Workshops for Children's Writers and Illustrators
Chautauqua ConferenceWorkshopsFaculty and BiosWriters TipsScholarshipsAbout UsContact Us
     
 
  Workshop Description  
 

Date: October 11–18, 2008
Arrive Saturday, October 11, at 3 PM
Depart Saturday, October 18, after brunch

Designed for:

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

    •
  • MFA graduates,

    •
  • published writers at work on a new project,

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

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  • unpublished writers who are close to submitting work to agents or publishers.

Workshop Tuition: $2,665

  

 
 

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 Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel read and critiqued prior to the workshop, followed by a week of intense, one-on-one mentoring.

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 14–August 8, 2008.
You will be notified of acceptance status by August 15, 2008.


General Workshop Information Request an Application for this Workshop

 
  Workshop Leader


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 L. 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.


Martine Leavitt 		Martine Leavitt
Martine Leavitt is the author of Dragon’s Tapestry (1992), Prism Moon (1993), Taker’s Key (1998), and The Dollmage (2001). Tom Finder (2003) was the winner of the Mr. Christie Award, and Heck Superhero (2004) was a finalist for the Governor General's Award. Her most recent book, Keturah and Lord Death, was a finalist for the National Book Award and was a Booklist top ten in the categories of fantasy, romance, and women’s history books for youth. Leavitt has a BA from the University of Calgary and an MFA from Vermont College, and is a member of the faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts. The creative project she is most proud of is her seven children and nine grandchildren, all of whom have been critically acclaimed.
  Teaching Assistant


Ricki Thompson

Ricki Thompson
Ricki has written poems and essays that appear in a variety of journals and magazines for grown-ups, including The Threepenny Review, Passages North, and Spoon River Quarterly. She launched her present career as a children’s writer by publishing an article in Highlights and a poem in Ladybug. In 2006, Ricki received an MFA from Vermont College. Her YA historical novel, City of Cannibals, is due to be published by Front Street in fall 2009.