Poetry for Kids: A World of Publishing Possibilities

With Charles Waters, Irene Latham and Carol Hinz

October 8 - 11, 2022

$1,299.00 – Program Price

OVERVIEW:

This program is fully booked. Please Click Here to join the waitlist

In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat

Poetry anthologies, stand alone poems, lyrical picture books, narrative picture books, and verse novels make up the colorful fabric of poetic offerings to children. Learn ways to weave words, sounds, and stories into engaging poems, and find new markets and opportunities in writing poetry for children. There will be ample private retreat time so that you can write, wander, and connect with fellow poets.

This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with lectures, writing exercises, and faculty consultations.
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 Saturday, October 8
Ends with lunch at 1:00pm Eastern on Tuesday, October 11
14 participants max

FEEDBACK EXPECTED:

Informal feedback throughout the workshop via hands-on exercises and small group sharing.
A 1:1 consultation with Charles or Irene during the workshop. You may submit one lyrical picture book (no more than 750 words); or five stand alone poems (no more than 750 words total); or an anthology proposal with two sample poems. Submissions are due for faculty review by September 12, 2022.

WHY THIS WORKSHOP?

Poetry anthologies, stand alone poems, lyrical picture books, narrative picture books, and verse novels make up the colorful fabric of poetic offerings to children. Join celebrated poets and verse novelists Irene Latham and Charles Waters, and their special guest editor and publisher Carol Hinz, to learn ways to weave words, sounds, and stories into engaging poetry for children.
Poetry for Kids: A World of Publishing Opportunities

Our sessions will offer an overview of the many opportunities poets have when writing for children and teens. We will also bring in the foundations of poetry, and look to a diverse array of examples as we create our own pieces.

In addition to exploring the make-up and markets of poetry, we’ll also talk about interacting with your audience through powerful poetry performances. Attention will be paid to your own works-in-progress and ideas through 1:1 meetings with your faculty and small group workshopping sessions.

We hope that you’ll leave with new ideas, new poems, and new confidence in your understanding of crafting, revising, and performing poetry for children.

THIS WORKSHOP IS A GREAT FIT IF:

You want to learn more about opportunities in writing poetry for children. This workshop will offer an overview of opportunities for poets and writers to connect with children through poetry.
You are a poet looking to expand into children’s books. Come and learn more about the field of children’s books, guided by two celebrated poets!
You are looking for feedback on your poetry. There will be both formal and informal opportunities for you to discuss your work with faculty and fellow poets.
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

Prior to your submission deadline, 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 submission details related to this course.
Submission deadline is September 12, 2022 for your 1:1 consultation during the retreat with Charles or Irene. You may submit one lyrical picture book (no more than 750 words); or five stand alone poems (no more than 750 words total); or the opening five pages from your novel in verse; or a poetry anthology proposal with two sample poems.

Retreat Details:

Day 1: Saturday, October 8, 2022

3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in.
5:30pm: Appetizers & Dinner
Following dinner: Welcome, introductions, and a creative exercise

Day 2: Sunday, October 9, 2022

Morning:

Breakfast
Session #1: “Finding Your Voice in the World of Children’s Poetry” with Irene and Charles
Sharing and discussion

Afternoon

Lunch
Read aloud: An interactive experience with poetry
1:1 meetings, with writing & retreat time while not in meetings

Evening

Appetizers & Dinner
Fireside Q & A

Day 3: Monday, October 10, 2022

Morning

Breakfast
Session #2: “Revise Like a Master Gardener” with Irene
Sharing and discussion/optional peer-to-peer workshopping

Afternoon

Lunch
Read aloud: An interactive experience with poetry
Presentation by editor and publisher Carol Hinz

Evening

Appetizers & Dinner
Fireside chat: Poetry & School Visits

Day 4: Tuesday, October 11, 2022

Morning

Breakfast
Session #3: “Poetry Performance” with Charles
Sharing and discussion

Afternoon

Lunch & farewells

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

Following the course you’ll be invited to take part in our Community Office Hours on Mondays at 12pm Eastern, beginning Monday, October 17 through Monday, November 28.

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 shuttle service from our local airport 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:

Poetry is a celebration of language that can engage kids and learning and exploring. This workshop highlights the many ways to bring poetry into children’s lives.

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.

Another commitment that will help you get the most from this workshop is participating in the 1:1 critique and optional peer group discussions. The submission deadline in advance of your consultation with faculty is September 12 in order to allow faculty time to familiarize themselves with your work in advance of your meetings. If this is an issue, please let us know. For your optional peer group discussions, you will be able to read aloud and discuss your work in the workshop atmosphere; no need to prepare additional copies to distribute to the group.

Read some ideas about planning for the right level of commitment.