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 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