Workshops

Revision Retreat 2016 | August 13 – August 17, 2016

Please note: This workshop is full. Send us an email to join our waiting list!

In this working retreat, Harold Underdown and editor Eileen Robinson will teach proven techniques for self-editing and revising and help writers try them out on their manuscripts. Mornings will be dedicated to revision techniques and afternoons to model critique groups, individual meetings, and writing time.

Participants will:

• Try out a variety of techniques for self-editing, from big picture revision down to line-editing
• Explore ways to gain objectivity and more focused responses to manuscripts
• Learn about reader response theory and how to use it to gain insights into a manuscript
• Work together in an optional model critique group, led by the faculty and formed at the retreat from students with similar interests to critique one another’s manuscripts
• Discover creative techniques, such as improvising new scenes or episodes as part of the revision process
• Take part in group discussions and share favorite techniques
• Meet with an editor for individual consultations

Intended for writers wanting to work with experienced editors and other writers to revise a draft of a manuscript while exploring and trying out proven techniques for self-editing. Participants will need to bring a rough or finished draft of a novel, picture book, or narrative nonfiction.

Faculty blog posts:
7 Quick Tips for Beginning Writers
How to Start Revising That First Draft

Faculty & Special Guests

Eileen Robinson

Harold Underdown

Cherie Matthews

Stacey Barney

"This retreat met my high expectations. I received honest, helpful feedback that will help me meet writing goals."—2014 attendee

"Thank you! I had an amazing wonderful experience!"—D. Florence