Overview Apply for this transformative opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of a middle grade or young adult novel. Details include: 10-week online course + Whole Novel review and […]
Overview A 3-Part Online Cooperative This supportive program takes all creatives (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, writing prompts, studio dates, daily inspirations, check-ins, and feedback with Sarah Aronson, Chris Tebbetts, Daria Peoples and special guests Jaime Adoff and Meera Trehan. This […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Picture books open the world of information to readers. Join children’s book author Heidi E.Y. Stemple and editor Eileen Robinson to explore the many ways to infuse emotion into your nonfiction picture book, and hook and inspire your readers. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Getting ready to write a novel doesn’t just mean finding a computer or the right pen—you also need to spend time considering the elements that bring emotion and structure to your story. Join author Jennifer Gennari for this short course to learn tangible techniques for getting organized, and getting […]
Overview Multi-Week Online Course Join lead faculty Harold Underdown and special guests Leah Henderson and Linda Epstein for a Crash Course in Children's Publishing. At the end of the course, you will understand how the children’s book publishing industry works, including submitting, publishing, marketing a book for children, teens, or young adults, and beginning ideas about craft and […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Picture book journeys aren’t one size fits all, and that’s a good thing! Join children’s book author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and literary agent Rachel Orr to celebrate alternative approaches to picture book structures. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Gutters in poetry bring meaning all their own. Whether you’re writing a narrative poem, a picture book in verse, or a full-length verse novel, words stand in partnership with poetic gutters. How you use stanza breaks, blank space, and the gaps between poems affects the way that readers engage […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Writing about mental health is about both the impact for our readers, and the experience of our writers. How do we translate our lived experiences while keeping our youth audience centered? Join middle grade novelist Crystal Allen and young adult author and pediatric neuropsychologist Katie Keridan to consider what it […]
Join us for a Q&A webinar about attending in-person programs at the Highlights Foundation in 2024. It's a great session to attend if you've never been to a program on our campus before and would like to learn more about what to expect, or if you have questions about which options might be right for […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Point of view is a core element of every novel, and the importance multiplies with every narrator added into the timeline. Join authors Meera Trehan and Sarah Kapit to explore techniques and innovative choices when bringing multiple narrators to your middle grade or young adult novel. This program is […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Board books, novelty books, and concept books bring the world to the youngest minds. ABCs, counting, shapes, sizes, opposites, and so much more, these important books weave together language and visuals to engage caregivers and children in the book, the world, and one another. Join author/illustrators Merrill Rainey and […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course New readers love to laugh! When we consider crafting humor for picture books, early readers, and chapter books, it's important to learn the "why," to help your story connect and resonate with this age group. But then how do you find the right level of funny? How do you […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Picture book writers must make the most out of each and every word. Bringing readers into your story is just as important as the impact you leave them with at the end. Join award-winning picture book author Valerie Bolling to open the book on picture book beginnings and endings. This program […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Dialogue has the ability to amplify your characters' voices, bring authenticity to your settings, and seriously unlock the pace and beats of your plot. Join award-winning authors Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Mitali Perkins for this short course focused on getting the most out of your novel's dialogue. Tuesday, February […]
Join author/agent Sera Rivers and agent Linda Camacho for a conversation facilitated by author Heather Demetrios about their personal experiences crafting and sharing books with readers. Sera will join the conversation from her experience as an author shaping her past into a novel, including her experience as a faculty member at the Writing Through […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Discovering the inner life of your story's main character can be hard work. Join award-winning authors Kekla Magoon and Laurie Calkhoven for this short course designed to help you get to know the inner secrets of your main characters. This deeper understanding will unlock new aspects of your story, […]
Overview Apply for this transformative opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program in particular is for writers of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and similar genre-specific novels. Details include: 10-week online course + Whole Novel […]
Overview A 5-Week Online Course Join verse novelist Cordelia Jensen to explore how to establish a solid foundation in the first 20 pages of your verse novel. We'll seamlessly transition between drafting and revising, adding layers of emotion and action to your opening so you can use this course to set the tone for your […]
The Highlights Foundation team will gather to celebrate and launch the 2024 Scholarship application season. If you'd like to apply for a scholarship, join us for: Information about the scholarships available Details about the process of applying, including deadlines The webinar will be recorded and made available after the session if you can't join us […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Join authors and anthologists Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Rob Costello to learn about the form, opportunity, and style of writing short fiction for kids and teens. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Join prolific picture book author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen for this short course to advance your picture book manuscript. Learn how you can increase emotional resonance and foster connection with your readers by revising elements like plot, pacing, character, and more. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Join editor Harold Underdown to uncover strategies for successfully submitting your manuscript to agents and editors. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information. Tuesday, January 16, 2024 (7pm – 8:15pm […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Join author and writing motivator Sarah Aronson for a short course to spark the start of your 2024 novel. Sarah will bring her wealth of care and knowledge to help you discover how YOU are the heart of the next novel you tell. This program is a great fit if you’re […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Have you ever been given the writing advice, "show, don't tell"? Join author, agent, and freelance editor Linda Epstein to find ways to do just that in your novel. You'll learn how rich sensory details and well-placed small actions can create vivid settings, grounded dialogue between characters, and an authentic […]
Overview Online Weekend Intensive Gearing up to work on any genre of middle grade or young adult novel in 2024? Then join authors Sona Charaipotra, Dante Medema, and guest Trisha Tobias to set goals and build the roadmap to your finished draft, with an eye toward the business of publishing. This online weekend intensive will […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Poetry has the power to give voice to our inner stories. Whether we are looking to engage in our memories, our grief, our joys, and/or our traumas, verse can unblock the flow to access and empower our words. Join award-winning authors Padma Venkatraman and Aida Salazar for this short course […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Join illustrator and graphic novelist Chuck Gonzales and editor Eileen Robinson to explore the many ways to infuse emotion into your graphic novel, through words and an understanding of illustrations. (Even if you aren't the illustrator!) This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course The story is at the heart of all we do, even when we switch from crafting the story to getting the story into reader's hands. There are boundless opportunities for children's book writers and illustrators to market their work, and get their books in front of readers and the […]
Overview A 4-Week Online Course Relationships between characters (whether they're romantic, friendly, or familial) are the backbone of every great contemporary MG and YA novel. Participate in weekly live discussions and Q&A sessions with editor Kat Brzozowski and guests to learn more about crafting deeply meaningful relationships in your novel. Live sessions at 12:00 - […]
Overview A 5-Week Online Course with Pre-recorded & Written Lectures, Writing Exercises, and Live Discussion/Q&A From A is for ARCHETYPES to Z is for ZONE, this 5-week online course with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen features engaging pre-recorded and written lessons with character-focused writing exercises. You'll meet weekly for live sessions with Q&A that will help you explore every aspect […]
Overview A 3-Week Online Course + Individual Consultation Stories for chapter books, middle grade, and teen novels can be told in so many ways: laugh-out-loud contemporaries, action-packed graphic memoirs, emotionally-charged novels-in-verse, and more. No matter which way you decide to tell your story, you can infuse levity and humor onto the page to hook, connect, […]
Overview A 3-Part Online Course You are ready to begin your work in writing nonfiction for children and teens. But where should you start? Join celebrated authors Jennifer Swanson and Teresa Robeson and special guest editor Eileen Robinson to open yourself to the wonderful world of nonfiction books. This course has 3 parts: two back-to-back weekends (Thursday evening, Friday evening, and […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Children's books have the opportunity to portray and celebrate the diversity of bodies, and the multitude of ways that people process and proceed throughout the world. Authentic disability representation in children's books breaks stereotypes, makes connections, and centers the disability experience. Join author/illustrator Kaz Windness, and editor and author […]
Overview Application-Based Online Program for Muslim Storytellers This application-based, in-community program has been created to invite new Muslim voices into the children’s book industry through a multi-week, online course. This program is funded by a grant from the Doris Duke Foundation through its Building Bridges Program. The Building Bridges Program supports national efforts, working with […]
Overview A Short Intensive Online Course Wondering where and how to start your graphic novel? Do you need to be an author/illustrator? Do images come first, or a script? Join storytellers Jacqueline Barnes and Kayden Phoenix with special guest agent Janna Morishima to discover ways to bring your idea for a graphic novel to the page. This online intensive […]
Overview Multi-Week Online Course Join lead faculty Harold Underdown and special guests for a Crash Course in Children's Publishing. At the end of the course, you will understand how the children’s book publishing industry works, including submitting, publishing, marketing a book for children, teens, or young adults, and beginning ideas about craft and critique. 10 weeks […]
Overview A 3-Part Online Course The verse novel is an art all its own—sculpted through story and the act of revision. If you’ve done the hard work of drafting your novel in verse and are now ready to immerse yourself in revisions, we invite you to join Cordelia Jensen for this three-part program. We are thrilled to […]
Overview Multi-Week Online Course Get the tools you need to open up the all opportunities that the ed market has to offer! Join Educational Market professionals Sandra Athans, Mike Downs, Paula Morrow, and special guests to learn strategies to start submitting to today’s educational market. Live sessions (with closed captioning) Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm – 8:30pm […]
Overview A Weekly Online Course + Individual Consultations on Your School Visit Join Andrea Loney, George Jreije, and Michelle Cusolito for a productive workshop to develop a 20-minute, reader-focused visit (plus strategies to expand or condense it as needed) with faculty support. You'll blend who you are as a storyteller with resonant content and materials to […]
Overview Multi-Week Online Course Join novelist Jennifer Gennari for this six-week online course to build the skills needed to revise and enrich your novel. The course features live sessions with faculty, structured assignments, community interaction, and goal-setting. Live Lectures (with closed captioning) Wednesdays at 7-8pm EST (September 27, October 4, October 11, 18, 25, and […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Middle Grade readers come to horror with wanting curiosity and endless expectations. This genre opens the door for readers to the real and imaginary horrors of this world. Join award-winning middle grade author Ally Malinenko for this short course in (as Ally says), "Crafting stories that show readers how […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course First pages offer a promise to our readers. No matter the genre, no matter the form—a first page is an invitation to your entire book. Join young adult author Laura Sibson and agent Leslie Zampetti for this short course to understand the promise in a powerful first page. Tuesday, […]
Overview A 3-Week Online Course + Individual Consultation Chapter book series engage kids with relatable characters, engaging plots, and age-appropriate stories. Join Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen to build your knowledge about the beloved genre of chapter books with presentations, pre-recorded and written resources to prepare for live sessions, generative peer-to-peer discussions, and a post-course 1:1 consultation. Live Lectures […]
Overview A 3-Part Online Cooperative This supportive program takes all writers (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, writing prompts, daily inspirations, check-ins, and feedback with Sarah Aronson, Chris Tebbetts, and special guests Diana Ma and Meera Trehan. This is an online course in three parts: Part […]
Overview A Two-Part Mini Online Course Join author Aminah Mae Safi and editor Kat Brzozowski to explore a Voice that is uniquely your own. A Voice that comes from within— inner conflicts, outside pressures, personal values, experiences, identity, and so much more. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of […]
Overview A Six-Week Online Course with Pre-recorded Lectures, and Live Discussion/Q & A/Writing Exercises Mold your middle grade or young adult novel into the story only you can tell, with senior literary agent and writer Linda Epstein. Pre-recorded lectures released on Fridays before the next live class Live sessions via Zoom (with discussion/Q & A and […]
Overview A 3-Part Online Course Join editors Harold Underdown and Eileen Robinson for this 3-part online course that offers the skills and space you need to revise, rebuild, and enliven your story. You’ll make real progress in weekly online sessions + a 1:1 consultation with faculty (Part 1), faculty-supported independent revision planning (Part 2), and a culminating virtual […]
Overview Multi-Week Online Course If you are illustrating AND writing your own book, and wondering how to prepare your dummy for submission, this is the course for you. You will focus on the craft of writing and illustrating a picture book with an intense level of feedback. Participants who complete all assignments should be able […]
Overview A Two-Part Intensive Online Course Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, focus your research with this two-weekend online intensive. Join Stephanie Gibeault, Jolene Gutiérrez, Anita Yasuda and special guests agent/author Jacqui Lipton and editor/author Feather Flores for interactive lectures, discussions, Q&A with an editor and agent, a 1:1 consultation, and resources for all writers. Live Presentations via Zoom (with […]
Overview A Short Intensive Online Course Thinking about starting a podcast for kids, but don’t know where to start? Join librarian, writer, and podcast innovator Matthew Winner to find the heart of your podcast for kids. This online intensive workshop will include presentations, small group discussions, a Q & A gathering, and more! Live Lectures (with closed […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Everyone loves picture books! But writing stories that sell means going beyond a fun idea. Join award-winning picture book author Darcy Pattison and author/illustrator Leslie Helakoski for this short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with the community, but loads of information. Tuesday, July 18, 2023 (7pm […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Getting started in the children’s book industry can be confusing. Beyond the skills needed to craft a great story, there is much to learn as you aspire to write and/or illustrate professionally and publish for kids and teens. After nearly three decades in children’s books, Editor Harold Underdown has much to […]
Authors NoNieqa Ramos, Vicki Johnson, and Alexandra Villasante will gather together to talk about illuminating and joyous books that we’ve loved, and projects that have brought pride and joy to our lives, even in unexpected places. At the end of the session, Em Dickson will join us in conversation from the perspective of reader, writer, […]
Overview Multi-Month Online Course with a Full Novel Critique Included The Highlights Foundation Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program in particular is for writers of historical, or historically […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Picture book writers must make the most out of each and every word. Bringing readers into your story is just as important as the impact you leave them with at the end. Join picture book author Valerie Bolling to open the book on picture book beginnings and endings. This program is a […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Beginning illustrators can join children’s book author/illustrator Courtney Pippin-Mathur to talk about approaches to using different media (traditional and/or digital) in your illustrations, and special guest Aram Kim for ten tips about submitting work to an art director (tradition and/or digital). This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short […]
Overview A 4-day Online Intensive with Lectures, Discussion, Discovery, & Read Alouds This workshop is designed to bring LGBTQIA+ creators and allies together to craft picture books with clear LGBTQIA+ themes. You will learn to create books that celebrate joy, respect, and appreciation for children in today’s world, showing beauty and strength in our rainbow […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Sometimes feedback whispers, “this book is too quiet,” but what does that really mean? And, is there a place in the market for a “quiet” book? Join award-winning author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow to learn ways to embrace your “quiet” book, turning up the volume for your audiences. Tuesday, May 16, 2023 (7pm […]
Join this free webinar for a mini inspirational keynote, and time in community with others on this journey of writing and illustrating for kids. Our keynote will feature Alison Green Myers, author and Program Director for the Highlights Foundation. We'll also hear from Highlights Foundation Summer Camp alumni and authors/illustrators Harlan DeChamps, Daria Peoples, and […]
Learn the tools and strategies writers need to dig into research with confidence.
Overview An Online Course with Pre-recorded & Written Lectures, Writing Exercises, and Live Discussion/Q&A Are you ready to do a deep, deep dive into picture book structure? This online course with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen features pre-recorded and/or written assignments for each letter of the “Picture Book Alphabet,” plus weekly LIVE Zoom sessions for all of your course related questions. Pre-recorded […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Take a look at stories that sing with rhythm and rhyme, and learn how to accomplish the structure and skills needed in your own work with Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Anne Marie Pace. Tuesday, May 2, 2023 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern) Thursday, May 4, 2023 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern) Webinar-style program with closed […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course How do you build a social media following? Where should you focus your time to best connect with publishers and fellow artists? And is there a way to monetize your social activity? Join webcomic team Lisa Burdige and John Hazard to learn how illustrators can get the most out of their posts without […]
Overview A 3-Part Online Cooperative This supportive program takes all writers (nonfiction or fiction, picture books, novels, essays, and more) from goal-stating to finished drafts. Together, we’ll move through live sessions, writing prompts, daily inspirations, check-ins, and feedback with Sarah Aronson, Chris Tebbetts, and special guests Diana Ma and Meera Trehan. This is an online course in three parts: Part […]
Overview Multi-Week Online Course Join verse novelist Cordelia Jensen for a five-week online course to explore the fundamentals, celebrations, and challenges of writing novels in verse. You’ll be introduced to using this form to its utmost advantage, while taking into consideration the general foundations of storytelling. Live Lectures (with closed captioning) Tuesdays at 1 – 2:30pm EST (April 18, […]
Overview A Six-Week Online Course with Pre-recorded Lectures, and Live Discussion/Q & A/Writing Exercises Mold your middle grade or young adult novel into the story only you can tell, with senior literary agent and writer Linda Epstein. Pre-recorded lectures released on Fridays (March 3, 17, 24; April 7, 14, 21) Live sessions via Zoom (with discussion/Q […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Join children’s book author Heidi E.Y. Stemple and editor Eileen Robinson to explore the many ways to infuse emotion into your nonfiction picture book, and hook and inspire your readers. Tuesday, March 14 (7pm – 8:15pm EST) Thursday, March 16 (7pm – 8:15pm EST) Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the […]
Overview Multi-Week Online Course Join novelist Jennifer Gennari for this six-week online course to build the skills needed to revise and enrich your novel. The course features live sessions with faculty, structured assignments, community interaction, and goal-setting. Live Lectures (with closed captioning) Tuesdays at 7-8pm EST (March 7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4 & […]
Overview Multi-Month Online Course with a Full Novel Critique Included The Highlights Foundation Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 80,000 words) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program in particular is for writers of science […]
Registration Is Still Available for This Course We had our first session with introductions on February 28. Course materials and content (including a recording of the first live session) are available in the online classroom now. Our next live session is Tuesday, March 14. Feel free to join us until then! When you register, a […]
Overview Multi-Week Online Course Characters are the foundation for every aspect of your story. They’re also the vehicle through which readers will connect with your story. Use this course to deepen your understanding of your characters in picture books through novels to unlock secrets and make decisions about point of view, plot, pacing and more. […]
Overview A Two-Week Online Course Quite often, issues with a story in progress can be traced back to its beginning. In this course, Alicia D. Williams, Erin Dionne, and Chris Tebbetts will explore how your first pages and early choices can kickstart your chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel, and help you navigate […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Novelists, join us for two evening sessions to develop your book’s editorial style guide so you can keep details clear, concise, and consistent as you revise. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with loads of […]
The Highlights Foundation team will gather to celebrate and launch the 2023 Scholarship application season. If you'd like to apply for a scholarship, join us for: Information about the scholarships available Details about the process of applying, including deadlines The webinar will be recorded and made available after the session if you can't join us […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Novelists need feedback on their work to deepen revisions and enrich characters, plot, and pacing. In this course, novelists and real-life feedback partners Diana Ma and Christina Scheuer dig into the fundamentals of giving and receiving feedback, and explore how creating relationships and participating in reciprocal feedback cycles can […]
Overview A One-Night Mini Online Course Writers fill their wells with stories: stories from the everyday happenings around them, and stories from fellow writers. Middle grade author Eric Bell asks, "Do you read like a writer?" We invite beginning writers to join Eric for a fun, webinar-style class on ways to improve your writing through […]
Overview A Two-Night Mini Online Course Picture book journeys aren’t one size fits all, and that’s a good thing! Join children’s book author Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and literary agent Rachel Orr to celebrate alternative approaches to picture book structures. This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions […]
Overview A Short Intensive Online Course Thinking about writing a picture book, but don’t know where to start? Already started a picture book and feeling stuck? Join author Nikki Shannon Smith to kickstart your picture book project, with an overview of picture book formats and structures, plus strategies for idea implementation, drafting, and revising. This […]
Overview Online, On-Demand Self-Paced Course Included are 4 pre-recorded online sessions you can access on-demand for up to 6 months from the date of your registration Imagine your reader cemented in place by your story, unable to move until they reach the end. Imagine your reader racing to place your book into the hands of […]
Overview Whether your picture book is character-driven or plot-driven, character anchors the story. This on-demand course is designed to give you tools and knowledge to develop strong characters that your readers will love. Online, On-Demand Self-Paced Course Five chapters of prepared online lessons that you can access on-demand for up to 6 months from the […]
Overview Take this deep, deep dive into picture book structure with lessons on each letter of the “Picture Book Alphabet” designed by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. This on-demand course is designed to give you tools and knowledge to plot your picture books with care. Online, On-Demand Self-Paced Course Included are five chapters prepared online lessons that you […]
Overview A Self-Paced, Online On-Demand Course Seven (7) pre-recorded online sessions you can access on-demand for up to six (6) months from the date of your registration. A 20-minute Zoom call with Erin or Chris after you register. Optional monthly office hours on the first Tuesday of each month from 7-8pm EST for up to […]
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