The Whole Novel Workshop May 2019

May 5 - 11, 2019

Overview

Revise and polish your novel in preparation for submission.

The Whole Novel Workshop is specifically designed for writers of middle grade and young adult novels. This unique program offers the one-on-one attention found in degree programs 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. Focused attention in an intimate setting makes this mentorship program one that guarantees significant progress.

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.

Please note that there is an application process for this workshop.
You must register to apply for this workshop. Once you register, you will receive a response with instructions on how to apply—either just for the workshop or to apply for the workshop if requesting financial aid.

For your application, you will need to submit:

A writing sample: 10-15 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop
A synopsis
Word count
The current status of your manuscript

The application deadline is February 1, 2019. Decisions will be made soon after the application deadline, after which you will be expected to turn in your full manuscript.

What You’ll Learn

This workshop includes:

Focused, one-on-one response to your entire novel-in-progress from an accomplished author and teacher.
Group discussion and feedback.
Seminars on technique, craft, query letters, and agent/editor submissions.
Ample time to write and revise.
Writing exercises and group reading.
Opportunities to make connections with fellow writers.

Who Should Attend

This course is for best for:

Intermediate to advanced middle grade and young adult writers with a complete or near-complete manuscript draft.
Novelists who would benefit from receiving multiple feedback perspectives. In addition to a whole-novel review, you will receive feedback from our teaching assistants, and TA’s will also be leading round table critiques.
Writers who have begun receiving personalized feedback from publisher submissions.
Writers who have taken one of our introductory novel courses, such as Getting to Know Your Novel and Novel Beginnings.

Agenda

Day 1
Arrival & check in
Hors d’oeuvres & dinner
Introductions
After dinner craft session

Day 2
Morning: Morning pages; One-to-one sessions with faculty
Afternoon: 2 lectures

Day 3
Morning: Morning pages; Workshop
Afternoon: Lecture, Sarah Aronson

Day 4
Morning: Q&A
Afternoon: Workshop & lecture

Day 5
Morning: Morning pages & workshop
Afternoon: Free writing time
Evening: After dinner lecture

Day 6
Morning: Morning pages & optional one-to-one meetings
Afternoon: Optional tour of Highlights for Children
Evening: After dinner reading, Q&A

Day 6
“Revision Pot Luck” with faculty
Brunch & departure

Resources

Listen for Stories
Tranform Introspection into Dialogue
Eulogy Virtues
Is Your Novel Opening as Strong as It Can Be?
Walking through the Woulds with your Character

Testimonials

“Everyone on the faculty was genuinely interested in helping each student to succeed. They were great about having small or one-on-one conversations as well.”

“They were warm, inspiring, wise, encouraging, helpful, and funny. And their workshops were as inspiring and as helpful as the presenters. I couldn’t have asked for more!”

“The faculty were awesome. I’ve been through an MFA program in creative writing so I know topnotch writing instructors when I see them. Learned some very valuable things about my writing at Highlights.”

“The guest speakers were lovely, accessible, and thorough with their feedback and guidance.”