Highlights Whole Novel Genre Fiction Workshop: A Virtual Course for Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Novelists.

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 fiction, fantasy, horror, and similar genre-specific novels.

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 fiction, fantasy, horror, and similar genre-specific novels.

• Apply on or before February 2 (with final notifications on or before February 9)

• Online presentations: March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23, March 30, April 13 (Thursdays, 7pm – 8:30pm Eastern); Tentative topics and schedule listed below.

• Complete manuscript submissions due by March 22

• Feedback letters delivered to writers by April 20

• 60-minute, 1:1 Private Zoom Consultation: Scheduled at a mutually convenient time, April 24 – April 26

• The cost of the full course (including feedback letter, 1:1 consultation, lectures, and writing exercises) is $2,199.

• There will be an optional in-person retreat to meet fellow writers at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center, at an additional cost. Enjoy your consultation in-person and make meaningful progress on your revisions (April 23 – April 27). Details and sign-up will be provided after acceptance into the course.

• 16 participants max

WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM?

The Whole Novel Workshop is reserved for novelists who have made significant independent progress on their drafts and need a review of the “whole novel” to move forward in their revision goals.

As such, you will need to have a completed draft of your novel that matches the criteria for the course by the submission due date (March 22).

We ask that you apply to the course to make sure that the Whole Novel format is the best fit for your goals. Please submit:

• The first 5 – 10 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop

• A one-page synopsis or general outline

• Tentative page count, workshop goals, and a short bio (including how you are connected to this project)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting immediately through February 2.  There is no fee to apply.

You will be notified of your acceptance status no later than February 9, 2023, and if accepted, asked to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit and set up a payment plan or pay your registration in full. (You may also use a scholarship that you have been previously awarded to attend a Whole Novel program.)

The cost of the full course (including feedback letter, 1:1 consultation, lectures, and writing exercises) is $2,199.

More information linked here.

AUGUST 12 - 16, 2022

OVERVIEW

In-person 5-Day/4-Night Workshop and Retreat

This intensive 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 two private consultations provided. Attention in an intimate setting makes this program one that guarantees significant progress in preparation for submission. This Whole Novel Workshop is specifically designed for writers of novels for children and teens.

• Application deadline: May 20 (acceptance will be made by May 31)

• Online preparatory and community building activities (via live Zoom Office Hours): June 9, June 16, June 23, then July 14 (all Thursdays at 7pm Eastern)

• Complete manuscript and peer group submissions: by July 1

• The in-person workshop at our Retreat Center includes inspirational sessions and opportunities for time in the company of fellow creatives.

  • Begins at with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Friday, August 12

  • Ends with lunch at 1:00pm Eastern on Tuesday, August 16

  • We include ample time to relax, retreat, and work on your own projects.

  • Lodging and meals are included at the retreat.

• 16 participants max

Application Deadline: May 20, 2022
To apply, you will need to submit:

• The first 10 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop

• A one-page synopsis

• Complete page count, workshop goals, and a short bio

• Click here to submit your application.

• Click here to submit your application if you are also applying for a scholarship.

You will be notified of your acceptance status no later than May 31. Upon acceptance, you will receive a link to register for the workshop.

Please note: There is another session of the Whole Novel Workshop that will take place one week later than this one, with in-person retreat dates of August 19-23.  That session also has different faculty.  You can learn more about it here.. When you submit your application online, you should apply for your preferred session, but also note whether or not you’d be open to/available for the other session as well (in the available form field within the application).  Both sessions have the same application deadline date.

FEEDBACK EXPECTED:

• You will be thoughtfully paired with a faculty reader who can offer insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 80,000 words*), and help you prioritize goals. You will receive this written feedback along with two private consultations to discuss feedback and goals.

• A specially crafted “brain trust” peer group will be built with your needs in mind. This unique roundtable discussion will host no more than 8 fellow writers, and will be facilitated by a caring guide who sees that each group maintains a safe atmosphere and centers your needs during the discussion.

• Informal feedback will be offered throughout the workshop via discussions and open sharing during free creative time.

• Informal feedback will take place in the virtual classroom and in the online preparatory and community building activities included in the pre-workshop Zoom sessions.

WHY THIS WORKSHOP?

The Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel (up to 80,000 words*) read with written feedback and two private consultations provided, plus a week-long retreat opportunity to:

• connect with fellow writers

• plan revisions

• hear inspirational presentations

• discuss your personal writing needs, and

• work on your novel in preparation for submission.

Attention in an intimate setting makes this program one that guarantees significant progress in preparation for submission.

You’ll move through this program alongside fellow authors who are in the thick of the creative process with you; from our experienced readers to your fellow attendees. Whether you’re working toward getting your first novel published, or working on the next (or the next!), this workshop can help you see your work in a new light.

Note: “Brain Trust” peer groups are small, carefully chosen cohorts of your fellow attendees, plus a facilitator. Your “brain trust” group members will come to the workshop having read your short submission and will have some familiarity with your work. Your “brain trust” guide will then help you bring your own questions and challenges to the group, so that they may offer you new perspectives and approaches to problem solving. The goal is to use those perspectives as you complete your revisions to bring out the best in your own story. Hear our podcast about “Brain Trusts” here.

With this workshop, you receive:

• An editorial letter offering written insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 80,000 words*) to help you prioritize goals.

• At least two private consultations with your reader to discuss feedback, revisions, and next steps.

• Time to stretch creatively with presentations and prompts.

• Small group discussions and open space to process your revision ideas.

• Connection opportunities with fellow writers.

Please note:

• Acceptance into the program requires a brief application, including the first 10 pages from the manuscript you wish to receive feedback on during the program + a one-page synopsis (due May 20, 2022).

• You will be notified of acceptance no later than May 31, 2022.

• Your full novel draft (up to 80,000 words*) is due on or before July 1. *If your work-in-progress is over 80,000 words and you would still like to apply, please note the current length in your application.

• Peer group submissions are also due on or before July 1 (cover letter, synopsis, and ten pages of narrative).

THIS WORKSHOP IS A GREAT FIT IF:

• You have a complete or near-complete draft of a novel. You’ll get the most out of this workshop if you’re at this stage. Your full workshop novel submission is due by July 1, and then you’ll workshop it in earnest, readying it for submission.

• Your project is one of many fiction genres, a graphic novel, a verse novel, or a multi-genre novel. If you aren’t sure if your novel fits the program specifics, please reach out and ask.

• You would benefit from receiving multiple feedback perspectives. In addition to a whole novel review by your faculty reader, you will lead a discussion for feedback from your “brain trust” guides and fellow writers.

• You’re willing to work! This program is best for those who will dedicate time and attention to processing feedback, revising, writing exercises, and group sessions.

• You’d appreciate some retreat time. This course has plenty of built-in time to write, draw, hike, revise, and/or rest: whatever you need.

DETAILED AGENDA:

Pre-Workshop

• Apply for acceptance into the Whole Novel Workshop by May 20, 2022. You will be notified of acceptance by May 31 with a link to complete your registration.

• Shortly after acceptance: you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to peers, engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), and view instructions for submissions.

• Your full novel draft (up to 80,000 words*) is due on or before July 1. *If your work-in-progress is over 80,000 words and you would still like to apply, please note the current length in your application.

• Online preparatory and community building activities (via live Zoom Office Hours):

  • June 9, 7pm Eastern (Introductions with Q & A)

  • June 16, 7pm Eastern (Let’s Write Together & “Brain Trust” Overview)

  • June 23, 7pm Eastern (Let’s Write Together & Details about Submissions)

  • July 14, 7pm Eastern (Preparing for your retreat & reading)

• Editorial letters from faculty readers will be sent for your review by August 9

• With a virtual 1:1 scheduled some time between August 10 – 12

WHOLE NOVEL HISTORICAL: A VIRTUAL COURSE FOR HISTORICAL NOVELISTS

APRIL 24 - JUNE 16, 2022

OVERVIEW:

Multi-Month Online Course, $1799
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 two private consultations provided. This online program in particular is for writers of Historical Fiction novels.

• Application deadline: on or before April 9 (acceptance will be made on a rolling basis, with final notifications on or before April 16)

• Online preparatory and community building activities (via live Zoom Office Hours): April 24, May 1, May 15, May 22 (all Sundays at 4pm Eastern)

• Complete manuscript and peer group submissions: by May 12

• Five-day online intensive workshop: June 12 – 16, with feedback and mentorship

• Post-online retreat: Optional in-person retreat to meet fellow writers from the program at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center (June 26 – June 29; extra cost)

• 12 participants max

Application Deadline: on or before April 9, 2022
To apply, you will need to submit:

• The first 10 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop

• A one-page synopsis

• Complete page count, workshop goals, and a short bio

• Click here to submit your application.

• Click here to submit your application if you are also applying for a scholarship.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting immediately. You will be notified of your acceptance status as your application is reviewed (by no later than April 16, 2022). Upon acceptance, you will receive a link to register for the workshop.

FEEDBACK EXPECTED:

• You will be thoughtfully paired with a faculty reader who will offer written insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 80,000 words), and help you prioritize goals. You will receive this written feedback along with two private consultations to discuss feedback and goals.

• You will spend time with peers in small groups discussing the heart of your novel, as well as questions you have about revising and rewriting to make your novel stronger. You will be expected to read short submissions (cover letters, synopses, and ten pages of narrative) from up to 6 participants in your group.

• Informal feedback will occur throughout the preparatory office hours, and with writing exercises during the intensive.

WHY THIS WORKSHOP?

The Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel (up to 80,000 words) read with written feedback provided. This online program focuses on the Historical Novel, with sessions dedicated to:

• Planning for revision

• Writing history as a contemporary author

• Confronting writer’s block

• Submissions

• Building a supportive network of writers

With this workshop, you get:

• An editorial letter offering written insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 80,000 words) to help you prioritize goals.

• Two private consultations with your reader to discuss feedback, revisions, and next steps.

• Daily writing prompts during the online intensive.

• Small group discussion and open space to process your revision ideas.

• Connection opportunities with fellow writers.

Please note:

• Acceptance into the program requires a brief application, including the first 10 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop + a one-page synopsis (due on or before April 9, 2022)

• Acceptance is made on a rolling basis; you will be notified of acceptance no later than April 16, 2022.

• Your full novel draft (up to 80,000 words) is due on or before May 12. If your work-in-progress is over 80,000 words and you would still like to apply, please note the current length in your application.

• Peer group submissions are also due on or before May 12 (cover letter, synopsis, and ten pages of narrative).

IT’S A GREAT FIT IF:

• You are writing a historical novel for middle grade or young adult readers. This workshop is specifically built to support novelists working on historical fiction. Your historical novel can be any format or structure you wish: epistolary, multiple POV, verse, graphic novel, or other.

• You have a complete or near-complete draft of a middle grade or young adult novel. You must have a completed draft by May 12 to participate.

• You would benefit from receiving multiple feedback perspectives. In addition to a whole novel review by your faculty reader, you will also meet with fellow writers in small groups to process feedback and discuss your plans for revision.

• You’re willing to work! This program is best for those who will dedicate time and attention to processing feedback, revising, writing exercises, and group sessions.

• You enjoy online learning. The Whole Novel Workshop for Historical Fiction takes place on Zoom with preparatory meetings and a five-day intensive.

DETAILED AGENDA:

Application Deadline: on or before April 9, 2022

Submission Deadlines:

• No later than May 12: Full novel draft due (Up to 80,000 words)

• No later than May 12: Peer group submission due (cover letter, synopsis, and ten pages of narrative)

Preparatory Live Zoom Office Hours:

• Sunday, April 24, 4 – 5pm Eastern (Introductions and Welcome to the Class)

• Sunday, May 1, 4 – 5pm Eastern (Let’s Write Together! + Questions about submissions)

• Sunday, May 15, 4 – 5pm Eastern (Let’s Write Together! + Answers about peer groups)

• Sunday, May 22, 4 – 5pm Eastern (Checking in before virtual retreat, and questions about feedback letter)

Feedback Received:

• No later than June 10: Participants will receive their Whole Novel Written Feedback Letter from Faculty Readers

Online Intensive: (All times Eastern)
Day 1: Sunday, June 12

• 12pm – 4pm EST: Meetings with reader to discuss feedback and prioritize your week (you will receive your slot in advance of the date)

• 5pm – 6:00pm EST: Optional Meet & Greet

• 6pm – 7:30pm EST: Reimagining Your Revision

Day 2: Monday, June 13

• 11am EST: Morning Gather

• 12pm EST: Small Group Meetings with Alisa (you will receive your group assignment in advance of the date)

  • 12:30pm – 2pm EST: Group A meets with Alisa

  • 2:30pm – 4pm EST: Group B meets with Alisa

• 7:30-8:30pm EST: Optional Writing Prompt with Krystal

Day 3: Tuesday, June 14

• 11am EST: Morning Gather

• 12pm EST: Small Group Meetings with Alisa (you will receive your group assignment in advance of the date)

  • 12:30pm – 2pm EST: Group A meets with Alisa

  • 2:30pm – 4pm EST: Group B meets with Alisa

• 7:30pm-8:30pm EST: Presentation (Topic TBD)

Day 4: Wednesday, June 15

• 11am EST: Morning Gather

• 12pm EST: Prepare for group meetings

• 12:30pm – 3pm EST: Small groups meet without facilitator

• 7:30-8:30pm EST: Optional Writing Prompt with Krystal

Day 5: Thursday, June 16

• 11am EST: Morning Gather

• 12pm – 4pm EST: Meetings with reader to discuss next steps (you will receive your slot in advance of the date; those not in meetings can write in community with optional prompts or write independently)

• 5:30 – 6:30pm EST: Panel discussion with faculty

• 6:30 – 8pm EST: Closing with open mic and sharing from all writers

Learn more here.

Getting to Know Your Novel: Overview

Multi-Week Online Course

• Live Lectures with closed captioning available Tuesdays at 12-1:30pm EST (February 15, 22, and March 1, 8)

• Optional Live Office Hours Mondays at 12-1pm EST (February 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21)

• Small group, guest faculty-led manuscript workshopping of first chapter, synopsis, and cover letter (6-8 writers per group; date/time will be based on your group assignment. Submissions for workshopping due March 15, with time to review peer submissions built into the course March 21-28.)

• Weekly Writing assignments February 15 – March 8 (2 per week; posted in the virtual classroom)

• Connection with peers in a community forum and during office hours

• 18 participants max

Make real progress on your novel by getting to know it at a deeper level through craft lectures, idea brainstorming, writing exercises, and first chapter/synopsis workshopping with faculty and peer support.

FEEDBACK EXPECTED:

• Informal written feedback in the Virtual Classroom from peers and faculty

• Peer and faculty feedback during small group workshopping of first chapter and synopsis

WHY THIS WORKSHOP?

Sometimes when you’re writing novels, you need help from someone else. You need guidance to help articulate what you want to say—to get you away from the words on the page and back into the inspiration and intuition that brought you there to begin with. That’s what this course does. As Sarah Aronson says, “In this class, we can help each other feel safe and get back on track.”

This multi-week intensive features live lectures, writing exercises, and multiple opportunities for feedback on your work-in-progress.

You’ll have a unique opportunity to improve your novel through:

• Engaging lectures: Theme & YOU; Characters & Plot; Secondary Characters at Center Stage; Scene Work: Flashbacks, Prologue, Action, & Incredible Endings

• Optional Office Hours: To ask questions, talk process, and brainstorm ideas.

• Revision time: Between the final lecture and your submission, you will have time to implement your revisions and reach out to your faculty and peers for advice and support.

• Faculty & peer feedback: After you’ve made revisions, you will meet in small groups facilitated to get the most out of the discussions about your work and your remaining questions.

IT’S A GREAT FIT FOR:

• Novelists (middle grade or YA) or chapter book writers. Even if you’ve previously written a novel, the course will provide support for your new project.

• Those who are working on or have completed a draft. If you have a draft, a half-draft, or a character that you know you want to write about, you can use the exercises and lectures to help you brainstorm and find more elements of your novel.

• Those who feel stuck. If you’re halfway through a manuscript and feel like you just can’t make progress, this course has exercises for that! Sometimes writer’s block is not actually a block. It’s your novel telling you to start digging, to look further down the road, to think bigger. Maybe it’s telling you that you’re too busy and to relax a little bit. Whatever it is, this course will help you figure it out and get to the end.

• Those who like the structure of weekly lectures and writing exercises. All sessions take place weekly with connections to writing exercises to keep you in your project. You can also opt for community building during the office hours, with plenty of opportunity to share questions and ideas.

• You want feedback on your work. Learning to trust others is one of the most important skills an author can have. This course provides multiple feedback perspectives from faculty, facilitators, and fellow writers.

DETAILED AGENDA:

Week One
Tuesday, February 15, 12pm – 1:30pm Eastern: THEME & What YOU Bring to Your Novel

• Welcome with introductions

• Opening lecture: THEME & What YOU Bring to Your Novel

• Q & A

• Overview of writing assignments, virtual classroom, and optional office hours

In the Virtual Classroom:

• Two writing assignments

Week Two
Monday, February 21, 12pm – 1:00pm Eastern: Optional Office Hour

• Get to know your fellow writers.

• Come with questions and ideas.

Tuesday, February 22, 12pm – 1:30pm Eastern: Main Characters & Plot

• Lecture Two : Main Characters & Plot

• Q & A

• Overview of writing assignments

In the Virtual Classroom:

• Two writing assignments

Week Three
Monday, February 28, 12pm – 1:00pm Eastern: Optional Office Hour

• Get to know your fellow writers.

• Come with questions and ideas.

Tuesday, March 1, 12pm – 1:30pm Eastern: Secondary Characters Take Center Stage

• Lecture Three: Secondary Characters Take Center Stage

• Q & A

• Overview of writing assignment

In the Virtual Classroom:

• Two writing assignments

Week Four
Monday, March 7, 12pm – 1:00pm Eastern: Optional Office Hour

• Get to know your fellow writers.

• Come with questions and ideas.

Tuesday, March 8, 12pm – 1:30pm Eastern: Focusing on Scene Work

• Lecture Four: Flashbacks, Prologue, Action, and Incredible Endings

• Q & A

• Overview of submission and small group process

In the Virtual Classroom:

• Prepare for Submission

Week Five
Monday, March 14, 12pm – 1:00pm Eastern: Optional Office Hour

• Share revision process questions, ideas, and more.

• Small Group Facilitators invited.

In the Virtual Classroom:

• Submission due by March 15 at 8pm Eastern (no live lecture this week to prepare)

Week Six
Monday, March 21, 12pm – 1:00pm Eastern: Optional Office Hour

• General discussion before small group meetings.

• Small Group Facilitators invited.

In the Virtual Classroom:

• Read your small group submissions, respond to writer-led questions (no live lecture this week to allow time to review submissions from your small group of 6-8 writers)

Week Seven
Small Group Discussions (Your group will be assigned. You will only attend one discussion.)

• Monday, March 28, 12pm – 2:30pm Eastern, or

• Tuesday, March 29, 12pm – 2:30pm Eastern, or

• Thursday, March 31, 7pm – 9:30pm Eastern

Learn more here.