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 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.