October 26, 2026 - October 29, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat
Join celebrated authors Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron for a retreat designed to infuse your verse novel with emotion. Spend focused time on your novel in verse with daily presentations and generative writing exercises. Rajani and Chris will offer open Q & As, as well as scheduled 1:1 consultations to discuss your projects (no submission needed.) The retreat will include time with their special guest, joining Rajani and Chris to support your creative journey.
- This is an in-person retreat for verse novelists (and/or those interested in writing verse novels) who are looking for light instruction and ample time to work.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Monday, October 26, 2026
- Ends after lunch on Thursday, October 29, 2026
Find Your Magic!
Save $100 on any 2026 in-person workshop with coupon code FINDMAGIC. Use the code at checkout for all 2026 campus workshops.
Offer valid through November 19 at midnight.
Why This Working Retreat?
We invite verse novelists (and those interested in writing verse novels) to gather with fellow storytellers for an immersive experience where productivity meets inspiration! Join authors Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron for daily presentations and generative writing exercises. In addition you’ll meet with Rajani and Chris for 1:1 consultations to discuss where you are in your verse novel journey, and how to get the most out of your retreat time. (No submissions needed.)
The beauty of a working retreat is time. Time for you to meet with fellow storytellers. Time for you to wander and reflect on your writing. Time for you to move forward with your goals and works-in-progress.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are a verse novelist, at any level, even the idea stage. 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 verse novelists over meals and informal gatherings.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time.
Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-Workshop
- 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: Monday, October 26, 2026
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Retreat overview & welcome
Day Two: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1 with Rajani LaRocca
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Generative writing prompts (materials will be provided)
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal fireside discussion (weather permitting)
Day Three: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #2 with Chris Baron
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Generative writing prompts (materials will be provided)
Afternoon
- Lunch
- 1:1 Consultations & Writing Time
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Verse Sharing, fireside (weather permitting)
Day Four: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Special Guest Session with Meg Eden
- Open Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Final questions and writing prompt
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
About This Verse Novel Writing Retreat
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.
- Each novelist will meet with one of the faculty members for a consultation about their work(s)-in-progress. This consultation will not have written feedback or review, and is structured as a discussion for the needs of your project and publishing based questions.
If you’d like to learn more, see our note on feedback in our programs.
What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat?
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.
How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Novels in verse impact readers in powerful ways. This retreat gives you time and space to work on your projects, in a supportive environment.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat?
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), prior to the event.
