Unlock your imagination this summer at WITS HQ: Creative Writing Summer Camp! Join us for an inspiring week filled with exploration, creativity, and the joy of storytelling. Students will learn from publishing professionals, published authors, and one another. Whether you’re a budding novelist, a poet at heart, or someone who loves to explore new worlds through words, WITS HQ promises to be a transformative experience.
What We Offer:
● Diverse Writing Workshops: From crafting compelling characters to exploring the magic of poetry and delving into the realms of fiction and nonfiction, our workshops are designed to ignite campers’ creativity and hone their writing skills.
● Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced instructors who are passionate about nurturing young writers. They’ll provide personalized feedback and guidance to help campers grow as writers.
● Engaging Activities: Enjoy writing games and collaborative projects that will inspire your creativity and expand your literary horizons.
● Community of Writers: Connect with like-minded peers who share your love for storytelling. Participate in peer critiques, share your work, and build lasting friendships in a supportive environment.
● Guest Speakers: Gain insights from guest authors and industry professionals who will share their experiences and offer advice on pursuing a career in writing.
Details:
● Dates: August 12th through 15th, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
● Location: 1540 Lincoln Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91103
● Ages: Middle and High School students (Grades 6-12)
● Cost: Free!
Instructors:
Campers will be taught by the Red Hen Press staff, with the potential for additional visiting guest authors.
Primary instructors include:
Piper Gourley: WITS HQ COORDINATOR/LEAD INSTRUCTOR (piper.gourley@redhen.org)
Piper Gourley serves as Red Hen’s Administrative and Events Coordinator. They received an MFA and Fellowship in Creative Writing from Chapman University and a BFA in Creative Writing from the University of Houston, where they won the Bryan Lawrence Prize for Nonfiction and the Provost Prize for Creative Writing. They have been awarded with multiple publications, fellowships, and literary awards, and are overjoyed to be working in an environment filled with other book nerds. They live in Los Angeles with a cat named Poe, who likes to eat books.
Kate Gale: RED HEN PRESS FOUNDER/POETRY AND PUBLISHING INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Kate Gale is Publisher, Co-Founder, and Managing Editor of Red Hen Press and the Editor of the Los Angeles Review. She teaches Poetry at Chapman University. She is the author of seven books of poetry, including THE LONELIEST GIRL, THE GOLDILOCKS ZONE, and ECHO LIGHT. Her debut novel, UNDER A NEON SUN, debuted in April 2024. Her memoir, SWIMMING THE MILKY WAY, is forthcoming with Zando.
Assisting staff include:
- Tobi Harper Petrie (Deputy Director) and Monica Fernandez (Media Director): Insights into Book Marketing
- Mark Cull (Artistic Director): Insights into Book Design
- Shelby Wallace (Production Editor): Insights into Book Editing
- The full list of possible Red Hen Press staff that may interact with campers can be found on the Red Hen Press website: https://redhen.org/staff-and-board/