Workshops for Children's Writers and Illustrators
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  Workshop Description  
 

Date: June 13–20, 2009
Arrive Saturday, June 13, at 3 PM
Depart Saturday, June 20, after brunch

Designed for:

  • serious, committed, emerging writers with a complete—or nearly complete—draft of a middle-grade or young-adult novel,

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  • MFA graduates,

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  • published writers at work on a new project,

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  • writers who have been working alone and are in need of feedback and guidance, and

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  • unpublished writers who are close to submitting work to agents or publishers.
  

 
 

Directed by Carolyn Coman, the Whole Novel Workshop was founded in 2006. This unique program was specifically designed for writers of middle-grade and young-adult novels, our Whole Novel Workshop offers the one-on-one attention to be found in degree programs, but without additional academic requirements, lengthy time commitments, or prohibitive financial investments. Our aim is to focus on a specific work in progress, moving a novel to the next level, in preparation for submission to agents or publishers.

A NEW APPROACH

Focused attention in an intimate setting makes this mentorship program one that guarantees significant progress.

Our novel mentorship program includes
• focused one-on-one response to your entire novel in progress from an accomplished author and teacher,
• group critiques,
• seminars on technique and craft, and
• ample time to write and revise in a private, rustic cabin.

The Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft of a novel read and critiqued prior to the workshop, followed by a week of intense, one-on-one mentoring.

The Highlights Foundation Whole Novel Workshop Difference
AN INTIMATE PROGRAM
Each Whole Novel Workshop is limited to eight students. Each faculty member will work with only four students, providing undivided attention and several one-on-one sessions, and a reading of your complete manuscript prior to the workshop.

A PLACE TO WRITE
Each attendee has a rustic but comfortable cabin, complete with its own bathroom, coffee maker, and refrigerator. You will have your own quiet place in which to write and revise.

TIME TO FOCUS
During your workshop, you’ll be able to focus—maybe for the first time—on nothing but your novel. You won’t hear a TV in the background or have kids demanding attention. You won’t have to stop to do laundry or cook or clean. You won’t be distracted by a constantly ringing phone.

A GOURMET CHEF
Our Founders Workshops have become noted for the pampering that occurs, most notably at mealtime. The intimate family-style meals are a time for recharging and socializing. Long ago we agreed we weren’t a place of hot dogs and canned beans on paper plates. The food is superb, we account for individual needs, and the overall pampering allows you to devote your full attention to your important task.

A BEAUTIFUL SETTING
Tucked in the northern Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania, the mid-19th century farmhouse, home of the Founders of Highlights for Children, has played host to numerous creative spirits. The comfortable living room serves as a group meeting room.

Applications will be accepted March 9–April 1, 2009.
You will be notified of acceptance status by April 15, 2009.

Workshop Tuition of $2,665 includes cozy, individual cabins; all meals (provided by a top-notch chef); airport pickup service, if needed; and an intimate teaching setting in the living room of the Founders of Highlights for Children!


General Workshop Information Request an Application for this Workshop

 
  Workshop Leaders


Carolyn Coman

Carolyn Coman
Carolyn Coman’s acclaimed novels for children and young adults include The Big House, Many Stones (National Book Award finalist and a 2001 Michael L. Printz Honor book), Bee and Jacky, What Jamie Saw (National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor book), and Tell Me Everything. She has taught fiction writing at Harvard Extension, Harvard Summer School, and the Chautauqua Institute. For eight years she was a faculty member of the Vermont College MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program, and is currently on the faculty of Hamline University’s new MFA program.


Donna Jo Napoli 		Donna Jo Napoli
Donna Jo writes for preschoolers through high-schoolers, in a variety of genres from contemporary humor to gothic psychodrama. Her award-winning books include her picture book, Albert, and her novels Daughter of Venice, Breath, Beast, North, Stones in Water, and The King of Mulberry Street. And, since this bio is for writers, she wants you to know she has made every mistake in the book and invented some. It took her fourteen long years of rejection letters to sell anything. So take courage—you never know when the phone will ring.