Asian and Asian American Voices: An In-Community Retreat

With Debbi Michiko Florence and Grace Lin

May 4 - 7, 2023

  • $799.00 – Program Price

Notes from 2023 that Debbi and Grace sent:

2024
Thursday, May 2
Introductions during 5:30 PM cocktails (so they can meet one another prior to sitting down to dinner)
7 PM Welcome and announcements/”housekeeping” info. Then nothing else formal scheduled after dinner to allow settling in, casual chat, rest.
Friday, May 3
5 PM chat with an editor/Alvina (and have cocktails available at 5:30 during the Q&A?) or we can do it from 4:30 – 5:30
7 PM Fireside wishes and S’mores/fireside chat
Saturday, May 4
12:45 PM Group Photo
5 PM Q&A with Grace and Debbi (and have cocktails available at 5:30)
7 PM Open Mike
Sunday, May 5
11 AM Book signing (but also let people know they can get books signed during dinners in case some people have to leave earlier)
And no need for an official Art Coop visit. 
Will that work? Of course we can chat again about this as the next one approaches.
Additionally, it would make attendees happy if we can send an email blast a few weeks prior to registration opening so they can be prepared, but acceptance will remain first-come, first served.
During a conversation with George, we discussed the idea of having a second Asian American Voices retreat in the fall with a more specific focus run by different/rotating hosts. One fall could be an AAV YA retreat, another could be an AAV MG retreat, etc. – to help capitalize on the interest since there was a large waiting list. ?
Big thanks to Molly for being a fabulous RA! Hope you can come back next year!

OVERVIEW:

In-person 4-Day/3-Night, In-Community Retreat

This in-community retreat is for writers and illustrators from the Asian and Asian American Communities, with special hosts Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence and their guests.  It is an informally structured retreat, where the focus is on your own projects.  We’ll also celebrate this diverse and talented community.

  • An in-person retreat for creatives from the Asian and Asian American Communities writing and/or illustrating for kids and teens.
  • During the retreat, you will guide your time to work on your own stories and connect with fellow creatives.
  • Lodging and meals are included.
  • Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday, May 4, 2023
  • Ends at 1:00pm Eastern on Sunday, May 7, 2023
  • 24 participants max

WHY THIS RETREAT?

This is an in-community retreat for creatives from the Asian and Asian American Communities. The retreat is lightly structured with informal gatherings as they arise among fellow writers and illustrators.  The majority of the time reserved for your own creative retreat.

You can bring multiple projects with you at all stages of their process so that you can decide what you’d like to work on while you are at the retreat. In addition, we’ll provide opportunities for discussions about the children’s book publishing industry, and ways to support one another. (Plus some time for creative play in the Art Coop and beyond!)

Your retreat will be well appointed with space to create.  Every accommodation option includes a personal workspace. You’ll find various spaces around the grounds to get work done or take in the natural settings for some inspiration.

No formal workshops, lectures, presentations, or critiques will take place. If you are interested in a craft-focused program, please review other upcoming workshops.

THIS RETREAT IS A GREAT FIT IF:

  • You are an in-community creative at any experience level or stage in the creative process.
  • You’d like a retreat where you can get to work. You structure your retreat. You’ll have time to focus on your stories in the community of fellow creatives.
  • You’d like to build support and amplify the voices of our diverse and talented community.

DETAILED AGENDA:

Pre-Retreat

  • One week prior to the program, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).

Retreat Details:

  • All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

  • 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
  • 5:30pm – 7pm: Appetizers & Dinner
  • Following dinner: Welcome & Introductions (fireside, weather permitting)

Friday, May 5, 2023
Morning:

  • Breakfast
  • Writing/Illustration time

Afternoon

  • Lunch
  • Writing/Illustration time
  • Optional Art Coop exploration

Evening

  • Appetizers & Dinner
  • Publishing Discussion (fireside, weather permitting)

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Morning:

  • Breakfast
  • Writing/Illustration time

Afternoon

  • Lunch
  • Writing/Illustration time
  • Panel discussion: Industry, Inspiration, and Support

Evening

  • Appetizers & Dinner
  • Open Mic: Sharing and Celebrations!

Sunday, May 7, 2023
Morning

  • Breakfast
  • Writing/Illustration time

Afternoon

  • Lunch & farewells

A note about workshop agendas and how they change and evolve.

ABOUT OUR RETREAT CENTER:

All in-person Highlights Foundation workshops and retreats (including this one) are held at our Retreat Center: The Barn at Boyds Mills.  This site was the home of the original founders of Highlights for Children Garry and Caroline Myers, and is located in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania on the traditional and contemporary lands of the Lenape Nation.

Your retreat fee includes lodging, farm-fresh meals with snacks, and car service from our local airport (AVP) or bus/train stations if you need it.  For more information about attending a workshop or retreat here, visit the Barn at Boyds Mills website.

The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.

RELATED RESOURCES:

https://bookfriendsforever.com/

https://debbimichikoflorence.com/notes-from-the-word-nest/

FROM OUR COMMUNITY:

“It was a transformational experience for me.”

“Loved the balance and respect that we had for each other’s working time. When we were together, we socialized, but when we were heads-down, there was no unnecessary distractions.”

“This was the best camp and retreat experience ever!”

Hosts: Grace Lin and Debbi Michiko Florence

About the Leader

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