Announcing our Special Guest Author for July 2025

A Master Class on Voice

We all have a unique set of talents—whether writing compelling dialogue or complex characters. What makes any work of fiction stand out, however, is “voice.” Writing with voice, which is often elusive and difficult to pinpoint, transforms storytelling from the everyday to compelling and original.  In this workshop Renee will share examples of authors who write with distinctive prose and lead you through exercises to help you explore and develop your own unique voice.

Renee Swindle is the author of A Pinch Of Ooh La La, Shake Down The Stars, and Please Please Please. Her most recent novel, Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn is a 2025 Spring/Summer Publisher’s Weekly Buzz Book pick. She lives in Oakland, CA.

Renee will teach as master class one day, and offer a career talk and reading another day during camp, as well as joining us for lunch and dinner!

Bonus Master Class for July 2025

A Master Class on Character

Learn how uncovering your character’s wound and backstory can reveal character motivation and propel the action of your novel or short story.

Nanou Matteson has been helping writers achieve their goals for more than thirty years, including fiction, screenplays, academic books, memoirs, newsletters and more. She earned a masters degree from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. She has produced four feature films and written, directed and produced multiple short films. Her films have won awards across the country at numerous festivals. She holds an undergraduate degree in literature and film from UC Berkeley. Nanou believes that story is a blueprint for life and loves coaching people to express their story.

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Past Presenters Here