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Jan. 15 is the Priority Application Deadline for Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy. Programs fill quickly—submit your app today!

Novel Writing Intensive


Why Take Novel Writing Intensive

Join a community of young writers all working toward finishing their novels. Our intensive gets your manuscript to the next level with the support of fellow young writers and the hands-on instruction of a published novelist. 

What You'll Learn

In our one-week program, you'll be in workshops with other dedicated young writers who have completed at least 50 pages of a novel manuscript. The sustained focus on novel writing will help you shape and improve upon your own project long after you've left our beautiful campus.

As a student at Interlochen's creative writing summer camp, you will:

  • Develop foundational skills and strategies like dramatic structure, character-building, and plot 
  • Participate in guided readings, writing exercises, and one-on-one consultation sessions with your instructor
  • Workshop an excerpt of your novel
  • Craft an individualized plan for completing your manuscript
  • Gain insight into the ins and outs of the publishing world through Q&As with professional novelists

Portfolio Requirements

Apply

Program Snapshot
Program Length
1 week
Program Dates
  • June 14, 2025 to June 20, 2025
Tuition
$1,950
Age Range
High School (Grades 9-12)
Deadline
  • January 15, 2025

Meet the Faculty

Our instructors are published novelists, professional editors, fellowship recipients, and even New York Times bestselling authors. Their mentorship is grounded in a deep understanding of the craft, the publishing world, and their commitment to helping a new generation of talented voices. 

Please note the gallery may showcase previous instructors.

ALL FACULTY

Brittany Cavallaro

Brittany Cavallaro, Ph.D.

Instructor of Creative Writing

Mackenzi Lee

Mackenzi Lee

Instructor of Creative Writing

Riley Redgate

Riley Redgate

Instructor of Creative Writing

justin reynolds

justin a. reynolds

Instructor of Creative Writing

Program Highlights

The Writing House

During the one-week session, your artistic home will be The Writing House. This comfortable space provides quiet work areas, ample seating for group projects, and a literary publications room with computer and printing stations. Take a 360-degree virtual tour.


Reading

Our students celebrate the end of the week with a reading from their novel hosted right on our gorgeous campus.

Additional Opportunities

In addition to our one-week intensives, we also offer our multi-week Creative Writing camp program for high school students. Extend your stay on our beautiful campus, continue writing your novel, and push yourself outside your "genre comfort zone."

Interlochen is also home to the Arts Academy boarding high school, which offers a Creative Writing major, as well as a post-graduate year.

Alumni Stories

From Camp to Academy to Presidential Scholar

Learn more about former Novel Writing Intensive student Sophie Paquette and her journey to becoming a Presidential Scholar.

Learn more about Sophie

Sophie Paquette

Dive deeper into Interlochen Arts Camp with a free digital viewbook

Camp 2025 Viewbook Graphic

In our free informational booklet, you'll learn more about: 

  • Each of our seven arts areas 
  • Various programs 
  • Renowned faculty 
  • A day in the life of a student 
  • How to apply and financial aid information 
  • And more