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

January 01, 2020 - June 01, 2020

#HFGather: Free Online Sessions

Join us for craft and community at #HFGather, free online sessions to keep us connected! Please register individually for each session by using the "register now" links below. Upcoming sessions: Monday, April 6 at 10am EST Monday Meditation with Laurie Calkhoven Register here. Wednesday, April 8 at 1 pm EST Please note this chat is […]

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January 02, 2020 - June 02, 2020

30 + 10: Free Craft Webinars with Optional Paid Critiques

We're excited to announce a new series of online sessions that we're calling "Find the Good: 30 + 10 of Craft & Critique." The 30: One of our faculty will lead a free 30-minute craft webinar, open to everyone. The 10: Following the free webinar, we will make available at least 10 opportunities to receive […]

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January 15, 2020 - May 07, 2020

From Sale to Shelf: The Debut Author’s First Year (Online Only) 2020

This course is currently in progress but closed to new registrants, but we plan to offer it again in the future. If you’d like to be on the wait list for notice of when that course becomes available, add your name to the waiting list. Join Us To: Prepare for the publication of your first […]

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February 03, 2020 - June 03, 2020

Getting To Know Your Novel Online Course (Feb-Apr) Plus Onsite Retreat (May 30-June 3) 2020

Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. Join Us To: Deepen your understanding of the pillars of a novel, and apply your knowledge as you workshop your own novel. Receive an in-depth critique of up to 50 pages (plus additional roundtable critiques) to get it ready […]

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February 17, 2020 - April 13, 2020

Crash Course in Children's Publishing: Everything You Need to Know (Online Only) 2020

This course is currently in progress but closed to new registrants, but we plan to offer it again in the future. If you’d like to be on the wait list for notice of when that course becomes available, add your name to the waiting list. Join Us To: Understand how the children’s book publishing industry […]

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April 30, 2020 - May 03, 2020

Color, Light, Line, and Texture Hands-on Workshop 2020

Join Us To: Play in paint, explore collage, and dive into textiles during this hands-on art retreat. Work alongside three experienced picture book author/illustrators to get a glimpse into their creative process. Use art as a springboard to make other creative leaps. Explore new techniques that can be used in illustration and/or in other creative […]

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June 08, 2020 - August 13, 2020

Revision Retreat Online Course (June-July) Plus Onsite Retreat (Aug 9-13) 2020

Join Us To: Learn revision strategies to help you find problems in your picture book, chapter book, novel, or narrative nonfiction manuscript. Listen to feedback that might reveal problems of which you were not aware. Spend time putting the strategies to work and strengthening your manuscript in preparation for submission. Learn the value of critique […]

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June 11, 2020 - June 14, 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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June 14, 2020 - June 17, 2020

Writing First Chapter Books and Early Readers 2020

Join Us To: Understand the unique needs of books for children who are beginning to read independently, and discover what makes these books successful. Find out the differences between picture books, early readers, and transitional chapter books. Learn about the market and how to find the right publishing home for your work. Get one-to-one critiques […]

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June 17, 2020 - June 20, 2020

Developing a Series in Chapter Books 2020

Join Us To: Discover how to craft a chapter book series that stands out and sells well. Learn how to make your series familiar and relatable. Learn what editors are looking for in a chapter book series. Find out how to submit a chapter book series to editors and agents. Get a one-to-one feedback on […]

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June 20, 2020 - June 23, 2020

PB&J: Picture Books and All That Jazz 2020

Join Us To: Dig deep to dissect and understand current picture book bestsellers to find the best way to tell your story. Study picture book craft, format and components: character, plot, rhyme, audience and more. Get one-to-one critiques with all faculty and hear editor feedback from an acquiring editor. What You'll Learn: Everyone loves picture […]

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June 23, 2020 - June 27, 2020

Writing for the Educational Market 2020

Join Us To: Understand the guidelines for submitting to educational publishers. Learn techniques for meeting specs, leveling text, and producing submission packages. Receive one-to-one consultations with faculty and interact 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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July 06, 2020 - July 09, 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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July 10, 2020 - July 15, 2020

Summer Camp In Writing Fiction for Children & Teens 2020

Join Us To: Get daily feedback from your faculty mentor on manuscripts, ideas, and revisions. Hear daily faculty keynotes for learning and encouragement. Receive guidance on the submission process, including query-writing basics and overviews of the current children’s book market. Attend hands-on breakout sessions on topics of your choosing. Devote time to working on your […]

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July 15, 2020 - July 19, 2020

Summer Camp In Writing Nonfiction for Children & Teens 2020

Join Us To: Get daily feedback from your faculty mentor on manuscripts, ideas, and revisions. Explore factual writing through a range of topics, including nonfiction voice, biography, memoir, nature writing, science writing, and narrative nonfiction. Receive guidance on how to submit nonfiction manuscripts to the publishers who want to see them. Engage in hands-on sessions […]

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July 19, 2020 - July 22, 2020

Summer Camp Intensive in Illustration 2020

Join Us To: Immerse yourself in illustration techniques. Gain tools for storytelling. Explore the children's book market with authors, illustrators, and art directors currently in the field. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow artists. Get your portfolio and/or dummy reviewed by a faculty mentor. What You'll Learn: You'll create: Learn new illustration techniques. Find and advance […]

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July 26, 2020 - July 29, 2020

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

Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. If you're looking for a picture book workshop, check out: PB&J: Picture Books & All That Jazz, June 20-23 The Ins and Outs of a Picture Book and Its Many Forms, August 13-16 Join Us To: Learn the process […]

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August 05, 2020 - August 09, 2020

Science and Nature Writing for Kids & Teens 2020

Join Us To: Study the craft of writing powerful books and articles about science and nature for young readers. Learn how to submit both fiction and nonfiction science and nature work to editors and agents. Have one-to-one critiques from faculty mentors, and have a chance to submit work to all editors participating in this workshop. […]

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August 09, 2020 - August 12, 2020

Power-Up Poetry: Making Connections with Poetry Collections 2020

Join Us To: Get feedback to improve the structure and marketability of your full-length poetry manuscript. Receive one-to-one critique from faculty. Learn how to perform and present poetry in ways that educators are looking for when booking poets for school visits. What You'll Learn: With mentor help, examine your manuscript with a look at organization, […]

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August 13, 2020 - August 16, 2020

The Ins and Outs of a Picture Book and Its Many Forms 2020

Join Us To: Find out what it takes to become a successful picture book author. Study the craft of writing picture books: scene, structure, characters. Learn the business: from submission to school visits, and everything in between. Get multiple feedback perspectives on your work, including a one-to-one faculty critique. Engage in lessons with a nonfiction […]

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August 16, 2020 - August 22, 2020

The Whole Novel Workshop 2020

Join Us To: Have the entire draft of your novel read and critiqued prior to the workshop. Have one-to-one meetings 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 dedicated time to write or revise. What You'll Learn: […]

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August 22, 2020 - August 25, 2020

Telling It True: The Art of Storytelling in Narrative Nonfiction 2020

Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. Other nonfiction workshops to consider: Summer Camp In Writing Nonfiction for Children & Teens, July 15-19 Science and Nature Writing for Kids & Teens, August 5-9 Nonfiction Writers Unworkshop with Deborah Heiligman, October 11-14 Join Us To: Engage children […]

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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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September 03, 2020 - September 06, 2020

Picture Book Boot Camp 8

Bestselling, multi-award winning, and beloved author Jane Yolen is bringing her Picture Book Boot Camp to Highlights. Teaching alongside her daughter, author Heidi E.Y. Stemple, PBBC is 3 intensive days of all things picture book. Every day begins with a poem and then we hit the ground running. Part inspiration, part how-to, and part community building […]

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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 14, 2020 - November 09, 2020

Line Editing Your MG or YA Novel (and Creating Your Book’s Style Guide!) Online Course + Optional Onsite Retreat 2020

Online Course: September 13-November 7, 2020 Optional Onsite Retreat: December 3-6, 2020. Register here. Join Us To: Develop your book’s editorial style guide to keep details clear, concise, and consistent as you revise. Work with an editor to learn revision strategies, including line editing, to use on your work-in-progress. Explore resources and complete assignments to […]

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September 14, 2020 - November 02, 2020

So You Want to be an Author/Illustrator? Online Course (Sept. 14-Nov. 2) Plus Optional On-Site Retreat (Dec. 3-6) 2020

Online Course: September 14-November 2, 2020 Optional Onsite Retreat: December 3-6, 2020. Register here. Author/illustrator Kelly Light will be joining us for the onsite workshop. Join Us To: Explore the possibilities of becoming an author/illustrator: finding ideas, sketches to story ideas, narrative drawing, pagination, thumbnail sketches and creating a picture book dummy. This course is […]

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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 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 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 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 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

Crafting a Successful Beginning for Your Novel 2020

Join Us To: Get feedback on up to 50 pages of your novel draft (line comments and an editorial letter.) Have a one-to-one faculty critique session. Hear from a guest editor about what they're looking for. Hear presentations on craft and the market. What You'll Learn: Lead faculty for this course are two experienced authors […]

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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

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 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 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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November 15, 2020 - November 18, 2020

Symposium for Jewish Children's Literature 2020

Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. Or please consider joining us for the Writing Retreat for Jewish Kidlit Authors in November. Join Us To: Explore where Jewish novelists fit in the business of writing for children and teens: What stories do today’s children need from Jewish […]

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November 18, 2020 - November 21, 2020

Writing Retreat for Jewish Kidlit Authors (Fall) 2020

Join Us To: Enjoy a loosely structured three-day winter writing retreat for Jewish authors writing for children and teens. Have an inclusive space to work on your middle grade or young adult novel, or picture books. Dig into your work-in-progress surrounded by others who are doing the same--your writing time for the weekend is your […]

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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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