Overview

In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat

Join Heidi Stemple, Andrea Page, and editor Eileen Robinson for time to create and connect with fellow nonfiction writers. This Working Retreat is lightly structured with one lecture each day, informal conversations, optional consultations with faculty, and plenty of time to create in the comfort and care of the Highlights Foundation retreat center.

Nonfiction writers includes anyone who infuses facts into their writing—nonfiction, informational fiction, narrative nonfiction, nonfiction elements, and nonfiction adjacent stories.

• This is an in-person retreat for writers eager to create engaging nonfiction and/or informational fiction for kids and teens (with themes of STEM/STEAM, biography, social justice, history, and more).
• Light instruction and ample time to work on your individual projects.
• Lodging and meals are included.
• Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday, May 16
• Ends after lunch on Sunday, May 19

From the Faculty Hosts:

“I hope that people will leave more confident in their writing projects and that they’re going to be encouraged and inspired being in community with people. I love that part because I like to brainstorm ideas back and forth. If you get stuck on something, it helps to just talk about it and journal about it. And then all of a sudden you, you find the right path to go on. So just being creative and having more confidence in yourself as a writer and being inspired. I hope that’s how people walk away from the Highlights retreat this year. “—Andrea Page

“I think writing can be a super lonely business. The journey is occasionally just you and the people in your head talking to you. So I hope the retreaters come away with it with a new sense of community. Maybe even some new writing partners or critique partners. With a new set of tools for writing and revision and research.”—Heidi EY Stemple

Feedback Expected

• Optional consultations can be scheduled with one of our faculty mentors. These opportunities are available at an additional cost, and can be added at the time of registration or during your retreat stay. No submissions will be required or accepted for these 1:1 consultation opportunities, but you will fill out a questionnaire in advance (in our virtual classroom) to prepare. Consultations will include time to discuss where you are in your stories, and ideas for moving forward with drafting, revisions, and/or submissions.
• There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You are working on a biography, a nature or science-themed book, a social justice book, and/or educational work for kids or teens. 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 want to build skills in weaving research and facts into your fiction. We welcome writers working to bring research practices into their fiction, including informational picture books and/or nonfiction adjacent projects.  This includes longer fiction or poetry with heavy themes and deep research to weave information into the narrative.
• You have an idea for a nonfiction book for kids and/or teens. You’ll be in company with fellow nonfiction creatives. We’ll share generative writing prompts to help bring your idea to the next level.
• 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 creatives over meals and informal gatherings.

Detailed Agenda

All Times are Eastern Standard Time.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

Pre-Workshop

• 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).  You can also fill out a questionnaire if you opt for a 1:1 consultation with a faculty mentor (at an additional cost).
• We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, research, 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.

How It Impacts Kids

Kids love reading about real people and events! This Working Retreat gives you time and space to bring informational fiction and nonfiction to the page, in a supportive environment.

Heidi Stemple on Nonfiction

Testimonials from Our Community

“The faculty was friendly, helpful, patient, accessible. I felt as if they were glad to answer any and all questions and to share their knowledge and expertise.”

“It was, hands down, the best writing experience I’ve ever had. Too often educational encounters are competitive in nature. In this workshop I felt totally relaxed.”

“It really gave me the focus I needed, to sort out my stories and make a strategy for submissions.”

“The cottage was perfect, the surroundings peaceful and relaxing. I was able to find a balance of work and play. So much thought and consideration has gone into providing an inspiring, rejuvenating environment.”

“This retreat was wonderful. There was so much positive energy, and it really gave me the momentum to keep working toward my goals.”

Related Resources

• 3 Questions With Heidi EY Stemple and Andrea Page About Writing Nonfiction for Children
• When Do I Need Permission to Write About Real People and Events?
• 6 Tips for Rocking Your Research
• 12 Signs That You Are Destined to Write Middle Grade Nonfiction
• Just Like a Novel, Narrative Nonfiction Tells a Story
• 10 Things to Consider When Writing a Picture Book Biography
• Energize Your Nonfiction Articles and Books with Interviews
• Podcast: Heidi Stemple on Birds, Back Matter and Mentor Texts
• STEAMing Into Nonfiction: 4 Ways to Make It Leap-Off-the-Page Exciting!
• Seven Ways to Make Your Children’s Nonfiction Stand Out
• 8 Things to Consider When You Want to Write Creative Nonfiction for Children
• True Storytelling: Writing Picture Book Biographies and Narrative Nonfiction
• Get It Right With Research for Your Nonfiction Picture book
• 5 Questions Everyone Asks About Writing Nonfiction for Kids
• 12 Nonfiction Picture Books With Emotional Resonance