Creating Picture Books with Humor and Heart: A Working Retreat
With Sunita Apte, Elise Broach and Emily Jenkins
April 23 - 26, 2023
OVERVIEW:
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat
Join editor and writer Sunita Apte (Reycraft Books/Benchmark) and award-winning, bestselling authors Emily Jenkins and Elise Broach for this writing retreat focused on creating funny and emotionally satisfying picture books. There will be three opportunities for feedback, and ample private retreat time so that you can write, wander, and connect with fellow picture book enthusiasts.
This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with lectures, writing exercises, and small group discussions.We include ample time to relax, retreat, and work on your own writing.Lodging and meals are included.Begins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Sunday, April 23, 2023Ends with lunch at 1:00pm Eastern on Wednesday, April 26, 202316 participants max
FEEDBACK EXPECTED:
Informal feedback throughout the workshop via hands-on exercises.One faculty critique on a completed picture book project.One whole group workshopping session on a separate picture book project.Before the workshop, you’ll be asked to submit two complete picture book manuscripts, up to 1,000 words each. These will be due by March 31, 2023. You will designate one for the faculty critique and one for the workshopping session by the entire group. Please draft a cover letter with each submission that states a little bit about your reason for writing the story, where you are in the project, and questions you have for your readers.One pitch session with faculty. To prepare for this, please also bring an idea or two for picture books that you haven’t written yet or that you’ve been stuck on for feedback at the pitch session.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP?
Hone in on the process of creating funny and emotionally satisfying picture books during this productive working retreat.
Engage in thoughtful presentations and take part in hands-on activities that move your picture book manuscripts forward. Mornings will be structured around presentations, manuscript workshopping, and hands-on activities. Afternoons will be reserved for independent writing and revising, and meetings with faculty and fellow writers.
At this writing retreat, you will learn:
Techniques for powerful beginnings and endings.Ways to create a compelling story arc.How to establish a distinctive style/voice.Tools for creating unique but relatable characters.How to identify your hook.Tips for accessing your inner comedian.Ways to use rhythm and repetition.How to focus on the emotional lives of children.Revision techniques to strengthen humor and emotion.
You will have ample free writing time built into this course so that you can stretch and work on your own projects. It is meant to be the perfect pairing of “retreat” and instruction.
You’ll also get feedback on two manuscripts: a one-to-one with a faculty member for the first, and a group workshopping session for the second.
THIS WORKSHOP IS A GREAT FIT IF:
You have multiple finished picture book drafts. Craft lectures and free time for writing means you’ll need to have some drafts to work on and revise.Your inner comedian wants to break free. Kids love humor, and this workshop will show you how to use it to create emotionally satisfying stories for kids.You love picture books and want yours to stand out. We’ll be taking a look at great picture books and analyzing what makes them work. You’ll hear from faculty about developing your voice, your style, relatable characters, and more.You’re ready to share you work and get feedback for revision. Attendees are asked to bring two complete picture book manuscripts of 1000 words or fewer, one for individual critique with a faculty mentor and one for workshopping with fellow students.You could use some creative inspiration. There will be hands-on exercises designed to spark new ideas.You’d appreciate some retreat time. This course has plenty of built-in time to write, draw, hike, or rest–whatever you need.
DETAILED AGENDA
Pre-Workshop
One week prior to your course, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers, engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), and view details about the process for whole group workshopping.Submission deadline: March 31. You’ll be asked to submit two complete picture book manuscripts, up to 1,000 words each. One of those manuscripts will be the basis for your 1:1 consultation with faculty; the other will be workshopped with peers. Please draft a cover letter with each submission that states a little bit about your reason for writing the story, where you are in the project, and questions you have for your readers.You are expected to read and become familiar with one manuscript from each member of the group in advance of the workshop.You are asked to bring many projects with you at various states in process (ideation, drafts, revisions), as there is ample time to work on independent projects.
Tentative Agenda:
All times Eastern Standard Time.
Sunday, April 23
3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in5:30pm: Appetizers & DinnerFollowing dinner: Opening session with Elise, Emily, and Sunita, ending with a read-aloud for inspiration!
Monday, April 24
Morning:
BreakfastBeginnings, Endings, and Everything in Between with Elise BroachWhat Makes Editors Want to Buy A Manuscript with Sunita Apte
Afternoon:
LunchWriting prompt and short consultations with editorOne-to-one critiquesWriting and Retreat time while not in meetings
Evening:
Appetizers & DinnerAfter Dinner: How to be Funny with Emily Jenkins
Tuesday, April 25
Morning
Rhythm, Repetition, and the Emotional Life of the Child with Emily JenkinsManuscript workshopping as a whole group (first four manuscripts)Picture Book Read-Aloud and AnalysisWriting and Retreat time
Afternoon
LunchManuscript workshopping as a whole group (next four manuscripts)Writing and Retreat time while not in meetingsManuscript workshopping as a whole group (next four manuscripts)
Evening
Appetizers & dinner“What’s the hook?” (Pitch session to panel of Emily, Elise, and Sunita)
Wednesday, April 26
Morning
BreakfastRevising for Humor and Heart with Elise BroachManuscript workshopping as a whole group (final four manuscripts)Ask Us Anything: Writing, Editing, and Publishing Q&A with Elise, Emily, and Sunita
Afternoon
Lunch and farewells
A note about workshop agendas and how they change and evolve.
ABOUT OUR RETREAT CENTER:
All in-person Highlights Foundation workshops (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 workshop tuition 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.
HOW THIS WORKSHOP IMPACTS KIDS:
Funny and emotionally memorable picture books can be an incredible vehicle to connect with a young reader and inspire them. This workshop helps you explore ways to create these types of books, and make a difference.
Why do we mention this? Learn about the Highlights Foundation mission.
COMMITMENT REQUIRED FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE:
As an in-person event at our Retreat Center, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the workshop. We try to build in breaks and independent time so you have space for your personal needs. While we encourage participation in all group events, we know that as an adult learner you can decide if you need more time to yourself. Please let someone from our staff or faculty know if you plan to step away from group activities.
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.
Read some ideas about planning for the right level of commitment.
RELATED RESOURCES
3 Tips for Writing Funny Picture Books
Picture Books: Funny, Touching, Complex, Poignant, Memorable
Short and Easy, Right? How Hard Can It Be to Write a Picture Book?
Pointers for Writing Powerful Picture Books
Nonfiction Picture Books: Get it Right with Research
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
“This was a faculty that left a compelling imprint on all of us not just with their knowledge of the industry but with their genuine love of books, a love that they transferred to each and every participant.”
“I learned that it isn’t easy to write a picture book but with encouragement and insight from facilitators like that, it can (and will) happen – I’m convinced!”
“All presenters were great. I liked that they had different styles and perspectives and that they didn’t shy away from sharing when they disagreed with each other and why.”
Faculty: Sunita Apte, Emily Jenkins, Elise Broach
About the Leader
Categories : Donations, In-Person, Picture Books, Writing Craft