Children's Authors, Illustrators Workshops | Workshops for Children's Authors & Illustrators

January 01, 2020 - July 31, 2020

#HFGather: Free Online Sessions

Join us for craft and community at #HFGather, free online sessions to keep us connected! Please check back -- we'll be adding more #HFGather chats soon! You can watch previous sessions below. Watch previous sessions: Wednesday Writer Chat with Sarah Aronson With guest Tara Lazar, 3/18/20. Watch it here. With guest Padma Venkatraman, 3/25/20. Watch […]

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July 05, 2020 - July 10, 2020

Online Summer Camp In Writing Fiction for Children & Teens 2020

Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. Join Us Online We've reinvented our Summer Camp as an online experience, with five whole days of intensive instruction, mentorship, manuscript feedback, peer community and hands-on activities. We've been doing this for over 35 years, and within this year's […]

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July 09, 2020 - July 13, 2020

Unworkshop July 9 - 13, 2020

We are pleased to begin re-opening our Retreat Center for Unworkshops! To make sure that your retreat is a safe one, we have enhanced our cleaning protocols by following CDC, WHO, local health authorities and leading hotel industry best practices and guidelines. You can find out details of our campus protocols here. Unworkshop: your own […]

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July 11, 2020 - July 15, 2020

Online Summer Camp In Writing Nonfiction for Children & Teens 2020

Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. Join Us Online We've reinvented our Summer Camp as an online experience, with four whole days of intensive instruction, mentorship, manuscript feedback, peer community and hands-on activities. We've been doing this for over 35 years, and within this year's […]

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July 16, 2020 - July 20, 2020

Unworkshop July 16 - 20, 2020

We are pleased to begin re-opening our Retreat Center for Unworkshops! To make sure that your retreat is a safe one, we have enhanced our cleaning protocols by following CDC, WHO, local health authorities and leading hotel industry best practices and guidelines. You can find out details of our campus protocols here. Unworkshop: your own […]

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July 16, 2020 - July 20, 2020

Online Summer Camp Intensive in Illustration 2020

Join Us Online We've reinvented our Illustration Summer Camp as an online experience, with four whole days of faculty demonstrations, mentorship, portfolio/dummy feedback, and peer community. We've been doing this for over 35 years, and within this year's unique structure you can expect the same focus on craft, community & mentorship that we've always provided. […]

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July 21, 2020 - July 22, 2020

World Building: Construct Real and Fantastical Worlds with Tracey Baptiste, a Two-Day Online Intensive 2020

Online Course Info: A well-developed world is an essential component to every story--short fiction through novels. Join Tracey Baptiste as she showcases rich mentor texts like THE SERPENT’S SECRET, DREAD NATION, THE BELLES, and more for a two-day intensive in world-building. In small groups, participants will read and reflect on texts centered on time, people, […]

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July 23, 2020 - July 25, 2020

Unworkshop July 23 - 25, 2020

We are pleased to begin re-opening our Retreat Center for Unworkshops! To make sure that your retreat is a safe one, we have enhanced our cleaning protocols by following CDC, WHO, local health authorities and leading hotel industry best practices and guidelines. You can find out details of our campus protocols here. Unworkshop: your own […]

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July 26, 2020 - July 29, 2020

Creating Picture Books with Humor and Heart: A Working Retreat 2020

We are pleased that this workshop will be held on campus as planned! However, we will be limiting the capacity to 10 students. As an additional safety measure, we'll welcome those registrants who are able to drive to our campus. You can read about our on-campus COVID protocols here. Join Us To: Learn the process […]

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July 30, 2020 - August 03, 2020

Unworkshop July 30 - August 3, 2020

We are pleased to begin re-opening our Retreat Center for Unworkshops! To make sure that your retreat is a safe one, we have enhanced our cleaning protocols by following CDC, WHO, local health authorities and leading hotel industry best practices and guidelines. You can find out details of our campus protocols here. Unworkshop: your own […]

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August 05, 2020 - August 09, 2020

Science and Nature Writing for Kids & Teens 2020

We are pleased that this workshop will be held on campus as planned! However, we will be limiting the capacity to 10 students. As an additional safety measure, we'll welcome those registrants who are able to drive to our campus. You can read about our on-campus COVID protocols here. Also, we are trying to figure […]

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August 10, 2020 - August 31, 2020

Monday Meditations (Four Weekly Sessions Online) with Laurie Calkhoven August 2020

Join Laurie Calkhoven weekly for a four week package of Monday Meditations via Zoom. If you're unable for any reason to attend a LIVE session(s), you'll have access to the recordings of each through September 30, 2020. The LIVE sessions will be held at 10 am EDT on: August 10 August 17 August 24 August […]

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August 16, 2020 - August 22, 2020

The Whole Novel Online Workshop 2020

Online Course Info: This is a seven-day online workshop that features a full manuscript critique, evening “live” lectures and discussions, daily writing prompts, one-to-one mentorship, faculty Q&A, optional open mic readings and more! Online Workshop Participant Cap: 20 students. Join Us To: Have the entire draft of your novel read and critiqued prior to the […]

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August 27, 2020 - August 30, 2020

Master Class in Illustration: Narrative Picture-Making 2020

Join Us To: Explore the elements of storytelling through drawing, experimentation, and problem solving with picture making materials. Craft your own artistic style with leading industry professionals illustrators Anna Raff, James Ransome, and their special guests during an intensive weekend of in-depth one-to-one critiques, and discovery to expand your illustration practice. Please note that this […]

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August 30, 2020 - September 02, 2020

Developing a Series in Chapter Books Online Workshop 2020

Online Course Info: This is a four-day online workshop that features evening “live” lectures, discussions, online Q&A sessions in addition to a revision roundtable, office hours for informal discussion, hands-on sessions and an optional open mic. There will be one-to-one sessions with faculty on your series overview and first chapter. Online Workshop Participant Cap: 16 […]

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September 10, 2020 - September 13, 2020

Picture Books: Inspiration and Perspiration 2020

Join Us To: Take a look at what it means, holistically, to be a picture book creator. Open up what it means to tell a story. Find out how to inspire your creativity and get your stories flowing. Play! Generate words! Receive a written critique of your picture book manuscript or picture book dummy. What […]

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September 13, 2020 - September 16, 2020

Writing the Rainbow: Middle Grade and Young Adult, A Working Symposium 2020

Join Us To: Explore where LGBTQIA+ topics, heroes, characters and experiences fit in the business of writing middle grade and young adult novels. Hear panel discussions with publishing industry professionals. Enjoy free time to write and revise in this retreat-focused course. Sign up for optional one-to-one consultations with faculty. What You'll Learn: Understand the needs […]

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September 16, 2020 - October 21, 2020

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Writing Novels in Verse and Novels in Vignettes Online Course + Optional Onsite Retreat 2020

Online Course: September 16-October 21, 2020 Optional Onsite Retreat: December 3-6, 2020. Register here. Join Us To: Explore the challenges of writing novels in verse and novels in vignettes. Discover how to use the form to its utmost advantage while taking into consideration all the foundation of storytelling. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of working […]

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September 17, 2020 - September 20, 2020

I, Too Arts Presents: Black Women Writers Retreat 2020

In partnership with New York Times bestselling author Renée Watson, and the founding members of the I, Too Arts Collective, this workshop, and the named I, Too Arts scholarship are a celebration of the work of the Collective, and the preservation of dedicated space and time for Black women writers to create and perfect their […]

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September 20, 2020 - September 23, 2020

Odyssey Into Writing Middle Grade Science Fiction 2020

Join Us To: Explore, revise and polish your middle grade sci-fi work-in-progress. Learn how to approach the genre for the middle grade audience and how to navigate the intricacies of introducing young readers to science fiction. Receive one-on-one synopsis consultation with a faculty mentor. Hear lectures from faculty that help you get past plot, theme, […]

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September 21, 2020 - September 24, 2020

Master Class with Patricia Lee Gauch: Feelings 2020

Join Us To: Capture “feelings” in novels to grow the inner story and achieve the most powerful, emotionally driven climax. What You'll Learn: With Patricia Lee Gauch at your side, this master class speaks to novelists about one of the most important aspects of writing a novel: capturing and evoking feelings. Together, we’ll workshop the […]

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September 29, 2020 - October 02, 2020

LatinX Writers: A Working Symposium 2020

Join Us To: Explore the Latinx experience in children's book writing and publishing: What stories do today’s children need from Latinx book creators and about Latinx people? What stories speak to our varied experiences? How can we diversify the existing body of Latinx children’s literature? What You'll Learn: Hear a series of faculty lectures, where […]

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October 02, 2020 - October 05, 2020

Novels in Verse: Analyze and Generate 2020

Join Us To: Discover what makes a novel in verse successful. Generate pieces to add to or begin your novel. Finish or revise your novel in verse with mentor help. Have a one-to-one critique of 25 pages of your work-in-progress. What You'll Learn: A verse novel must play at the intersection of blank space and language. At […]

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October 04, 2020 - October 11, 2020

Writing the Unreal: The Whole Novel Workshop in Fantasy & Speculative Fiction October 2020

Join Us To: Have the entire draft of your fantasy or speculative fiction novel read and critiqued prior to the workshop. Have a one-on-one meeting with your mentor to further discuss your manuscript and map out a revision plan. Hear lectures on craft and the marketplace. Make connections with fellow writers. Have time to write […]

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October 05, 2020 - October 08, 2020

Poetry Intensive for Published Writers: Find Your Muse in the Woods 2020

Join Us To: Find ways to grow your craft, sharpen your voice, and expand your poetic and creative boundaries. Participate in guided workshops, intended to ignite your inner muse through discussion, lecture, and generative writing exercises. Replenish and restore with this creative retreat. What You'll Learn: As writers of books for children and teens, we […]

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October 11, 2020 - October 14, 2020

Nonfiction Writers Unworkshop with Deborah Heiligman 2020

Join Us To: Enjoy a loosely structured nonfiction writers' retreat with author Deborah Heiligman. Spend three uninterrupted days on your own nonfiction projects, and then gather over meals in community. Bring your ideas and words to informal evening sharing opportunities. What You'll Learn: At this retreat you can expect to: Work on self-directed projects. Gather […]

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October 11, 2020 - October 15, 2020

Filling the Writer's Toolbox With Editor Emma Dryden 2020

Join Us To: Prepare your manuscript for submission under the guidance of renowned editor Emma Dryden. Learn proven techniques for editing and revising your manuscript, and have time to put the techniques into practice. Deepen your understanding of the fundamentals of writing for children. What You'll Learn: At this workshop, you will: Learn and practice […]

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October 15, 2020 - October 18, 2020

Disrupting Youth Literature Symposium 2020

Join Us To: Build on your understanding of youth literature as you pursue equity in your communities, classrooms, and on the bookshelf. This workshop will inform attendees’ ability to engage with children’s literature in ways that disrupt the status quo. What You'll Learn: You will: Foster competency-building with activities and discussions around key readings, including […]

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October 15, 2020 - October 18, 2020

Writing for Illustrators: An Author/Illustrator Intensive 2020

Join Us To: Grow as a writer while honoring your illustration background. Discover the interplay of words and pictures. Work on the craft of writing: story arcs; beginnings and endings; character; and manuscript pacing and page turns. Receive one-to-one faculty feedback on your work. What You'll Learn: Topics include: What it means to be doing […]

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October 18, 2020 - October 22, 2020

The Craft and Heart of Writing Poetry for Children 2020

Join Us To: Immerse yourself in writing poetry and working on your craft. Share your passion for poetry with peers and published poets in an intimate setting. Complete writing exercises to inspire new poems. Learn about the elements of poetry, from word choice to metaphor. Make new friends! What You'll Learn: In this course, we […]

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October 22, 2020 - October 25, 2020

From Premise To Pitch: Get Submission Ready With Two Seasoned Agents 2020

Join Us To: Work with two agents in hands-on sessions that will help you prepare your pitch, synopsis, and bio for the submission process. Through one-to-one manuscript critiques of ten page samples and synopses, identify weaknesses in your manuscript that must be addressed before you submit. Ensure that the premise of your story will make […]

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October 22, 2020 - October 25, 2020

A Working Poets Retreat 2020

Join Us To: Enjoy a working poet’s retreat in the woods. Have the time and space to focus on your individual writing in a nurturing environment. Foster your creativity and generate new poems with guided poetry prompts. Work on poems-in-progress with roundtable readings and group feedback. What You'll Learn: Less structured than a traditional workshop, […]

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October 25, 2020 - October 31, 2020

Novel Writing with Patti Gauch 2020

Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. Join Us To: Move your novel to the next level working one-to-one with editor Patricia Lee Gauch. What You'll Learn: Writing a novel is, like many of life’s challenges, a journey, through ideas, through beginnings and middles and ends. […]

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October 25, 2020 - October 28, 2020

How to Create Concept Books for Children 2020

Join Us To: Study the craft of writing concept books: working with the patterns you create and the language you select to create highly visual books with tightly limited language. Explore the interplay between being visual for the child and also giving the adult the best language for reading the story aloud. Explore the differences […]

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October 28, 2020 - November 25, 2020

Creating an Image System That Works for Your Verse Novel Online Course + Optional Onsite Retreat 2020

Online Course: October 28-November 25, 2020 Optional Onsite Retreat: December 3-6, 2020. Register here. Join Us To: Learn how to use image systems to improve your novel in verse. An image system is a series of images (can be a symbol or a metaphor or a simile) strung together in a narrative that, as they […]

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October 29, 2020 - November 01, 2020

Pushing the Limits: Writing Experimental Fiction for YA and Middle Grade Readers 2020

Join Us To: Acquire the confidence and craft knowledge to take your novel from brilliant idea to completed draft, whether it's a novel in verse, genre hybrid, or story that starts at the end. Pop open the hoods of acclaimed experimental YA and middle grade novels to see what makes them run. Through lectures, group […]

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November 05, 2020 - November 08, 2020

Plot Like a Film: Screenwriting Techniques That Serve Your Story 2020

Join Us To: Discover how you can strengthen your plot by using the techniques perfected by screenwriters. Build a high-concept story. Use new techniques to access your plot. Get one-to-one feedback on your work-in-progress. Work in peer groups to strengthen beats and storylines. What You'll Learn: Tips and tools used by screenwriters to uncover your plot. How to examine your […]

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November 05, 2020 - November 08, 2020

Gather: A Community Retreat for Published Authors and Illustrators 2020

Join Us To: Brainstorm how you can cultivate creativity when you've been working in the industry for a long time. Talk about your careers, challenges, deadlines, and upcoming projects with your peers. Share the ways you wish to push the boundaries of your work. Please note that this workshop is for a limited number of published […]

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November 08, 2020 - November 11, 2020

Creating Nonfiction Picture Books for Children in a Changing World 2020

Join Us To: Study the craft of creating picture books that resonate with the real world of today's children. Learn how to find the stories of people and events that have changed, or will change the world. Learn the process of writing and researching nonfiction picture books and picture book biographies. Hear presentations and do hands-on […]

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April 22, 2021 - April 25, 2021

Making Magic: Writing and Refining Fantastical and Otherworldly Stories 2021

Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. A special workshop with Anna-Marie McLemore and Nova Ren Suma. Join Us To: Deepen the magic in your middle grade or young adult novel with this generative writing workshop. Hear in-depth craft lectures from experienced faculty authors. Generate new […]

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June 23, 2021 - June 27, 2021

Writing for the Educational Market 2021

Join Us To: Understand the guidelines for submitting to educational publishers. Learn techniques for meeting specs, leveling text, and producing submission packages. Receive faculty feedback faculty and hear from with editors at educational publishing companies. What You'll Learn: Would you like to have editors actually contacting you and asking you to write for them? Welcome […]

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