Founders Workshops Testimonial

Attending the workshop not only gave me deeper insight into writing, but it established new friendships and broadened my feeling of professionalism and capabilities. It was wonderful to get together with other writers who were more than willing to share their expertise and experiences.

Lori Mortensen
Cameron Park, CA
Writing from the Heart

What a marvelous gift you have given the writing community! We immersed ourselves in poetry. . . .You are filling a real need to go beyond surface presentations and really get into the meat of various genres.

Kay Winters
Richlandtown, PA
Word Play: Poetry for Children

Joy Cowley is an incredible person and instructor. I feel her spirit when I read over my notes and hope I can follow the advice and enthusiasm she has—in my own work. The encouragement I received is like a 'second chance' at my goal.

Belva Green
Tarpon Springs, FL
Writing from the Heart

Last summer I attended 'Room to Create' and found that the atmosphere—quiet, no-frills, every-thing-taken-care-of, camaraderie—provided the perfect place to create. I finished first drafts of three short stories, but better yet, I completed a rewrite of my first novel. I was correct in my belief that the next step in my development as a writer must be an intensive writing and critiquing workshop in which my days were spent immersed in the creative process.

Mary Lois Sanders
Somerset, NJ
Room to Create

The intimacy of our group really added to the interaction, openness, and pastime responses (to each other) in our discussions. The Fall Spotlight was a brilliant effort, start to finish.

Joan Baier
East Rochester, NY
Life in the Spotlight

Peter demonstrated the contents of a good presentation and gave us practical experiences in preparing our speeches. It was also good having a small group where we got to know each other and to bond in our mutual efforts to learn to make super presentations.

Hope Marston
Black River, NY
Life in the Spotlight

This workshop exceeded my greatest expectations—I am prepared to promote myself and my books to my market, in a knowledgeable and fun way. Now I know the pitfalls that may come my way, and the joys I’ll reap, if I promote myself well.

Elissa Elliott
Rochester, MN
Life in the Spotlight

The faculty/conferee ratio and the availability of the faculty are two of the best and unique features of these small workshops. It was truly an eyeopener to see things from an editor's angle.

Connie Wooldridge
Richmond, IN
Nonfiction—It’s More Than Just the Facts!

As a published writer, I thought I knew how to research. The workshop gave me a new respect for the process. Carolyn did an outstanding job of emphasizing the importance of primary research in nonfiction writing. She taught us not just what it is, but where to find it. In addition, the small group and homey setting of the workshop allowed us to feel comfortable exchanging ideas and asking questions—many, many questions.

Jane Sutcliffe
Tolland, CT
Nonfiction—It’s More Than Just the Facts!

For a writing retreat with writers at different stages in their careers, the format was ideal. I greatly appreciated the freedom this gave me to work at my own pace.

Barbara Baker
New York, NY
Room to Create

An outstanding experience—a wealth of informative insight, put to immediate use—individual expert advice. It was the single-most valuable learning experience I’ve had in my writing endeavors.

Janet Schultz
St. Peter, MN
The Heart of the Novel

With the holiday season crackling in the crisp air and snow on the ground here in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, we thought you might enjoy this article from the Winter 2008 issue of Once Upon a Time magazine. Be sure to check out a special offer at the end of this article. Happy Holidays from all of us here at the Highlights Foundation!

Shannon Hitchcock
Tampa, Florida