Author Quest, June, 2015
Instructors
Johnathan Rand, Founder, Instructor, Astronaut, Shark Wrestler
The first few years of Johnathan Rand’s life are a nubilous mystery. He was found living in the wilderness of Michigan’s upper peninsula with a pack of timber wolves, so it’s unknown exactly how old he is. Rand was captured and brought to civilization by a group of moose hunters, where he soon discovered Spaghetti-O’s and a love of reading and writing. As a teenager, he traveled the world in a plastic milk crate buoyed by 476 helium-filled balloons, during which time he spent honing his writing craft. He’s written a few books here and there, and has even published a couple. In 1984, he invented the Internet. This past November, he was chosen by NASA to command the first manned exploratory spacecraft to Mars. When he’s not writing he spends his days in the South Pacific catching sharks with his bare hands and has a penchant to exaggerate just a little.
Mrs. Chillers, aka ‘The Snack Fairy’
Mrs. Chillers, aka ‘The Snack Fairy,’ aka ‘Boots’ is often seen flitting and fluttering about camp with her delicate fairy wings, delivering snacks and treats to all good campers. But she’s much more than just a present-bearing pixie! Mrs. Chillers is a year-round administrative dynamo, fielding phone calls, answering emails, and finding her husband’s socks when they’re stolen by one of their dogs. You’ll see Mrs. Chillers in various roles during Author Quest. But be sure to keep your bed and living space clean so you’re not passed over by the Snack Fairy!
Ann Rowland, Camp Director
Ann Rowland is more than just an ‘Important Person’ here at Author Quest! She’s been Camp Director since the very first camp was held in August of 2007. Ann is responsible for the day to day, hour to hour operation of camp, making sure everything rolls along smoothly. An accomplished author, singer, songwriter (and even Master Gardener!) Ann brings her passion for writing to Author Quest (and she’s a gosh-darn nice person, too!) Those of you new to Author Quest will meet her in the Main Lodge at check in. Wear a smile as big as hers and you’ll do just fine!
Lynn DeGrande, Instructor
Lynn is back! After a two-year absence during which time she hiked across the plains of Iowa, barefoot during the winter, to ‘find herself’ (she didn’t), Lynn DeGrande is back. Lynn is an Editor Extraordinaire, and she helps Author Quest attendees hone their skills by making every word count, by condensing what matters and trimming away unnecessary verbiage. Lynn has been working with Johnathan Rand for over ten years, and at Author Quest, she shares her vast knowledge and love of the written word with all campers.
Michal Jacot, Instructor, Animated Cartoon Character
Another Author Quest ‘staple’ returns once again: part-time superhero, part-time author, teacher, and so much more. Michal Jacot brings his unique, uncommon talents to share with young authors. A life-size action figure, Michal is a published playwrite, illustrator, and a champion of truth and justice. When not at Author Quest, Michal can be found looking for archaic phone booths and leaping tall adjectives with a single bound.
Steve Ritchie, Instructor, Traveling Troubadour, Canadian Goodwill Ambassador
From the Great White North of Canada comes another friendly, familiar face at Author Quest: Steve Ritchie, a multi-talented singer-songwriter and creative powerhouse, Steve is a six-time winner of the North American Hair Championship, held annually in Quebec. Steve is taking a short break from touring with his fabulous band, RPR, to share his talents at Author Quest. Never written a song before? Don’t worry! Steve’s classes are so much more than songwriting, and you’ll come away with your mind overflowing with imaginative story ideas.
Rachel Mills, Instructor
Rachel Mills is yet another familiar face at Author Quest. Her ‘day’ job consists of teaching writing on the collegiate level, but her ‘night’ job is somewhat of a mystery. Rachel is highly creative and imaginative, but here at camp, we’ve noticed that she’s not fond of garlic, and her reflection doesn’t show in a mirror. However, her image shows up in pictures just fine, and at Author Quest, she’s a truly inspiring, dynamic instructor.
Instructor photos are selected from previous Author Quest Camps.
