Workshops for Children's Writers and Illustrators
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  Program Description  
 

Date: October 13–20, 2007

Designed for:

  • serious, committed, emerging writers with a complete—or nearly complete—draft of a middle-grade or young-adult novel,

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  • MFA graduates,

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  • published writers at work on a new project,

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  • writers who have been working alone and are in need of feedback and guidance, and

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  • unpublished writers who are close to submitting work to agents or publishers.
  

 
 

We are proud to announce a new workshop specifically designed for writers of middle grade and young adult novels. The Whole Novel Workshop offers the one-on-one attention found in degree programs, but without additional academic requirements, lengthy time commitments, or prohibitive financial investments. Our aim is to focus on a specific work in progress, moving a novel to the next level in preparation for submission to agents or publishers.

A NEW APPROACH

Focused attention in an intimate setting makes this mentorship program one that guarantees significant progress.

Our novel mentorship program includes
• focused one-on-one response to your entire novel in progress from an accomplished author and teacher,
• group critiques,
• seminars on technique and craft, and
• ample time to write and revise in a private, rustic cabin.

The Highlights Foundation Whole Novel Workshop Difference
AN INTIMATE PROGRAM
Each Whole Novel Workshop is limited to eight students. Each faculty member will work with only four students, providing undivided attention and several one-on-one sessions, and a reading of your complete manuscript prior to the workshop.

A PLACE TO WRITE
Each attendee has a rustic but comfortable cabin, complete with its own bathroom, coffee maker, and refrigerator. You will have your own quiet place in which to write and revise.

TIME TO FOCUS
During your workshop, you’ll be able to focus—maybe for the first time—on nothing but your novel. You won’t hear a TV in the background or have kids demanding attention. You won’t have to stop to do laundry or cook or clean. You won’t be distracted by a constantly ringing phone.

A GOURMET CHEF
Our Founders Workshops have become noted for the pampering that occurs, most notably at mealtime. The intimate family-style meals are a time for recharging and socializing. Long ago we agreed we weren’t a place of hot dogs and canned beans on paper plates. The food is superb, we account for individual needs, and the overall pampering allows you to devote your full attention to your important task.

A BEAUTIFUL SETTING
Tucked in the northern Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania, the mid-19th century farmhouse, home of the Founders of Highlights for Children, has played host to numerous creative spirits. The comfortable living room serves as a group meeting room.

Applications will be accepted July 9–August 1, 2007.
You will be notified of acceptance status by August 13, 2007.

 

 
  Program Faculty


Carolyn Coman

Carolyn Coman
Carolyn Coman’s acclaimed novels for children and young adults include The Big House, Many Stones (National Book Award finalist and a 2001 Michael J. Printz Honor book), Bee and Jacky, What Jamie Saw (National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor book), and Tell Me Everything. She has taught fiction writing at Harvard Extension, Harvard Summer School, and the Chautauqua Institute. For eight years she was a faculty member of the Vermont College MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program, and is currently on the faculty of Hamline University’s new MFA program.


Tim Wynne-Jones		 Tim Wynne-Jones
Tim Wynne-Jones has written two dozen books, including adult novels, picture books, short-story anthologies and young-adult novels. His collection of short stories Some of the Kinder Planets won the Governor General’s Award in Canada as well as the Boston–Globe Horn Book Award. His novel The Maestro won Tim his second Governor General’s Award. Tim’s work has been published in Japanese, Korean, Danish, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Catalan. The Boy in the Burning House won the "Edgar" Award of the Mystery Writers of America. His most recent novel, A Thief in the House of Memory, came out in the spring of 2005, published by Farrar, Straus, Giroux.