Community, Creativity, Connection

Ellen Sussman and Elizabeth Stark, both acclaimed authors and writing teachers, host inspiring five-day literary events.

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Get the Drama on the Page!

– a workshop and more –

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Meals & Lodging

Everything takes place at gorgeous Ratna Ling Retreat Center in the coastal redwoods of Sonoma County, CA.

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Published Authors

ELLEN SUSSMAN

is the New York Times bestselling author of four novels, A Wedding in Provence, The Paradise Guest House, French Lessons, and On a Night Like This. She is the editor of two critically acclaimed anthologies, Bad Girls: 26 Writers Misbehave and Dirty Words: A Literary Encyclopedia of Sex. She teaches through Stanford Continuing Studies and in private classes. www.ellensussman.com

ELIZABETH STARK

is the host of Story Makers Podcast (StoryMakersShow.com), author of the novel Shy Girl (FSG, Seal Press), co-director and co-writer of films FtF: Female to Femme, a creative documentary, and Little Mutinies, a short (both distributed by Frameline), and producer of the award-winning feature film Lost in the Middle. She earned an M.F.A. from Columbia University in Creative Writing and has taught at the Pratt Institute, UCSC, St. Mary’s, as visiting distinguished writer, and elsewhere. She co-directs and teaches at BookWritingWorld.com.

Meditative Dream Writing

We will begin each day with an optional “From Where You Dream” writing and meditation space-no talking, just sitting together to write and meditate before breakfast. (Or sleep in-it’s your vacation!)

Generative Exercises and Guidance

After breakfast, we will gather in small groups to spend the morning engaged in creative, generative writing. Everyone will have the chance to work with Ellen for two days and with Elizabeth for two days, leaving camp with rich new pages and ideas. This is the perfect opportunity to launch, deepen or finish a project.

Special Guests

Additional presentations and special guests will be featured, during camp and for alumni from the current year. In addition, optional yoga and meditation classes are available.

Socializing

A first evening welcome party with wine and treats is followed on subsequent evenings by student readings and socialization. Dinners are eaten all together and include any special guests as well as Ellen and Elizabeth, providing the chance for great conversation and connection between faculty and students not always available at larger conferences.