Programs
Day Visits
2024 Personal Retreats at The Barn at Boyds Mills
Personal Retreats at The Barn at Boyds Mills Please see more information about personal retreats here: https://thebarnatboydsmills.com/personal-retreats/
Apply to the Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (August)
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 6-Day/5-Night Workshop and Retreat with a Full Novel Critique Included This intensive, transformative Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 80,000 […]
Apply to the Whole Novel Workshop: An In-Person Retreat for Novelists (October)
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 6-Day/5-Night Workshop and Retreat with a Full Novel Critique Included This intensive, transformative Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 80,000 […]
Breaks, Blank Space, and Gaps: Poetic Gutters in Novels in Verse and Poetry
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Gutters in poetry bring meaning all their own. Whether you’re writing a narrative poem, a picture book in verse, or a full-length verse novel, words […]
Non-Traditional Picture Book Structure: A Two-Night Mini
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Picture book journeys aren’t one size fits all, and that’s a good thing! Join children’s book author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and literary agent Rachel Orr to […]
The Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing (Spring)
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] <h2>Overview</h2> <strong>Multi-Week Online Course </strong> Join lead faculty <strong>Harold Underdown</strong> and special guests for a <strong>Crash Course in Children's Publishing</strong>. At the end of the course, you will understand how the children’s […]
Emotions in Nonfiction Picture Books: A Two-Night Mini
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] <h2>Overview</h2> <strong>A Two-Night Mini Online Course </strong> Picture books open the world of information to readers. Join children’s book author <strong>Heidi E.Y. Stemple</strong> and editor <strong>Eileen Robinson </strong>to explore the many ways to infuse […]
Before the Book: A Two-Night Mini to Get Organized and Get to the Heart of Your Story
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] <h2>Overview</h2> <strong>A Two-Night Mini Online Course </strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Getting <strong>ready to write a novel</strong> doesn’t just mean finding a computer or the right pen—you also need to spend time considering […]
Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Spring/Summer)
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview A 3-Part Online Cooperative This supportive program takes all creatives (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, […]
Welcome to Whole Novel: An Online Course Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers
OVERVIEW: Welcome to this Multi-Month Online Course with a Full Novel Critique! The Highlights Foundation Whole Novel Workshop offers you the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of […]
Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration: A Two-Night Mini
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/?p=40773&post_type=tribe_events&preview=1&_ppp=5d69d3f962https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/?p=40773&post_type=tribe_events&preview=1&_ppp=5d69d3f962
Shape Your Story: A 6-Week Novel Intensive with Author and Agent Linda Epstein
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/shape-your-story-a-6-week-novel-intensive-with-author-agent-linda-epstein/
Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] <h2>Overview</h2> <strong>A Two-Night Mini Online Course </strong> Picture books can be filled with Pride! Join celebrated authors Lesléa Newman and Rob Sanders for this short course designed to bring LGBTQIA+ creators […]
Working Retreat: Nonfiction and Informational Fiction*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat Join Heidi Stemple, Andrea Page, and their guests for time to create and connect during this "Working Retreat" for those who infuse facts into their writing (including […]
Working Retreat: Novelists and Graphic Novelists*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"] Overview In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat Novelists and Graphic Novelists, join Julie C. Dao and Wendy Xu for time to create and connect during a retreat built just for you. […]
The Untapped Influence of Secondary Characters: A Two-Night Mini for Writers
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/the-untapped-influence-of-secondary-characters-a-two-night-mini-for-writers/
From Pencil or Paint to Pixel: A Two-Night Mini for Beginning Illustrators
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Beginning illustrators can join children’s book author/illustrator Courtney Pippin-Mathur to talk about approaches to using different media (traditional and/or digital) in your illustrations, and special guest Aram Kim for […]
Graphic Novels for Beginners: A Two-Night Mini for Writers and Illustrators
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/graphic-novels-for-beginners-a-two-night-mini-for-writers-and-illustrators/
Writing with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Young Adult Horror Writers
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/?p=40335&post_type=tribe_events&preview=1&_ppp=9429f59751
Take Your Idea from Story to Chapter Book: A Two-Night Mini
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/take-your-idea-from-story-to-chapter-book-a-two-night-mini/
Working Retreat: Poetry and Poetry Anthologies*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat Join celebrated poets Charles Waters, Irene Latham, and their guests for time to create and connect during this "Working Retreat." We invite writers with a passion for […]
The Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing: Illustrator's Edition
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/the-crash-course-in-childrens-book-publishing-illustrators-edition/
Black Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"] Join Valerie Bolling and fellow storytellers for this in-community retreat for Black writers and illustrators. About the Program This 3-night/4-day retreat thrives within a welcoming community, designed to spark your creativity and foster connections with fellow […]
Summer Camp in Illustration: Intensive Artistic Inspiration*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat Get away for four days at our Summer Camp in Illustration for inspiration, guidance, support, community, fun, creativity, and growth. At the Highlights Foundation, […]
Summer Camp in Writing: Create and Dream!*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 5-Day/4-Night Workshop and Retreat Get away for five days at our Summer Camp in Writing for fiction and nonfiction storytellers who are looking for inspiration, guidance, mentorship, community, fun, […]
Picture Book Plotting from A to Z: A 5-Week Online Course for Writers
https://highlightsfoundation.secure.retreat.guru/program/picture-book-plotting-from-a-to-z-a-5-week-online-course-for-writers/?lang=en
Welcome to the Whole Novel Workshop: A Summer Retreat for Novelists*
With Nicole Valentine
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 […]
Successful School Visits: A Three Part Online Course
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/successful-school-visits-a-three-part-online-course/
Income Streams for Illustrators: A Two-Night Mini
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/income-streams-for-illustrators-a-two-night-mini/
Line Editing Your MG or YA Novel: An Online Course
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/?p=40778&post_type=tribe_events&preview=1&_ppp=7216f4b267
Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall)
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview A 3-Part Online Cooperative This supportive program takes all creatives (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, […]
The Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing (Fall)
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview Multi-Week Online Course Join lead faculty Harold Underdown and special guests for a Crash Course in Children's Publishing. At the end of the course, you will understand how the children’s book […]
From Idea & Sketch to Dummy & Submission: An Author/Illustrator Online Course
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/?p=40907&post_type=tribe_events&preview=1&_ppp=1c683160c4
Working Retreat: Lyrical Picture Books and Poetry*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat This program is a celebration of words: lyrical, poetic, pun-tastic words! Join an exceptional group of picture book creatives, including Sudipta Bardhan-Quallan, Georgia Heard, Rebecca Kai […]
Revising Your Novel in Verse: An Online Course
https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/?p=40791&post_type=tribe_events&preview=1&_ppp=b18324fcd3
Working Retreat: Chapter Books and Early Readers*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat Join Debbi Michiko Florence, Kashmira Sheth, and guests for time to create and connect during this "Working Retreat." A “Working Retreat” is lightly structured with one lecture […]
Welcome to the Whole Novel Workshop: A Fall Retreat for Novelists*
With Nicole Valentine
*Additional faculty coming soon* 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 […]
Revising with Pride: A Two-Night Mini for Picture Book Writers
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Picture books are filled with pride! Join celebrated authors Rob Sanders and Lesléa Newman for this short course designed to bring LGBTQIA+ creators and allies together to learn […]
Latinx Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"] Join M. García Peña, NoNieqa Ramos, and Alex Villasante for their fifth annual, in-community retreat designed exclusively for Latinx/e writers and illustrators. About the Program This 3-night/4-day, in-community retreat is the space where you […]
Working Retreat: Picture Book Authors and Illustrators*
[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat Picture book writers and illustrators: set aside time to focus on your picture book project! Here is a special retreat just for you. Join fiction and […]
Working Retreat: Revision*
DATES ARE SETTLED... IGNORE DATES MENTIONED BELOW, USE WEBSITE DETAILS. [et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="Workshop Overview Section" _builder_version="4.18.0" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="Overview Row" _builder_version="4.18.0" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Overview Paragraph" _builder_version="4.18.0" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"] Overview In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat Join celebrated editors Harold Underdown, Eileen Robinson, and Emma Dryden for time to revise and connect […]