Working Retreat: Novelists and Graphic Novelists

In-Person | Novels, Graphic Novels, Working Retreats
All creatives need time and space to accomplish their goals. We invite novelists and graphic novelists to gather with fellow storytellers for an immersive experience where productivity meets inspiration!

May 19 - May 22

Highlights Foundation Campus

$1199

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.  A Working Retreat is lightly structured with one lecture each day, informal conversations, optional consultations with faculty, and plenty of time to create in the comfort and care of the Highlights Foundation retreat center.

  • This is an in-person retreat for novelists and/or graphic novelists who are looking for light instruction and ample time to work on their novels.
  • Lodging and meals are included.
  • Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Sunday, May 19
  • Ends after lunch on Wednesday, May 22
  • 20 participants max

From the Faculty Hosts:

“Something else that I’m interested in and really, really excited and looking forward to is just connecting with other writers because it’s just very isolating to create in solitude most of the time. So getting to talk to other people and share experiences and just share, share some vibes. You know, I think, I think it’s going to be really, really fun and inspiring.”—Julie C. Dao

“Well, I’m hoping that people remember how amazing it is to be artists and to be able to create art…What I care about most is the art. That’s what brought me into this. My passion for writing. It’s something that keeps me going, so I hope that the attendees will come and just remember how amazing it is to write stories and to tell stories.”—Julie C. Dao

TOPIC

What We Can Learn From Butterflies: How Characters Evolve Throughout A Story
with Julie C. Dao

Photo of author Julie Dao

TOPIC

Back to Fundamentals: Revisiting Drawing, Perspective and Figure Basics to Invigorate Your Process
with Wendy Xu

Cartoon photo of Wendy Xu

Connections
  • Working Retreat Time
  • Optional Studio/Writing Hours
  • Generative Creative Exercises
  • Mealtimes & Fireside
  • Optional 1:1 Consults

Group Discussion on the Patio

Why This Working Retreat?

All creatives need time and space to accomplish their goals. We invite novelists and graphic novelists to gather with fellow storytellers for an immersive experience where productivity meets inspiration!

At the heart of this working retreat is the “work.”

Days will be spent on individual projects.  You choose what that means for you!  Maybe you’ll draft new words on the porch of your cabin, sketch in the Art Coop, finally get to the revisions that your work-in-progress needs, or rest.

In addition to your personal time, we’ve invited author Julie C. Dao, author/illustrator Wendy Xu to work alongside you. They’ll offer one presentation and creative exercise each day of the retreat.

Finally, you can join fellow creatives for informal gatherings by the fire in the evening, at meals, or throughout the retreat as you wish to discuss creativity and publishing, share your work, and more!

This working retreat includes:

  • Presentations and Q&A time about writing novels and graphic novels
  • Generative writing exercises to move your project forward
  • Shared studio and writing time with informal feedback
  • Independent time to write, revise, and discuss your work

Your retreat will be well appointed with space to create, as every accommodation option includes a personal workspace. You’ll also find various spaces around the campus to get work done, or explore the grounds if you need a change of pace or some inspiration.

A Venn Diagram that shows how A Kidlit Conference, A Community, and Writing and Studio Time overlap at a Working Retreat.

Learn.  Get Inspired.

Then put it to work in the company of people who believe in the power of story.

Learn more about Working Retreats at the Highlights Foundation, and see testimonials and a virtual tour.

I loved the routines we had where we got to do individual creative work and then come together during meals and after hours to bond and connect. It was just such a beautifully crafted atmosphere…The faculty was [also] amazing all around. They provided great insight in their presentations, and they were warm and welcome to discuss anything about the craft. I deeply enjoyed their company and their brilliance.”

Feedback Expected

  • Optional consultations can be scheduled with one of our faculty mentors. These opportunities are available at an additional cost, and can be added at the time of registration or during your retreat stay. No submissions will be required or accepted for these 1:1 consultation opportunities, but you will fill out a questionnaire in advance (in our virtual classroom) to prepare.  Consultations will include time to discuss where you are in your stories, and ideas for moving forward with drafting, revisions, and/or submissions.
  • There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.

It’s a Great Fit If…

  • You are a novelist and/or graphic novelist, at any level, in any style. This workshop is open to those beginning their creative journeys, to those who have more experience. Of most importance is having a project that you would like to work on during your independent, creative time.
  • You enjoy discussing stories and your journey with fellow storytellers. You’ll gather ideas and informal feedback about your story in a supportive environment.
  • You’d like a retreat where you can get to work. This retreat is not based on lecture.  It’s time to work on your own projects, with the added immersive experience of presentations, generative writing exercises, and time to connect with fellow novelists over meals and informal gatherings.

Detailed Agenda

All Times are Eastern Standard Time.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

Pre-Workshop

  • You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).  You can also fill out a questionnaire if you opt for a 1:1 consultation with a faculty mentor (at an additional cost).
  • We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, and polish your work during independent time. This retreat is not filled with lecture.  At its heart, this retreat is time to work on your project.
Day One: Sunday, May 19, 2024
  • 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
  • 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
  • Following dinner: Welcome and faculty introductions
Day Two: Monday, May 20, 2024

Morning:

  • Breakfast
  • What We Can Learn From Butterflies: How Characters Evolve Throughout A Story with Julie C. Dao
  • Working Retreat time: read, write, connect

Afternoon

  • Lunch
  • The World is A Character: The Importance of Background and Setting with Wendy Xu
  • Optional: Knowledge share/demonstration with Elena Barbosa

Evening

  • Appetizers & Dinner
  • Informal gathering fireside (weather permitting)
Day Three: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Morning:

  • Breakfast
  • Working session: Unleashing Your Spontaneous Creativity: On-the-Spot Storytelling with Card Prompts with Julie C. Dao
  • Working Retreat time: read, write, connect

Afternoon

  • Lunch
  • Working session: Back to Fundamentals: Revisiting Drawing, Perspective and Figure Basics to Invigorate Your Process with Wendy Xu

Evening

  • Appetizers & Dinner
  • Informal gathering fireside (weather permitting)
Day Four: Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Morning

  • Breakfast
  • Open Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
  • Working session: Knowledge share/demonstration with Elena Barbosa

Afternoon

  • Lunch & farewells
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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 retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects.

The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.

If you would like additional support from faculty, you can add on a private 1:1 consultation at an additional cost. There is no submission required, though we will ask you to fill out a short questionnaire in the virtual classroom prior to your consultation.

How It Impacts Kids

Your novel or graphic novel can make a real difference in a kid’s life.  This Working Retreat gives you time and space to work on your projects, in a supportive environment.

Testimonials from Our Community

“It really gave me the focus I needed, to sort out my stories and make a strategy for submissions.”

“The cottage was perfect, the surroundings peaceful and relaxing. I was able to find a balance of work and play. So much thought and consideration has gone into providing an inspiring, rejuvenating environment.”

“This retreat was wonderful. There was so much positive energy, and it really gave me the momentum to keep working toward my goals.”

Books by Julie C. Dao

See More

Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena cover
Mermaids Never Drown Cover
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns Cover
Writing in Color Cover

Graphic Novels by Wendy Xu

See More

Mooncakes Cover
Tidesong cover
Infinity Particle Cover

Meet the Faculty

Special Guests

DETAILS

May 19 - May 22

$1199

Highlights Foundation Campus

362 Boyds Mills Road
Milanville, PA 18443

The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.

LOCATION

All in-person Highlights Foundation workshops and retreats (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 and contemporary lands of the Lenape Nation.

All-inclusive registration includes workshop tuition, lodging, meals, beverages, and snacks. Shuttle service is available from select locations for a fee, or you can park on site. You’ll receive more information about logistics after you register.

Our Mission in Action

Share Your Story, Inspire a Child
Scholarships
Equity & Inclusion in Kidlit
Partners & Sponsors

The Highlights Foundation positively impacts children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves.  Learn more about our impact.