
Are you an aspiring novelist in need of some camaraderie and connection as you face down your manuscript? Lighten up those difficult writing days through this support and productivity group that takes its inspiration from summer camp.
For five weeks, attend a mix of fun, in-person activities and virtual sessions, all designed with novelists in mind.
On Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM , join the group virtually via Zoom. Each Wednesday session will feature mini craft lessons, writing time, and discussion with fellow writers.
On Saturdays, attend excursions to find inspiration in works of art, embark on a late-night bookstore scavenger hunt, and more, all while connecting with other writers and picking up craft and publishing tips.
Saturday Field Trip activities will take place from 1-3 PM at the following locations (subject to adjustments based on weather).
- Saturday May 30, Kickoff Mixer at Brewdog
- Saturday July 6, Bookstore Scavenger Hunt at Loganberry
- Saturday June 13, Lakeview Cemetery
- Saturday June 20, Cleveland Museum of Art
- Saturday June 27, South Chagrin Reservation
Attendees may choose as many or as few events they wish to attend. Novelists working in all genres and at all levels are welcome; this program aims to provide support and a productivity boost rather than critiques or traditional workshops.
Details: Novelist Summer Camp with Joel Fishbane, Marie Vibbert, and Piper Youtzy will meet Wednesday May 27th - Wednesday June 24th from 6:30-8:30PM and Saturday May 30th - June 27th from 1-3 PM in-person on Saturdays and online on Wednesdays.
Prerequisites: None
Genre: Fiction
Level: All levels
Format: Generative meetings, discussions, and activities for writers drafting a novelLocation: Wednesdays online via Zoom and Saturdays at various locations
Size: Limited to 30 participants
Suggested Sequence: Follow this class with an intermediate or advanced fiction class
Scholarships: Two scholarship spots are available for this class for writers in Northeast Ohio. Apply by April 19. Click here to apply.
Cancellations & Refunds: Cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the first meeting to receive a full refund. Email info@litcleveland.org.
Joel Fishbane is an award-winning novelist, playwright, and screenwriter who has spent over a decade as a script analyst, helping hundreds of writers, producers, and studios develop their TV pilots and screenplays.
Marie Vibbert's work has appeared in Analog, Asimov's, F&SF, and many other professional publications. She is a Hugo and Nebula Nominee. Her short story "Keep Talking" won Apex Magazine's Story of the Year. Marie is a software developer in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended the Clarion writer's workshop in 2013 and joined the Science Fiction Writers of America in 2014.
Piper Youtzy is a digital marketing strategist and vice president of the board of directors at Literary Cleveland. Her first novel, BENEATH THE SURFACE, is forthcoming from Podium Entertainment in 2027. When she's not writing, she enjoys exploring indie bookstores and local restaurants in Northeast Ohio.