Welcome to Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (August)
August 15 - 20, 2026
OVERVIEW:
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Welcome to Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (August)!
This intensive, transformative Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 85,000 words)* of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and two private consultations provided. Attention in an intimate setting makes this program one that guarantees significant progress in preparation for submission. This Whole Novel Workshop is specifically designed for writers of novels for children and teens.
*If your finished novel is over 85,000 words, we will may ask you to summarize some parts of the novel, or offer additional compensation to your reader.
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:
- Apply on or before June 8 (with final notifications on or before June 15). There is no fee to apply.
- Optional online pre-retreat activities (via Zoom): June 23 & August 4 (2 evenings, time to come, Eastern Time)
- Complete manuscript submissions due by July 7
- Brain Trust submissions due by July 7
- Feedback letters delivered to writers by August 12
- 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 on 5:30pm Eastern on Saturday, August 15
- Ends after lunch on Thursday, August 20
- 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 the submission deadline occurs, 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.
Tentative Retreat Details:
Saturday, August 15, 2026
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm: Appetizers, followed by Dinner
- After dinner: Welcome, Introductions, & Opening Session
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Writing Prompt
- Brain Trust Sessions
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Writing & Retreat time
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Faculty presentation
- Optional community activities
Monday, August 17, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Writing Prompt
- Brain Trust Sessions
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Writing & Retreat time
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Optional community activities
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Writing Prompt
- Brain Trust Sessions
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Writing & Retreat time
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Fireside discussion
- Optional book discussion
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Writing Prompt
- Writing & Retreat time
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Final meeting with Faculty Reader
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Open Mic/ Sharing
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Closing Q & A
- Writing, Packing, & Retreat time
Afternoon
- Lunch
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 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.”