Welcome to the Whole Novel Workshop: A Summer Retreat for Novelists*

OVERVIEW:

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Whole Novel Workshop: A Summer Retreat for Novelists!

The Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel (up to 80,000 words) read with written feedback and a private consultation, along with rich presentations specifically designed for novelists at this stage in their writing journey.

Out of respect for others who are on the waitlist, we ask that you please complete this registration process within 2 weeks of being offered acceptance. Choose the payment option that works best for you and your budget, or contact us to set up a personalized payment plan.

KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS:

• Optional online pre-retreat activities (via Zoom): June (Welcome and Brain Trust Overview) & July (Preparing for 1:1 Meetings & Your Retreat) (2 evenings, dates/times TBD)
• Complete manuscript submissions due by July 1
• Feedback letters delivered to writers by August 10
• 45-minute, 1:1 Private Zoom Consultation prior to the retreat: Scheduled at a mutually convenient time, August 10 – 14
• The in-person workshop at our Retreat Center includes inspirational sessions and opportunities for time in the company of fellow creatives.
  • Begins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Wednesday, August 14
  • Ends with lunch at 11:45am Eastern on Monday, August 19
  • We include ample time to relax, retreat, and work on your revisions.
  • Lodging and meals are included at the retreat.
• The cost of the full course (including retreat + pre-retreat zooms, feedback letter, 1:1 consultations, lectures, and writing exercises) is $2,799. Please note that once your submission has been turned into faculty you are subject to a $1,100 cancellation fee should you decide to leave the course for any reason. You will still receive your 1:1 feedback.

FEEDBACK EXPECTED:

• You will be thoughtfully paired with a faculty reader who can offer insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 80,000 words*), and help you prioritize goals.  You will receive this written feedback along with two private consultations to discuss feedback and goals. (One consultation via Zoom prior to the retreat, and one while at the retreat center.)
• A specially crafted “brain trust” peer group will be built with your needs in mind. This unique roundtable discussion will host no more than 8 fellow writers, and will be facilitated by a caring guide who sees that each group maintains a safe atmosphere and centers your needs during the discussion.
• Informal feedback will be offered throughout the workshop via discussions and open sharing during free creative time.

WHY THIS WORKSHOP?

The Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel (up to 80,000 words) read with written feedback and two private consultations, along with an inspiring retreat at the Highlights Foundation retreat center. Attention in an intimate setting makes this program one that guarantees significant progress in preparation for submission.

You’ll move through this program alongside fellow authors who are in the thick of the creative process with you; from our experienced readers to your fellow attendees. Whether you’re working toward getting your first novel published, or working on the next (or the next!), this workshop can help you see your work in a new light.

You’ll also participate in “Brain Trust” peer groups.  These are small, carefully chosen cohorts of your fellow attendees, plus a facilitator. Your “brain trust” group members will come to the workshop having read your short submission and will have some familiarity with your work. Your “brain trust” guide will then help you bring your own questions and challenges to the group, so that they may offer you new perspectives and approaches to problem solving. The goal is to use those perspectives as you complete your revisions to bring out the best in your own story. Hear our podcast about “Brain Trusts” here.

In all, this opportunity features:

• An editorial letter offering written insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 80,000 words) to help you prioritize goals.
• At least two private consultations with your reader to discuss feedback, revisions, and next steps.
• Time to stretch creatively with presentations and prompts.
• Small group discussions and open space to process your revision ideas.
• Connection opportunities with fellow writers.

Important Dates:

Please register for this course within 2 weeks of being offered acceptance.

Approximately one week prior to our first optional Zoom session 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.

Whole Novel Submission Deadline: No later than July 1, a detailed cover letter (including questions for your faculty reader) and full novel draft due (Up to 80,000 words).

Brain Trust Submission Deadline: No later than July 1, a cover letter (including questions specifically for your Brain Trust group) and up to 15 pages of your novel.

Online preparatory and community building activities (live via Zoom): June (Welcome and Brain Trust Overview) & July (Preparing for 1:1 Meetings & Your Retreat) (2 evenings, dates/times TBD)

Editorial letters from faculty readers will be sent for your review by August 10th.

With a virtual 1:1 scheduled some time between August 10 – 14

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Retreat Details:

Wednesday, August 14

• 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
• 5:30pm: Appetizers, followed by Dinner
• After dinner: Welcome, Introductions, & Opening Session

Thursday, August 15

Morning

• Breakfast
• Writing Prompt
• Brain Trust Sessions

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Writing & Retreat time

Evening

• Appetizers & Dinner
• Faculty presentation
• Optional community activities

Friday, August 16

Morning

• Breakfast
• Writing Prompt
• Brain Trust Sessions

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Writing & Retreat time

Evening

• Appetizers & Dinner
• Faculty presentation

Saturday, August 17

Morning

• Breakfast
• Writing Prompt
• Brain Trust Sessions

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Writing & Retreat time

Evening

• Appetizers & Dinner
• Fireside discussion
• Optional book discussion

Sunday, August 18

Morning

• Breakfast
• Writing Prompt
• Writing & Retreat time

Afternoon

• Lunch
• Final meeting with Faculty Reader

Evening

• Appetizers & Dinner
• Open Mic/ Sharing

Monday, August 19

Morning

• Breakfast
• Closing Q & A
• Writing, Packing, & Retreat time

Afternoon

• Lunch & Farewells

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

ABOUT OUR RETREAT CENTER:

All 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.

For more information about attending a workshop or retreat here, visit the Barn at Boyds Mills website.

HOW THIS WORKSHOP IMPACTS KIDS:

Your novel can make a big impact on a child’s life. This workshop helps you take steps toward bringing it to market in a way that is authentic to your voice and your story, because that is just what your reader needs.

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. This program has a good amount of 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 code of conduct 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.

FROM OUR COMMUNITY:

“Everyone on the faculty was genuinely interested in helping each student to succeed. They were great about having small or one-on-one conversations as well.”

“The faculty were warm, inspiring, wise, encouraging, helpful, and funny. The workshops were as inspiring and as helpful as the presenters. I couldn’t have asked for more!”

“The faculty were awesome. I’ve been through an MFA program in creative writing, so I know top-notch writing instructors when I see them. Learned some very valuable things about my writing at Highlights.”

“The guest speakers were lovely, accessible and thorough with their feedback and guidance.”