that the instructors have to offer. Here at NIP Bookcamp, participants are no longer sitting in solitude, staring out the window or into space wishing for ideas, at NIP we have an opportunity to both share our work with and receive suggestions from qualified staff, agents, editors and publishers. And if you don’t think your creativity is enhanced by your surroundings, just come to Cedar Valley Retreat Center, a beautiful setting for writing, just outside of Milwaukee. We arrive separately, but by week’s end we leave connected – wishing our fellow writers as much success as we crave for ourselves.
Alum, 2016
A well planned camp, great topics in each class. The teachers were extremely knowledgeable and straight forward. I enjoyed hearing other people’s work as well as actually having someone else read my writing (for the first time) and give clear, excellent and much needed advice. For someone who knew nothing about the writing and publishing industry, I feel almost like an expert now.
Ken, 2015
I came to the Novel In Progress Book Camp unsure of myself as a writer – and wanting to know so much more about everything involved with editing, publishing, getting an agent, writing a query, etc. In the process, I was introduced to the writing community and gathered very practical insights which I could use immediately. Plus, I left being able to call myself a writer [Rather than just saying I was trying to write.] I would recommend the Novel-In-Progress Book Camp for anyone who wants to do their best work writing their novel.
Rhonda, 2015
The NIP Bookcamp was even better than I hoped, and I had extremely high expectations. I searched nationally for a workshop/retreat that would provide an inspiring combination of instruction and writing time. To get that, I flew in from Phoenix, AZ, and it was more than worth it. I understand so much more about my own writing and about what I need to do to improve my writing. As a crucial addition, I learned a great deal about the publishing industry. As writers, we don’t often have a chance to learn about how the industry works from the business side, but during this week, I had that opportunity. The NIP Bookcamp was literally life-changing for me. I came home from the camp with shifted priorities and with the knowledge and confidence needed to put my writing first.
