Lit Camp

Lit Camp is the least hierarchical, most friendly writing conference out there.
For writer-​types it’s a nice, intimate size. The 2015 conference had 40 writers, which was large enough to meet new people but not so larger that my inner introvert was overwhelmed. I appreciated how practical the conference was: panels on publication and getting an agent. We were treated as if we will get books out there some day (yeah!). Faculty were approachable during mealtimes and in between workshop hours, and best of all, they were outstanding. By this I mean not only well-​credentialed, but also dedicated commenters. The food at Mayacamas Ranch is delicious, and the cabins on-​site very comfortable to stay in.
Lit Camp is a great place to build community with out Bay Area emerging writers, and also get that boost of focused criticism needed to get your book done.
Ten points Lit Camp team for putting together such a fine, rich, rewarding experience.

Litcamp was absolutely wonderful this year. At the first panel, Sam Barry encouraged us to see our fellow, talented writers as people that are worth supporting, not competing with, and everyone tried to live up to that standard. The place buzzes with excitement and friendliness, a rare thing, I think. We were all excited to meet mature, serious writers.
I was also fortunate to participate in master-​class level workshops and panels with authors like Adam Johnson and Paul Harding. The level of critique and encouragement I received only inspired me to put even more energy into my writing. I felt really validated. I was also able to make important connections that hopefully will lead to a publishing deal in the future.
All in all, I was incredibly impressed with the quality of the writing and the quality of humans I was fortunate to meet here. I would apply again!

Life-​changing.
I suppose prison could be listed as life-​changing, too, so let me say:
Life-​enhancing!
A thousand valuable words and lessons packed into a few days.
Dozens of warm new professional relationships.
Fascinating, invaluable craft and writing sessions.
Brilliant critiques.
Consistently lovely facilities and amazing food.

Lit camp is the bee’s knees! Just the right combination of structure and down time, lovely, insightful workshop leaders (my group was led by novelist Andrew Sean Greer, editor Ben George, and Lit Camp organizer Janis Cooke Newman), intimate panels with accessible faculty (my favorite was an informal patio craft chat/Q&A with writers Peter Orner and Molly Antopol), and by the end of the long weekend, 40 dazzlingly talented new friends.

I feel very lucky to have experienced Lit Camp 2014. The atmosphere, faculty, and food (I have to mention the food!) were superb, and the top notch agents and fellow writers I met there have been career-​changing. Thanks to Lit Camp, I met a handful of new and trusted readers who continue to give feedback on, and influence my work, and I have been honored to correspond with three extremely helpful literary agents. If you are considering whether or not to apply for Lit Camp… do it!

I loved this writing conference. It was short, intense, fun, friendly, open and full of great people. The volunteer staff – all writers themselves – were fantastic. The place was lovely. But most of all, the faculty of writers/​editors/​agents/​publicists were really accessible and knowledgeable and I hope to keep in touch with them all!

I gave Lit Camp five stars but with there was some sort of «infinite stars» rating, since that’s what it deserves. It was my first writers’ conference and it has probably ruined me for any other. Highlights include a fantastic group of «campers» — 40 writers all of whom were interesting, kind, talented, supportive and incredibly fun to be around. I made so many new friends and missed them as soon as I drove away on Sunday. The faculty was extraordinary: top agents, editors, authors and publishers, all of whom were incredibly gracious and generous with their time, ideas and experience. The conference was also incredibly well-​organized by Janis Cooke Newman and her band of amazing volunteers from S.F. Writers’ Grotto, LitQuake, etc. I came away from Lit Camp with better writing skills, a stronger sense of the business side of publishing and tons of energy to continue working on my book. And did I mention we all had a total blast? Viva La Lit Camp!

One of the best writing retreats I’ve ever been too. The quality of the writers and teachers were tops, and they went out of their way to make you feel welcome. In the space of four days I met a New York Agent, a San Francisco publisher and a word class novelist besides a slew of marvelous writers who became friends. The setting is idyllic, complete with hiking trails and even a lake where you can canoe. The worst part was having to leave and return to the unreal real world.