AUGUST 8 - OCTOBER 9, 2021
TYPE & LENGTH:
Pre-retreat live Zoom Office Hours on 4 Sundays in August and 1 in September (7pm Eastern)
Online; one-week intensive workshop (October 3-9) with feedback and mentorship
Online Preparation activities are noted in the agenda, with firm deadlines
Post-workshop: an optional in-person retreat weekend to meet fellow writers from the program (extra cost)
You can find a more detailed agenda with deadlines and dates here.
PARTICIPANT CAP:
8
WHY THIS WORKSHOP?
The Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel read with written feedback provided. This online program focuses on the Historical Novel, with sessions dedicated to:
Research tips and take-aways
Making a plan for revision
Looking at the HISTORY of Historical Novels
Developing a creative practice
Submissions, and
Building a supportive network of writers
With this workshop, you will get:
An editorial letter providing feedback on your entire novel.
One-to-one meetings with your reader to discuss feedback, revisions, and next steps.
Writing prompts.
Small group discussion and open space to process your revision ideas.
Craft and industry lectures, panels, and activities.
Connection opportunities with fellow writers.
You will be thoughtfully paired with a faculty reader who can offer insights and questions about your drafted novel, and help you prioritize goals. In addition, 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.
Please note:
Acceptance into the program requires a brief application including the first 10-15 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop and a one-page synopsis by July 23, 2021. You will be notified of acceptance by August 1, 2021, with your full novel draft due between August 15-31, 2021. (For a detailed timeline of submissions, please see below.)
Click here to submit your application.
Click here to submit your application if you are also applying for a scholarship.
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. (For information about our general middle grade and young adult Whole Novel program, please click here.)
You have a complete or near-complete draft of a middle grade or young adult novel. You must have a completed draft by the submission window of August 15-31, 2021.
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.
COMMITMENT REQUIRED FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE:
In addition to the pre-retreat deadlines (see below), participants will be asked to reserve time during the retreat week for 1:1 sessions, small group sessions, informal gatherings, and lectures. We also hope that you will block, as best you can, portions of time during the program days for your revision work, and space to rest and reflect on the discussions of the week. This is not mandatory, but it will help enable ample time to process feedback and participate in your sessions.
Aside from the 1:1 sessions and the small groups sessions, we will make every effort to record and post gatherings in the virtual classroom within 24-hours from the end of their live session. You will have access to all recordings in the virtual classroom until November 30, 2021.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
Scholarships are available for this workshop–the application deadline is July 23, 2021.
Please note:
Acceptance into the program requires a brief application including the first 10-15 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop and a one-page synopsis by July 23, 2021. You will be notified of acceptance by August 1, 2021, with your full novel draft due between August 15-31, 2021.
Click here to submit your application if you are also applying for a scholarship.
FROM THE COMMUNITY:
“The faculty were warm, inspiring, wise, encouraging, helpful, and funny. The workshops were as inspiring and as helpful as the presenters. I couldn’t have asked for more!”
“The faculty were awesome. I’ve been through an MFA program in creative writing, so I know top-notch writing instructors when I see them. Learned some very valuable things about my writing at Highlights.”