BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Boyds Mills - ECPv6.15.13.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Boyds Mills X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://boydsmills.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Boyds Mills REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260602T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T190000 DTSTAMP:20260603T222121 CREATED:19700101T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T004541Z UID:63753-1780426800-1780599600@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Educational Publishing 101: Navigating New Paths for Your Writing DESCRIPTION:Overview\nA Two-Night Mini Online Course \nThe educational market offers authors a powerful pathway to reach readers. But what does “educational publishing” really mean? How does it overlap with traditional trade publishing? And what ways can educational publishing open doors to traditional publishing? \nJoin award winning authors Anika Aldamuy Denise and Dorothy H. Price to learn more about what educational publishing is (and what it isn’t) and how entering this market may help you as an author. This short\, info-rich program offers two 75-minute sessions filled with practical insights\, examples\, and how to get started in your understanding of educational publishing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \nTuesday\, June 2\, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)\nThursday\, June 4\, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)\nWebinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat\nYou’ll have access to the recordings through July 31\, 2026.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Workshop?\nIn this short course\, two veteran educational market authors demystify the educational writing industry and outline a plan that can help early-career\, freelance\, and established authors find their first writing opportunities in educational publishing. \nAnika and Dorothy will share: \n\nTrade and Educational Publishing – What’s the same? What’s different?\nWorking with educational market publishers (commissioned vs. permissioned work)\nEducational market expectations (Lexile levels and more)\nThe kind of knowledge and experience that can help get your foot in the door\nA guide to contracts and pay rates\nand more!\n\n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit If…\n\n\nYou are a storyteller ready to impact the classroom. Educational publishers are looking for your voice! \n\n\nYou’d like a broad roadmap for entering the industry and want a clear look at the diverse\, rewarding roles available in the educational writing sector. \n\n\nYou value high-impact\, focused learning. This is a streamlined\, two-part mini course designed to sharpen your industry IQ and highlight the unique demands of educational writing versus the trade market. \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tentative Agenda: Educational Publishing 101\nAt registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course. \nNote: Sessions take place via Zoom. It is a good idea for you to install Zoom prior to the workshop. As a mini\, this course will ask you to mute your microphones and hide your video to maximize time with the faculty lecture. THE SESSIONS WILL BE RECORDED.   \nAll Times are Eastern Time. \nClick on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part One: Tuesday\, June 2\, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)\n Educational Publishing Introduction \n\nTrade Publishing vs. Educational Publishing\nDefining terms: Lexile level\, work for hire (WFH)\, curricula\, and more\nExperimenting with different types of writing (and honing your writing skills at the same time!)\nHandout: Common Types of Educational Market writing\nQ & A\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Part Two: Thursday\, June 4\, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)\n \nNext Up: Writing to Market \n\nKey to writing for educational market: leveraging your experience and skill set\nWays to work with educational market publishers (commissioned vs. permissioned work)\nGeneral guide on contracts and pay rates\nHandout: What to Include in an Intro Packet for Educational Publishers\nQ & A\n\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About This Educational Marketing Publishing Class\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Feedback Can I Expect in This Course? \n In this short mini course\, you can expect this level of feedback:  \n\nNone included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.\n\nIf you’d like to learn more\, see our note on feedback in our programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. Great writing inspires and informs\, it engages young readers\, and helps them explore new topics. This mini workshop helps writers learn to create great resources for the educational market. \n \n \n \n \n \n Do You Have More Educational Publishing Writing Resources?\n If you’d like to learn more about trade and educational market writing\, see these blogs and articles on our site: \n\n\n\nWriting for the Educational Market: Five Pros Share Some Things to Know\nMust-Read FAQs on the Educational Market\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Will This Workshop Be Recorded? \n IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE: \nIf you are unable to attend either session for any reason\, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through July 31\, 2026. \n\nPlease note that if you cannot attend live but you’d like to receive recording links by email\, you must register for this course.  Recordings are not sold separately; they are only available to those who register.\nPlease also note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session\, you will not receive recordings immediately.  You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session\, usually within 24 hours.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Dorothy H. Price\nSee More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Anika Aldamuy Denise\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/educational-publishing-101/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Beginners,Black Voices,Latinx Voices,Online,Online Mini,The Business of Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/learn.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260603 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260607 DTSTAMP:20260603T222121 CREATED:20251105T231816Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T195203Z UID:63562-1780444800-1780790399@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:All About Picture Books: A Retreat for Storytellers DESCRIPTION:Overview\nIn-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat \nPicture books speak to young readers like nothing else. Whether you are writing fiction or nonfiction; lyrical\, humorous\, serious\, or anything in between\, this retreat is meant for you. Join fiction and nonfiction picture book authors Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Rob Sanders along with their guest\, author/Illustrator Lala Watkins to immerse yourself in all things picture books. You’ll enjoy presentations\, read alouds\, 1:1 consultations\, and so much more. In addition to the support from your faculty and fellow creatives\, you’ll have ample time to work on your stories. We recommend bringing several stories at various parts of the drafting and revision processes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThis is an in-person retreat for picture book enthusiasts in any genre\, at any stage of their picture book creation.\n1:1 consultations will help you decide which ideas to grow\, and what comes next on your publication journey.\nSmall group sessions will give you a chance to share your work with others and have meaningful\, informal feedback on your work.\nNo submission required.\nLodging and meals are included.\nBegins at 5:30pm Eastern on Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026.\nEnds after lunch on Saturday\, June 6\, 2026.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“There was an abundance of creative energy which fostered the formation of a creative community\, who supported each other in the pursuit of each individual’s love of storytelling.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“My time with Sudipta was very valuable. She was both honest and encouraging — both important in any editorial situation. I’m grateful for her insights\, opinions\, and advice.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“All of the instructors were so helpful and a wealth of knowledge and Anne as well. It was such a great experience.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I felt so connected and so at peace\, and the magic surrounding me definitely made its way into my work. I can’t believe that such an amazing and magical place exists for writers and illustrators.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Retreat?\nPicture books can make all the difference for young readers. If you’re writing (or want to write) a picture book\, this is the workshop for you. Celebrated fiction and nonfiction writers Rob Sanders and Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen will take you from ideas through picture books structures. Lala Watkins will visit as a special guest to share ways that you can leave room for your picture book’s illustrator (even if you are an illustrator!) \nWe invite you to bring all of your questions\, and any stories that you have in progress\, no matter what stage or shape they are in. You’ll work together during daily presentations\, and through hands-on exercises as a group\, then move into independent writing and retreat time. In addition\, you’ll have a 1:1 consultation with a faculty member to discuss your questions and move forward with a work in progress. You’ll be able to bring your revisions into a small\, informal roundtable to share changes that you’ve made throughout the workshop. \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit If…\n\nYou are a picture book creative\, at any level\, in any style. The faculty has experience with picture books of all kinds and will be supportive no matter your needs.\nYou enjoy discussing stories with fellow picture book creatives. Fellow attendees are focused on crafting picture books which means you are in good company!\nYou’d like a retreat where you can get to work. This retreat is not based on lecture. It’s time to work on your own projects\, with the added immersive experience of presentations\, generative writing exercises\, and time to connect with fellow creatives over meals and informal gatherings.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Agenda\nWe encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress\, as you will have time to draft\, revise\, research\, and polish your work during independent time. All times are Eastern Time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day One: Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026\n \n3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in\n5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner\nFollowing dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together\, plus a read aloud!\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Two: Thursday\, June 4\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nPlotting your Journey with a Picture Book Road Map\, Sudipta Bardhan QuallenA perfect picture book is a work of art\, and art is difficult to define. But workable picture book drafts? Those follow some known mile markers\, and if you know what to look for\, the journey from start to finish can be efficient (if not exactly easy). This workshop will help participants quickly create outlines (and maybe even first drafts) by explaining what pit stops to look for on a successful picture book journey. \nWriting exercise #1\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch\nWorking Retreat time: read\, write\, connect\nRoundtable Small Groups #1\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nInformal gathering fireside (weather permitting)\nEvening read aloud\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Three: Friday\, June 5\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nUnlimited: It’s Not Just Elphaba’s Theme Song Anymore\, with Rob SandersIn the words of Elphaba herself\, “Everyone deserves the chance to fly.” So does every picture book writer. But it’s easy for writers to feel “limited”—after all we work with brief word counts and 32 pages—but the possibilities are really unlimited. In this session Rob will help you begin to think bigger\, bolder\, and different-er about your WIPs and the works you haven’t even imagined yet. You’ll be introduced to 14 (maybe even more!) strategies that can help you fill your tool box with possibilities to enlarge your unlimited-ness. So take a chance! Try something new! Experiment! Write beyond your wildest dreams! We hope you’ll leave the session with the confidence of the Wicked Witch from the West who said: “I’m through accepting limits ’cause someone says they’re so. I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game.”\nWriting exercise #2\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch\nWorking Retreat time: read\, write\, connect\nLeaving Room for Your Illustrator (Picture Books & Pictures) with special guest Lala Watkins\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nRoundtable Discussions: Part Two\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Four: Saturday\, June 6\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nOptional Roundtable Session: Part Three/ 1:1 Consultation with Faculty\nWorking Retreat time: read\, write\, connect\nClosing read aloud and final questions\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch & farewells\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Learn More About This Picture Book Writing Retreat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work? \n In this picture book workshop\, you can expect this level of feedback from faculty:  \n\nEach author and/or illustrator will meet with a faculty mentor for a consultation of their stories. Consultations will include time to discuss where you are in your stories\, and ideas for moving forward with drafting\, revisions\, and/or submissions. No written feedback will be provided.\nThere will be informal\, roundtable discussions about changes you’ve made to your work-in-progress at the retreat.\nThere will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises\, and as you connect with fellow attendees.\n\nIf you’d like to learn more\, see our note on feedback in our programs.\n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment Is Expected During the Retreat? \n At an in-person event at our Retreat Center\, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects. \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. Picture books are a beloved part of many children’s lives. This workshop is meant to support and inspire you as you craft a picture book for children. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat? \n You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Boyds Mills related resources (including our Community Standards)\, prior to the event.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Where Can I Find Resources for Writing and/or Illustrating Picture Books?\n You can find picture book craft articles on our blog.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Rob Sanders\nSee More\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Lala Watkins\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/all-about-picture-books-a-retreat-for-storytellers/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:Asian American Voices,Black Voices,friend50,Illustration,In-Person,LGBTQIA+ Voices,Picture Books ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/picturebookwritingretreat2026-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260603 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260806 DTSTAMP:20260603T222122 CREATED:20251206T010403Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T185850Z UID:63736-1780444800-1785974399@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:The Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing DESCRIPTION:Overview\nMulti-Week Online Course \nJoin lead faculty Editor Harold Underdown and special guests Leah Henderson\, Pamela Courtney\, and agent and author Sera Rivers for a Crash Course in Children’s Publishing. At the end of this online course\, you will have a better understanding of how the children’s book publishing industry works\, including submitting\, publishing\, marketing a book for children\, teens\, or young adults\, and beginning ideas about craft and critique. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The experience was terrific. I learned a great deal. During the mentorship sessions\, the critiques of the writing samples we submitted were productive\, direct\, and kind. It is an art to give honest feedback without taking the air out of a writer! I even met some nice people\, remotely of course\, but we set up a writing group that carried on long after the workshop was done. I recommend this workshop with enthusiasm!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The Crash Course in Children’s Publishing was perfect to jump start my journey in writing picture books. Harold is a wealth of information and the insights that he and the guest speakers share are priceless. The course ends with a 1:1 meeting with a mentor that helps launch you in the right direction. I am happy to say that 4 months after the course\, I signed with my agent.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I was able to confidently complete my draft and query letter. It was the highlight (no pun intended) of my year! Thank you. I am looking forward to working with my mentor\, as well. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I loved getting deep insight into the children’s book world today and also a better understanding of the business of the publishing world and how to navigate it. It was a comprehensive overview – and the instructors were positive and supportive.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Harold brought a wealth of knowledge and shared it generously! The special guests were above-and-beyond my expectations. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I am thrilled with this experience. So many of my questions have been answered and I learned a great deal. Harold is wonderful and I enjoyed listening to him. Allison did a great job\, too\, especially about query letters.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Workshop?\nThis ten-week online publishing course covers all aspects of children’s book publishing\, from genres and types of books to working with a publisher (and everything in between). Material will be covered via live Zoom sessions and pre-recorded content in our online learning platform. You’ll also have access to weekly live “drop-in” hours with Harold Underdown and Pam Courtney. \nYou’ll also learn details about the editorial development process\, including what to do once you have a finished book. The goal of the course is to demystify children’s publishing and answer ALL of your questions about the process. \nYou will: \n\nExplore genres of books\, types of publishers\, types of markets; fiction vs. nonfiction\, flat fee vs. royalties\, schools and libraries\, etc.\nFind out how to get help before you submit from books\, conferences\, critique groups\, beta readers and children.\nFind out how to get started as a professional and find your community.\nUse writing exercises to get to know your characters and develop your stories.\nUnderstand submissions rules and practices\, including which mistakes to avoid.\nLearn about how publishers sign up manuscripts and how to make sense of contracts.\nDiscover the publishing process: developmental editing\, line editing\, copyediting and proofreading\, design\, illustration\, production\, marketing and distribution.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit For…\n\nSerious beginners to the field of children’s books who are ready to devote time to learn and practice. If you’re tired of exhaustive online searches\, hard-to-sift-through information\, or lack of practical advice when it comes to writing for children\, this course offers answers in one\, thorough program. You get long-term support over 10 weeks and can learn at your own pace.\nThose who have written a story for children but have no idea how to submit it to publishers. This course will give you best practices for revising and submitting your work.\nYou have sold some stories to children’s magazines and would now like to learn more about the book publishing process. We’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at all that goes on\, from submission to publication.\nThose who have written for audiences outside the children’s book industry and want to learn more about how your past writing experience can transfer into this new field.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to Know More About the Course and if it's Right for You?\nFind an interview with lead faculty Editor Harold Underdown about what to expect and who should attend\, plus: \n\n\nSample topic videos\nFeedback from past participants\nUpcoming sessions\nAnd More!\n\n \n Learn More About the Crash Course\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Agenda\nAll Times are Eastern Time. \nThis course runs for 10 weeks and is a mix of pre-recorded content and live Zoom sessions. There are also weekly live Zoom “drop-in” hours with Harold Underdown; these are optional but encouraged. You will be notified of “drop-in” options by the first session of the course. \n*Note: Your 1:1 consultation with a carefully selected mentor is scheduled after the final session of the course\, at a mutually convenient time to you and your mentor. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Week 1: Crash Course Overview and Introductions (Live)\n Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026 at 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Crash Course Overview and Introductions (Live) \n\nWelcome with introductions\nOverview of course syllabus\, including how to access online materials and engage in the discussion board with fellow writers.\n*Please note this week may run slightly longer with introductions of fellow writers.\n\nPLUS: Optional Live “Drop-In” Hour on Friday\, June 5 at 11am Eastern facilitated by Harold Underdown with guest Pam Courtney \n\nBring your questions for open discussion\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 2: Pre-Recorded Content: Books\, Publishers\, Markets\, and More\n Pre-Recorded Content: Books\, Publishers\, Markets\, and More \n\nTypes of books and genres in the children’s book industry\nTypes of publishers and who’s who\nToday’s children’s book market\nAdditional resources\, including book talks from the Highlights Foundation team\n\nPLUS: Optional Live “Drop-In” Hour on Friday\, June 12 at 11am Eastern facilitated by Harold Underdown with guest Pam Courtney \n\nBring your questions for open discussion\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 3: Getting Started with Your Story (Live)\n Wednesday\, June 17\, 2026 at 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Getting Started with Your Story (Live) \n\nReading current books\, and how to do it\nBuilding your industry knowledge\nGetting feedback and revising\nAdditional resources\, including review sources\, how-to books\, and more!\n\nAdditional content will also be released. \nPLUS: Optional Live “Drop-In” Hour on Monday\, June 22 at 11am Eastern facilitated by Harold Underdown with guest Pam Courtney (Note: Takes place on Monday\, June 22 to allow for Juneteenth holiday) \n\nBring your questions for open discussion\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 4: Pre-Recorded Content: Getting Started as a Professional\n Pre-Recorded Content: Getting Started as a Professional \n\nGetting started as a writer\nFinding community\, caring for yourself as a creative\, and dedicating time to your craft with special guest\nEssential conversations in children’s publishing: responsible representation\, anti-racism and anti-bias books\nAdditional resources\, including “You’re Never Too Old to Write” and more!\n\nPLUS: Optional Live “Drop-In” Hour on Friday\, June 26 at 11am Eastern facilitated by Harold Underdown with guest Pam Courtney \n\nBring your questions for open discussion\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 5: Digging Into Character with Special Guest Leah Henderson (Live)\n Wednesday\, July 1\, 2026 at 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Digging Into Character with Special Guest Leah Henderson (Live) \n\nKnowing your characters: creative exercises\nCharacter backstory\nLittle known facts\nCharacter voice\nCharacter interview\nPlace as character\n\nNO DROP-IN HOUR THIS WEEK. \n \n \n \n \n \n Week 6: Pre-Recorded Content: Researching Agents\, Editors\, Publishers & the Submission Process\n Pre-Recorded Content: Researching Agents\, Editors\, Publishers & the Submission Process \n\nPublishers and editors\nAgents and what they do\nSubmissions\n\nAdditional content will also be released. \nPLUS: Optional Live “Drop-In” Hour on Friday\, July 10 at 11am Eastern facilitated by Harold Underdown with guest Pam Courtney \n\nBring your questions for open discussion\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 7: Query Letter Basics & Query Writing Workshopping with Agent Sera Rivers (LIVE)\n Wednesday\, July 15\, 2026 at 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Query Letter Basics & Query Writing Workshopping with Agent Sera Rivers (LIVE) \nPLUS: Optional Live “Drop-In” Hour on Friday\, July 17 at 11am Eastern facilitated by Harold Underdown with guest Pam Courtney \n\nBring your questions for open discussion\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 8: Getting the Deal (Live)\n Wednesday\, July 22\, 2026 at 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Getting the Deal (Live) \n\nAcquisitions\nThe contract\nUnderstanding terms and royalties\nWhat to watch out for\nAdditional resources including “Believing After 10 Rejections” and more!\n\nPLUS: Optional Live “Drop-In” Hour on Friday\, July 24 at 11am Eastern facilitated by Harold Underdown with guest Pam Courtney \n\nBring your questions for open discussion\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 9: What Comes After: The Editing and Publishing Process (Live)\n Wednesday\, July 29\, 2026 from 8pm – 9pm Eastern: What Comes After: The Editing and Publishing Process (Live) \n\nDevelopmental editing\, line-editing\, copyediting\, and proofreading.\nDesign and illustration\nProduction\nMarketing\nDistribution\nThe “end”\nAdditional resources including a video highlighting self-publishing in today’s market\, and more!\n\nAdditional Pre-Recorded Content: Digging Into the Illustration Process \n\nSketches\nApproval of sketches\nArt samples\nFinal art\nThe book design\nand more with Daria Peoples\n\nPLUS: Optional Live “Drop-In” Hour on Friday\, July 31 at 11am Eastern facilitated by Harold Underdown with guest Pam Courtney \n\nBring your questions for open discussion\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 10: Where Do We Go From Here? (Live)\n Wednesday\, August 5\, 2026 at 8pm – 9pm Eastern: Where Do We Go From Here? (Live) \n\nQuestions you still have\nDetails about mentor pairing\nEvaluating your goals and next steps of action\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Post-Course Mentorship Session\n You will be asked to complete a survey assessing your publishing goals and needs (you may complete this survey between weeks six and ten.) Your mentor will be able to review your survey 1-2 weeks following the course. You will then work with your mentor to select a time to meet and materials to exchange. You’ll meet for a 1:1 session with your mentor at the chosen time. Mentors will be thoughtfully matched with writers based on survey needs and goals. \n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Crash Course in Children’s Publishing\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of 1-to-1 Guidance Can I Expect in the Crash Course? \n Feedback Expected\n\nInformal Q & A sessions held at all live programming.\nPost-course consultation/mentorship session with a publishing mentor to discuss work-in-progress and/or publishing-related questions.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Time Commitment Should I Plan For? Are Sessions Recorded?\n Commitment Required for the Best Experience\nIf your schedule does not allow you to attend live sessions\, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re posted the day after the session\, and they’ll be available through September 30\, 2026. Closed captions will be available on all live sessions\, and recordings from live sessions. The course also includes writing exercises\, community interaction\, and goal setting. To maximize your investment in the course\, take advantage of these. \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n Are There More Resources to Learn About the Crash Course?\n Resources\n\nThe Crash Course: An Overview\nWho should attend? Watch the video. URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/the-crash-course-in-childrens-book-publishing-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Beginners,Black Voices,Crash Course,friend50,Online,Online Workshop,The Business of Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/crash-featured-course-graphic-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260608T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260610T190000 DTSTAMP:20260603T222122 CREATED:19700101T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T185833Z UID:63752-1780945200-1781118000@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Picture Book Middles: Bridging Beginning and End DESCRIPTION:Overview\nA Two-Night Online Course \nMany picture books begin with promise and end with purpose\, but lose momentum in the middle. This course shows you how to fix that. \nYou’ll leave with new tools to re-enter drafts you’ve already written or approach new drafts\, with an understanding of what the middle needs. Specifically\, the middle holds an emotional shift\, and there are tools you can use to navigate readers through this shift\, raise the stakes without adding words\, and keep readers engaged.  \nIn this course\, award-winning author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow can teach you the ways to build an emotional bridge between the beginning and the end of your story. This is a focused\, information-rich webinar designed for writers who want clear craft insights. \n \n \n \n \n \n \nMonday\, June 8\, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)\nWednesday\, June 10\, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)\nWebinar-style program with closed captioning available.\nYou will have access to the recordings until July 31\, 2026.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Jamilah’s eye for craft is outstanding and she really helped me improve my manuscript.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Workshop?\nBuilding a picture book takes all the tools\, especially shaping a strong middle\, where an emotional shift bridges the promise of the beginning to the resolution at the end. Within a limited word count\, crafting this middle requires focused attention that raises the stakes and keeps your young readers engaged. \nJoin award-winning author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow to: \n\nDefine the elements of traditional (or semi-traditional) narrative arcs in picture books\,\nExamine the demands on the middle of a picture book\, and ways to keep it from being “murky\, muddled\, or muddy\,”\nLearn ways to support readers expectations for the narrative through-line\,\nExplore examples of contemporary stories that speak to young readers.\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit If…\n\nYou are starting out as a picture book author or author/illustrator\, and you’re building your understanding of the picture book form.\nYou are a picture book author or author/illustrator who has already drafted picture books and are ready to dig back into a revision with a better understanding of narrative form.\nYou’re looking for something short\, sweet\, and smart! This is not a full workshop. Instead it is two\, 75-minute sessions meant to engage and build your understanding of the importance of the “middle” of a picture book narrative.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tentative Agenda\nAt registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course. \nAll Times are Eastern Time Zone. \nClick on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Part One: Monday\, June 8\, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)\n \nPicture Books: Beginning\, End\, & MIDDLE\nExamining “Murky\, Muddled\, or Muddy” Middles & what to do about them!\nWriting exercise\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Part Two: Wednesday\, June 10\, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm EST)\n \nMiddles in “Tradition\, Semi-Traditional\, and Non-traditional” Picture Books\nRevision tips and techniques\nOpen Q&A\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Resources\n\nInterview with Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow on Action News\nWriting Picture Books That Meet Kids Where They Are\nWord Choices: Writing Picture Books That Soar\nThat’s What Heart Does: The Emotional Center of Your Picture Book\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About This Picture Book Writing Workshop\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work? \n Feedback Expected\nThere will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program. \n \n \n \n \n \n Will This Picture Book Workshop Be Recorded?\n IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE: \nIf you are unable to attend either session for any reason\, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through July 31\, 2026. \nPlease note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session\, you will not receive recordings immediately.  You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session\, usually within 24 hours. \n \n \n \n \n \n Can Beginners Take This Picture Book Workshop?\n Absolutely! Designed for aspiring\, emerging\, and experienced picture book writers\, this workshop offers accessible instruction without oversimplifying the craft. You’ll gain core tools for understanding picture book structure\, alongside flexible techniques that support deeper revision and stronger storytelling at any stage. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. The middle is where children feel the story deepen\, and see themselves change alongside the character. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Online?\n This webinar-style workshop includes a chat function within Zoom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/picture-book-middles-bridging-beginning-and-end/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Black Voices,Muslim Storytellers,Online,Online Mini,Picture Books ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/picture-book-workshop-featured-image-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260625 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260731 DTSTAMP:20260603T222122 CREATED:20251206T000422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260424T210141Z UID:63732-1782345600-1785455999@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Writing for the Educational Market: A 6-Week Online Program DESCRIPTION:Overview\nMulti-Week Online Course \nWhether you’re an emerging writer\, a seasoned educator\, or someone looking to expand your reach in the educational market\, this multi-week program will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the educational market landscape and effectively submit work to educational publishers. Led by professionals in the educational market Sandra Athans\, Mike Downs\, and their special guests\, including Dorothy H. Price\, this online program will offer group and individual support to help you navigate educational publishing opportunities with confidence. \n \n \n \n \n \n \nLive sessions (with closed captioning available) on Thursdays from 7:00pm – 8:30pm Eastern (June 25\, July 2\, 9\, 16\, 23\, 30)\n\n*Please note that the last class is on Thursday\, July 30th and runs from 7pm – 9pm\, though you will only report to class for your 15-minute 1-to-1 consultation. \nRemaining time that week should be spent independently working on your submission packet.\n\n\nRecorded content and resources in the virtual classroom throughout the course.\nAccess to recordings until August 31\, 2026.\nWeekly assignments June 25 through July 23 (posted in the virtual classroom)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Because of the connection I made through the class and knowledge gained\, I began writing academic quizzes for Rosen Publishing and authored two books for Mitchell Lane Publishers—the latest of which received a Booklist Review!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I appreciated the time given to discuss my resumes\, samples\, and introduction letters. The feedback was awesome\, and such a great learning tool.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I feel much more confident with my submission packet to publishers. The individual consultations were also very helpful!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I had no idea there were such opportunities in the education market. Providing the samples was a huge benefit\, the speakers you chose were excellent\, the break outs and individual conference with one of you to critique my work was icing on the cake. ” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The faculty was outstanding! They are organized\, helpful\, thoughtful\, and caring.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Workshop?\nDiscover opportunities in the “ed market” for children’s book writers in this 6-week course. Hosted by professionals who both write and edit for the educational market\, this workshop will explore a variety of formats\, including photo-illustrated picture books\, fiction\, nonfiction\, poetry\, memoir\, reader’s theater skits\, lesson plans\, and much more. \nDig into: \n\nEducational vs. Trade Markets\nTypes of Curriculum Projects\nAcademic Standards\nPreparing your submission packets\, résumés\, and query letters\nTypes of manuscripts: fiction\, nonfiction\, poetry\nand more!\n\nYou’ll engage in faculty lectures\, and Q&A sessions\, explore resources\, and complete writing exercises. You’ll have access to an abundance of pre-recorded content and resources in the virtual classroom. Additionally\, you will find robust weekly discussions in the virtual classroom related to your writing exercises. \nThis workshop includes a 1:1 consultation\, where you’ll ask individual questions about your journey into the educational market\, and share materials that you’ve crafted for your submission packet. \nCan’t attend live? No problem. All live sessions (aside from your 1:1 consultation) will be recorded. You’ll have access to recordings through August 31\, 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit If:\n\nYou are a writer who wants to work in the educational market. Educational publishing companies need you!\nYou’re an educator with experience in sharing books from the educational market with your students. We’ll show you how you can play to your strengths when writing for this market.\nYou have a passion for education and/or teaching and wish to ignite a love of learning in readers.\nYou are seeking ways to break into publishing and want to learn more about the exciting opportunities that educational markets have to offer.\nYou like the structure of weekly lectures and writing exercises. All sessions take place via Zoom\, with community building within the virtual classroom.\n\nNote: Live sessions take place via Zoom. It is a good idea for you to install Zoom prior to the workshop and review the Zoom tutorials for “meetings” if this will be your first time taking a course on Zoom. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Agenda\nAll Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Week 1: Today's Educational Market\n Thursday\, June 25\, 2026 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern LIVE) \n\nCourse Overview\nIntroductions\nWrite for the Educational Market Today! with Mike\, Sandra and Dorothy \n\nThroughout the Week: Virtual Classroom Work \n\nPre-recorded content\nAssignments: Review Action Plans & Educational Market Publishers\nDiscussion board: List Questions and/or reflections of the writing exercise\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 2: Finding Your Fit & Getting the Work\n Thursday\, July 2\, 2026 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern LIVE) \n\nIntro to Your Ed Market Résumé & Getting to the Gist of Your Query Letter with Mike and Sandra\nQ & A\n\nThroughout the Week: Virtual Classroom Work \n\nPre-recorded content\nAssignments: Researching Publishers; Résumé & Query Drafts\nDiscussion board: List Questions and/or reflections of the writing exercise\nAdditional Resources: Sample Résumés & Queries\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 3: Writing Samples\n Thursday\, July 9\, 2026 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern LIVE) \n\nIntro to Writing Samples with Mike and Sandra\nQ & A\n\nThroughout the Week: Virtual Classroom Work \n\nPre-recorded content\nAssignments: Writing Sample (Submission Packet)\nDiscussion board: List Questions and/or reflections of the writing exercise\nAdditional Resources: Sample Writing Pieces; Sign Up for 1:1 Consultation\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 4: Landing and Writing Your First Assignment\n Thursday\, July 16\, 2026 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern LIVE) \n\nLanding Your First Assignment with Mike\, Sandra\, and Dorothy\n\nThroughout the Week: Virtual Classroom Work \n\nAssignments: Drafts & Revisions (Submission Packet)\nDiscussion board: List questions for next week\nReview resources\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 5: What Happens Next?\n Thursday\, July 23\, 2026 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern LIVE) \n\nQ & A\nWhat Happens Next? with Mike and Sandra\nGuest faculty Shelley Evans-Marshall\n\nThroughout the Week: Virtual Classroom Work \n\nAssignments: Writing Sample Revision (Submission Packet)\nReceive meeting time and mentor for next week’s live session (please note\, you will only need to be at the session for 15-20 minutes)\nDiscussion board: List Questions and/or reflections\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 6: One-to-One Consultations\n Thursday\, July 30\, 2026 (7pm – 9pm Eastern LIVE) \n\nPlease note extended time to accommodate all 1:1 meetings (15 minutes each). You only need to be online for your meeting time with Mike or Sandra. \nPlease note: Dorothy will meet with her students on August 3rd\nYou’ll be placed in a break out room with your mentor for a 15 minute session to discuss your writing assignments and remaining questions (arrive 5 minutes prior to your scheduled meeting time)\n\nThroughout the Week: Virtual Classroom Work \n\nPreparing for your 1:1 Meeting\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Writing for the Educational Market Online Workshop\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work? \n Feedback Expected\n\nInformal written feedback from faculty and peers in the virtual classroom following each assignment.\nA 15-minute\, one-to-one consultation with your faculty to discuss your questions and review your writing samples so far (see consultation details below).\n\n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Online Course? \n Commitment Required for the Best Experience\nThis multi-week course is best if you attend or watch all lectures. We recommend setting aside time to do the writing exercises. We strongly recommend taking advantage of the 1:1 consultation to ask your questions\, and share your work. (Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register\, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings with closed captioning. They’re posted the day after the session\, and they’ll be available through August 31\, 2026.) \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. The Educational Market puts books into kids hands all around the world. Your books can connect with kids and enrich their learning experience at school and home. \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Workshop? \n One week prior to your course\, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in Boyds Mills related resources (including our Community Standards). This classroom will be our hub throughout the program where you will post weekly assignments. \n \n \n \n \n \n Are There More Resources to Learn about Educational Market Writing?\n Resources\n\nMust-Read FAQ’s On the Educational Market\, by Sandra K. Athans and Mike Downs\nSandra K. Athans website\nMike Downs website\nWriting for the Educational Market: 5 Pros Share Some Things to Know (Q&A)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Sandra K. Athans\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Mike Downs\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Dorothy H. Price\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/writing-for-the-educational-market-a-6-week-online-program/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Black Voices,friend50,Online,Online Workshop,Picture Books,The Business of Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/educational-market-featured-image-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260708 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260713 DTSTAMP:20260603T222123 CREATED:20251105T232040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T203716Z UID:63621-1783468800-1783900799@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session One! DESCRIPTION:Overview\nIn-person 5-Day/4-Night Workshop and Retreat \nGet away for five days at our Summer Camp for fiction and nonfiction storytellers who are looking for inspiration\, guidance\, mentorship\, community\, fun\, creativity\, and…a place to dream! \nAt Boyds Mills\, “summer camp” is different than S’mores by the fire and hiking in the woods. (Though we do that\, too.) \nOur Summer Camp is a time to find the kind of encouragement for your stories that only a generous mentor can provide. Here you’ll find: inspiration and support; a community that understands the long process of turning dreams into books for children; small group and one-to-one guidance to fine-tune your stories\, all while you have some fun. \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThis is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with hands-on sessions\, mentorship\, and ample time for independent work\, meeting informally with fellow creatives\, and resting.\nLodging and meals are included.\nBegins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Wednesday\, July 8\nEnds with lunch on Sunday\, July 12\nPre-retreat Zoom to answer questions about submissions and discuss our summer camp community will be held on Monday\, June 1 at 12 noon Eastern (this will be recorded for those who cannot attend live).\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I was matched with just the right mentor for me. Her background and passions matched mine\, and she helped me see possibilities that I hadn’t been able to see on my own.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The faculty were not only very knowledgeable but warm and generous. Very high-quality faculty! My mentor was really helpful and encouraging and helped me to see approaches for my idea that I couldn’t have seen myself.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The faculty were engaged\, generous with their time and wisdom\, and human. It was really refreshing/important that many of them not only presented but also participated in various parts of the camp; that sent a great “we are all learning\, all journeying together” message.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“As a newcomer to writing for children\, I can’t tell you how it felt to be welcomed into community and truly experience belonging and acceptance as a person in the early stages of writing. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Workshop?\nThis five-day\, in-person summer camp is centered on mentorship\, inspiration\, and community with: \n\nopportunities for learning and interaction;\nample self-paced time to make progress on a project and/or play with your creativity;\nand feedback that includes 1:1 mentorship with your faculty reader at the beginning and end of the program\, facilitated peer discussions\, plus informal feedback throughout.\n\nMornings will be structured around lectures and meetings with fellow creatives (including your faculty reader and small groups). Afternoons will be for independent writing\, drawing\, and revising\, as well as fiction\, nonfiction\, illustration\, and publishing sessions (with hands-on exercises). \nYou will: \n\nTake in educational and inspirational keynotes by our faculty. These will refresh your passion for the craft of writing and motivate you to keep going.\nParticipate in breakout sessions with tracks in fiction\, nonfiction\, illustration\, and getting started as a professional writer.\nExplore storytelling through a range of topics\, including nonfiction\, fiction\, poetry\, and more!\nReceive guidance on how to submit manuscripts and proposals to publishers and/or agents.\nWork one-to-one with faculty on a project of your choice. Faculty reader/attendee pairings will be made thoughtfully according to your work and your goals. (Turning your submission in by June 8\, 2026 allows us to make this pairing.)\nParticipate in small group discussions with a thoughtfully chosen group of fellow attendees. This small group style is designed to help you lead a discussion of your work with other creatives\, assisted by a workshop facilitator. Storytellers can share the same project they are using with their faculty mentor\, or a new project.\nHave ample free writing time so that you can dream and work on your own projects. Summer camp includes time for retreat\, mentorship\, and inspiration!\n\n \n \n \n \n \n This Workshop is a Great Fit If…\n\nYou’re new to writing and/or illustrating for children and/or teens. You’ll get 1:1 feedback that will help you look at your work-in-progress in a new way\, and have time to make significant progress on your project(s).\nYou have an in-progress or finished manuscript and would like feedback. Your faculty reader will give you feedback\, answer questions\, and support you in setting goals. Your peer group can help you consider your revision goals and plans.\nYou’re an experienced writer and/or illustrator who is curious about how to get started in children’s publishing. You will find out about the children’s market and meet fellow storytellers passionate about bringing stories to kids and teens.\nYou need a jolt of creativity or a reminder of purpose. Summer Camp can be about getting work done if you want it to be\, but it can also be about renewing your spark and purpose in writing for kids and teens.\nYou’d appreciate some retreat time. This course has plenty of built-in time to write\, doodle\, or dream–whatever you need.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Agenda\nAll Times are Eastern Time.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreat Schedule Overview\n Daily Schedule \nMornings will be structured around lectures and meetings with fellow creatives (including your faculty reader and small groups). \nAfternoons will be for independent work and revising\, as well as fiction\, nonfiction\, illustration\, and publishing sessions (with hands-on exercises). \nMentorship and Feedback \nYour faculty mentor will provide written feedback on your submission and you’ll discuss this feedback during your 1:1 meetings at the beginning of the program. At the end of the program\, you will have a chance to “check-in” with your reader and discuss plans for moving forward with your project(s). During the workshop\, there will also be informal moments to meet and discuss your work with attendees and faculty apart from your faculty mentor. \nYour peer group discussions put you in control of leading the conversation to gain what you need most to move forward with your revision (and/or completion) of your story. Our feedback sessions offer you support\, and give you space to ask questions to help problem-solve\, brainstorm new ideas\, and work through challenges. All peer group discussions have an engaged facilitator to keep the conversation focused\, keep time\, and most importantly\, build a safe environment for sharing. \n \n \n \n \n \n Pre-Workshop\n \nYou will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives\, engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards)\, and view submission details related to this course.\nMonday\, June 1 at 12pm (noon) Eastern: Pre-retreat Zoom to answer questions about submissions and discuss our summer camp community. (This session will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.)\nSubmission deadline: before the workshop\, preferably by June 8\, 2026.\n\nPicture book writerscan submit one full picture book manuscript of up to 1\,200 words. This submission should also contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project\, your connection to the topic/theme\, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).\nThose writing longer nonfiction or fiction can submit up to 2\,500 words from a current work in progress for their faculty reader. This submission should contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project\, a summary of the complete project arc if you know it\, your connection to the topic/theme\, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).\nIllustrators can submit one full picture book manuscript (up to 1\,200 words)\, or a digital link to your portfolio of images\, or up to 5 pages of a longer piece of illustrated fiction or nonfiction (including a graphic novel). The submission should also include a cover letter including specific questions that you have for your faculty reader.)\nIf you are between projects or just starting out\, you can submit a book proposal with a short writing sample or a one-page list of ideas you are considering as a full-length project. This submission should also contain a cover letter.\nIn addition to submitting one of the above choices to your faculty reader\, you will submit pages for your peer groups. These submissions can be from the same work-in-progress given to your faculty reader\, or a new project altogether (please follow the same length guidelines and cover letter requests).\nSubmissions are due June 8\, 2026 to allow ample time for readers to take in your story.\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 1: Wednesday\, July 8\n \n3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in.\n5:30pm: Appetizers & Dinner\nFollowing dinner: Opening & Welcome Activity with Alex Villasante\n\nFollowed by meeting with your faculty mentor for informal introductions.\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 2: Thursday\, July 9\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nKeynote with Heidi Stemple\n1:1 Meetings with Faculty Reader (retreat time for those not in meetings)\n\nOptional Writing Prompt\n\n\n\nAfternoon: \n\nLunch\nFree writing time\nBreakout Sessions (Your choice of topic\, with themes of Fiction\, Nonfiction\, or Getting Started as a Professional Writer. [Session titles coming soon.]  Select one live\, with access to a recording of the session you miss.)\n\nWith Valerie Bolling\nWith Kat Yeh\n\n\n\nEvening: \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter Dinner: Informal fireside chat\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 3: Friday\, July 10\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nKeynote with Kat Yeh\nSmall Group Meeting #1 (retreat time for those not in meetings)\n\nWith Alison Green Myers\nWith Emily Rosenthal\n\n\n\nAfternoon: \n\nLunch\nFree writing time\nBreakout Sessions (Your choice of topic\, with themes of Fiction\, Nonfiction\, or Getting Started as a Professional Writer. [Session titles coming soon.]  Select one live\, with access to a recording of the session you miss.)\n\nWith Heidi Stemple\nWith Daria Peoples\n\n\n\nEvening: \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter Dinner: Hands on Session with Katie Mazeika\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 4: Saturday\, July 11\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nKeynote with Valerie Bolling\nSmall Group Meeting #2 (retreat time for those not in meetings)\n\nWith Alison Green Myers\nWith Emily Rosenthal\n\n\n\nAfternoon: \n\nLunch\nFree writing time\nBreakout Sessions (Your choice of topic\, with themes of Fiction\, Nonfiction\, or Getting Started as a Professional Writer. [Session titles coming soon.]  Select one live\, with access to a recording of the session you miss.)\n\nwith Katie Mazeika\nWith Alex Villasante\n\n\n\nEvening: \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nFinal Mentor Meetings: Part One\nAfter Dinner: Open Mic on the Patio (weather permitting)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 5: Sunday\, July 12\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nFinal Mentor Meetings: Part Two (writing and packing time for those not in meetings)\n\nOptional closing writing prompt\n\n\nClosing keynote with Daria Peoples\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch and farewells\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Previous Breakout Topics and Keynotes\n Note: Breakout topics and keynotes are still being developed by faculty. Past Summer Camp session topics have included: \n\nConfessions of a Slow Writer\nChecking Boxes: Identity and Bringing Yourself to Your Stories\nEducator to Author: Creating Entry Points for Complex Topics\nDream\, Dare\, Do—Writing Takes Vision\, Courage\, and Energy\, Each to the Fullest\nCreating a Sense of Belonging in Your Stories for Kids\nTelling the Stories that Only YOU Can Tell\nWaking the Inner Voice: It’s Time\nPicture Book as an Act of Mischief: Bringing the Right Voice & the Right Play to a Picture Book\nPropulsive Language: Making Stories MOVE\nWriting is Re-writing: Maximizing Revision\nBeginnings & Endings: Pathways to the Reader’s Mind & Heart\, & Gaining Welcome Entrance\nLiterature\, Lessons\, and Life: How the Desire to Write One Good Sentence Pursued Me\nJUST Fiction: Writing Race\, Culture\, and Power in Children’s Books\nSubmission Basics: How to Start and End Your Query Letter\nThe Importance of the Page Turn\nWhat I Really Want to Write About: Finding Stories That Matter\nEducational Writing & Work-for-Hire (and everything in-between!)\nThe Poetry of Facts\nGathering Native Voices: WOW Readers with Meaningful Sentences\nand many\, many more!\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work? \n Feedback Expected\nGuidance and mentorship will be offered in two ways\, both through our faculty readers and in your facilitated peer group. Our feedback sessions offer you support\, and give you space to ask questions to help problem-solve\, brainstorm new ideas\, and work through challenges. You will receive comprehensive submission details closer to the start of Summer Camp. \n\nPicture book writers can submit one full picture book manuscript of up to 1\,200 words. This submission should also contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project\, your connection to the topic/theme\, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).\nThose writing longer nonfiction or fiction can submit up to 2\,500 words from a current work in progress for their faculty reader. This submission should contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project\, a summary of the complete project arc if you know it\, your connection to the topic/theme\, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).\nIllustrators can submit one full picture book manuscript (up to 1\,200 words)\, or a digital link to your portfolio of images\, or up to 5 pages of a longer piece of illustrated fiction or nonfiction (including a graphic novel). The submission should also include a cover letter including specific questions that you have for your faculty reader.)\nIf you are between projects or just starting out\, you can submit a book proposal with a short writing sample or a one-page list of ideas you are considering as a full-length project. This submission should also contain a cover letter.\nIn addition to submitting one of the above choices to your faculty reader\, you will submit pages for your peer groups. These submissions can be from the same work-in-progress given to your faculty reader\, or a new project altogether (please follow the same length guidelines and cover letter requests).\nSubmissions are due June 8\, 2026 to allow ample time for readers to take in your story.\n\nNOTE: What if I don’t have anything to submit at this time? Read our guide to learn more. You can also learn more about feedback and critique here.  \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat? \n As an in-person event at our Retreat Center\, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the workshop. We build in breaks and independent time so you have space for your personal needs. While we encourage participation in all group events\, we know that as an adult learner you can decide if you need more time to yourself. Please let someone from our staff or faculty know if you plan to step away from group activities. \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. Creating for children and teens is often referred to as a labor of love. It is rewarding work because your stories can have a big impact on the lives of children\, and it is hard work. This summer camp will offer support\, motivation\, reassurance\, and sense of community from fellow creators who share your passion. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat? \n You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Boyds Mills related resources (including our Community Standards)\, prior to the event. URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/summer-camp-for-writers-and-illustrators-session-one/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:Black Voices,Chapter Books and Early Readers,friend50,Graphic Novels,Illustration,In-Person,Jewish Voices,Latinx Voices,Minds & Bodies,Nonfiction,Novels,Novels in Verse,Picture Books,Poetry,Summer Camps,The Business of Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/summercampboydsmillsV2-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260712 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260717 DTSTAMP:20260603T222123 CREATED:20251105T232046Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260515T173252Z UID:63611-1783814400-1784246399@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators: Session Two! DESCRIPTION:Overview\nIn-person 5-Day/4-Night Workshop and Retreat \nGet away for five days at our Summer Camp for fiction and nonfiction storytellers who are looking for inspiration\, guidance\, mentorship\, community\, fun\, creativity\, and…a place to dream! \nAt Boyds Mills\, “summer camp” is different than S’mores by the fire and hiking in the woods. (Though we do that\, too.) \nOur Summer Camp is a time to find the kind of encouragement for your stories that only a generous mentor can provide. Here you’ll find: inspiration and support; a community that understands the long process of turning dreams into books for children; small group and one-to-one guidance to fine-tune your stories\, all while you have some fun. \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThis is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with hands-on sessions\, mentorship\, and ample time for independent work\, meeting informally with fellow creatives\, and resting.\nLodging and meals are included.\nBegins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Sunday\, July 12\nEnds with lunch on Thursday\, July 16\nPre-retreat Zoom to answer questions about submissions and discuss our summer camp community will be held on Monday\, June 1 at 12 noon Eastern (this will be recorded for those who cannot attend live).\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I was matched with just the right mentor for me. Her background and passions matched mine\, and she helped me see possibilities that I hadn’t been able to see on my own.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The faculty were not only very knowledgeable but warm and generous. Very high-quality faculty! My mentor was really helpful and encouraging and helped me to see approaches for my idea that I couldn’t have seen myself.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The faculty were engaged\, generous with their time and wisdom\, and human. It was really refreshing/important that many of them not only presented but also participated in various parts of the camp; that sent a great “we are all learning\, all journeying together” message.  \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“As a newcomer to writing for children\, I can’t tell you how it felt to be welcomed into community and truly experience belonging and acceptance as a person in the early stages of writing.  \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Workshop?\nThis five-day\, in-person summer camp is centered on mentorship\, inspiration\, and community with: \n\nopportunities for learning and interaction;\nample self-paced time to make progress on a project and/or play with your creativity;\nand feedback that includes 1:1 mentorship with your faculty reader at the beginning and end of the program\, facilitated peer discussions\, plus informal feedback throughout.\n\nMornings will be structured around lectures and meetings with fellow creatives (including your faculty reader and small groups). Afternoons will be for independent writing\, drawing\, and revising\, as well as fiction\, nonfiction\, illustration\, and publishing sessions (with hands-on exercises). \nYou will: \n\nTake in educational and inspirational keynotes by our faculty. These will refresh your passion for the craft of writing and motivate you to keep going.\nParticipate in breakout sessions with tracks in fiction\, nonfiction\, illustration\, and getting started as a professional writer.\nExplore storytelling through a range of topics\, including nonfiction\, fiction\, poetry\, and more!\nReceive guidance on how to submit manuscripts and proposals to publishers and/or agents.\nWork one-to-one with faculty on a project of your choice. Faculty reader/attendee pairings will be made thoughtfully according to your work and your goals. (Turning your submission in by June 8\, 2026 allows us to make this pairing.)\nParticipate in small group discussions with a thoughtfully chosen group of fellow attendees. This small group style is designed to help you lead a discussion of your work with other creatives\, assisted by a workshop facilitator. Storytellers can share the same project they are using with their faculty mentor\, or a new project.\nHave ample free writing time so that you can dream and work on your own projects. Summer camp includes time for retreat\, mentorship\, and inspiration!\n\n \n \n \n \n \n This Workshop is a Great Fit If…\n\nYou’re new to writing and/or illustrating for children and/or teens. You’ll get 1:1 feedback that will help you look at your work-in-progress in a new way\, and have time to make significant progress on your project(s).\nYou have an in-progress or finished manuscript and would like feedback. Your faculty reader will give you feedback\, answer questions\, and support you in setting goals. Your peer group can help you consider your revision goals and plans.\nYou’re an experienced writer and/or illustrator who is curious about how to get started in children’s publishing. You will find out about the children’s market and meet fellow storytellers passionate about bringing stories to kids and teens.\nYou need a jolt of creativity or a reminder of purpose. Summer Camp can be about getting work done if you want it to be\, but it can also be about renewing your spark and purpose in writing for kids and teens.\nYou’d appreciate some retreat time. This course has plenty of built-in time to write\, doodle\, or dream–whatever you need.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Agenda\nAll Times are Eastern Time.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreat Schedule Overview\n Daily Schedule \nMornings will be structured around lectures and meetings with fellow creatives (including your faculty reader and small groups). \nAfternoons will be for independent work and revising\, as well as fiction\, nonfiction\, illustration\, and publishing sessions (with hands-on exercises). \nMentorship and Feedback \nYour faculty mentor will provide written feedback on your submission and you’ll discuss this feedback during your 1:1 meetings at the beginning of the program. At the end of the program\, you will have a chance to “check-in” with your reader and discuss plans for moving forward with your project(s). During the workshop\, there will also be informal moments to meet and discuss your work with attendees and faculty apart from your faculty mentor. \nYour peer group discussions put you in control of leading the conversation to gain what you need most to move forward with your revision (and/or completion) of your story. Our feedback sessions offer you support\, and give you space to ask questions to help problem-solve\, brainstorm new ideas\, and work through challenges. All peer group discussions have an engaged facilitator to keep the conversation focused\, keep time\, and most importantly\, build a safe environment for sharing. \n \n \n \n \n \n Pre-Workshop\n \nYou will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives\, engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards)\, and view submission details related to this course.\nMonday\, June 1 at 12pm (noon) Eastern: Pre-retreat Zoom to answer questions about submissions and discuss our summer camp community. (This session will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.)\nSubmission deadline: before the workshop\, preferably by June 8\, 2026.\n\nPicture book writers can submit one full picture book manuscript of up to 1\,200 words. This submission should also contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project\, your connection to the topic/theme\, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).\nThose writing longer nonfiction or fiction can submit up to 2\,500 words from a current work in progress for their faculty reader. This submission should contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project\, a summary of the complete project arc if you know it\, your connection to the topic/theme\, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).\nIllustrators can submit one full picture book manuscript (up to 1\,200 words)\, or a digital link to your portfolio of images\, or up to 5 pages of a longer piece of illustrated fiction or nonfiction (including a graphic novel). The submission should also include a cover letter including specific questions that you have for your faculty reader.)\nIf you are between projects or just starting out\, you can submit a book proposal with a short writing sample or a one-page list of ideas you are considering as a full-length project. This submission should also contain a cover letter.\nIn addition to submitting one of the above choices to your faculty reader\, you will submit pages for your peer groups. These submissions can be from the same work-in-progress given to your faculty reader\, or a new project altogether (please follow the same length guidelines and cover letter requests).\nSubmissions are due June 8\, 2026 to allow ample time for readers to take in your story.\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 1: Sunday\, July 12\, 2026\n \n3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in.\n5:30pm: Appetizers & Dinner\nFollowing dinner: Opening & Welcome Activity with Alex Villasante\n\nFollowed by meeting with your faculty mentor for informal introductions.\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 2: Monday\, July 13\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nKeynote with S.K. Ali\n1:1 Meetings with Faculty Reader (retreat time for those not in meetings)\n\nOptional Writing Prompt\n\n\n\nAfternoon: \n\nLunch\nFree writing time\nBreakout Sessions (Your choice of topic\, with themes of Fiction\, Nonfiction\, or Getting Started as a Professional Writer. [Session titles coming soon.]  Select one live\, with access to a recording of the session you miss.)\n\nWith Don Tate\nWith Steve Light\n\n\n\nEvening: \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter Dinner: Informal fireside chat\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 3: Tuesday\, July 14\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nKeynote with Alison Green Myers\nSmall Group Meeting #1 (retreat time for those not in meetings)\n\nWith Alex Villasante\nWith NoNieqa Ramos\n\n\n\nAfternoon: \n\nLunch\nFree writing time\nBreakout Sessions (Your choice of topic\, with themes of Fiction\, Nonfiction\, or Getting Started as a Professional Writer. [Session titles coming soon.]  Select one live\, with access to a recording of the session you miss.)\n\nWith Rob Costello\nWith Don Tate\n\n\n\nEvening: \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter Dinner: Hands on Session with Steve Light\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 4: Wednesday\, July 15\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nKeynote with Don Tate\nSmall Group Meeting #2 (retreat time for those not in meetings)\n\nWith Alex Villasante\nWith NoNieqa Ramos\n\n\n\nAfternoon: \n\nLunch\nFree writing time\nBreakout Sessions (Your choice of topic\, with themes of Fiction\, Nonfiction\, or Getting Started as a Professional Writer. [Session titles coming soon.]  Select one live\, with access to a recording of the session you miss.)\n\nwith S.K. Ali\nWith Alison Green Myers\n\n\n\nEvening: \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nFinal Mentor Meetings: Part One\nAfter Dinner: Open Mic on the Patio (weather permitting)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day 5: Thursday\, July 16\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nFinal Mentor Meetings: Part Two (writing and packing time for those not in meetings)\n\nOptional closing writing prompt\n\n\nClosing keynote with Rob Costello\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch and farewells\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Previous Breakout Topics and Keynotes\n Note: Breakout topics and keynotes are still being developed by faculty. Past Summer Camp session topics have included: \n\nConfessions of a Slow Writer\nChecking Boxes: Identity and Bringing Yourself to Your Stories\nEducator to Author: Creating Entry Points for Complex Topics\nDream\, Dare\, Do—Writing Takes Vision\, Courage\, and Energy\, Each to the Fullest\nCreating a Sense of Belonging in Your Stories for Kids\nTelling the Stories that Only YOU Can Tell\nWaking the Inner Voice: It’s Time\nPicture Book as an Act of Mischief: Bringing the Right Voice & the Right Play to a Picture Book\nPropulsive Language: Making Stories MOVE\nWriting is Re-writing: Maximizing Revision\nBeginnings & Endings: Pathways to the Reader’s Mind & Heart\, & Gaining Welcome Entrance\nLiterature\, Lessons\, and Life: How the Desire to Write One Good Sentence Pursued Me\nJUST Fiction: Writing Race\, Culture\, and Power in Children’s Books\nSubmission Basics: How to Start and End Your Query Letter\nThe Importance of the Page Turn\nWhat I Really Want to Write About: Finding Stories That Matter\nEducational Writing & Work-for-Hire (and everything in-between!)\nThe Poetry of Facts\nGathering Native Voices: WOW Readers with Meaningful Sentences\nand many\, many more!\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Summer Camp for Writers and Illustrators\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work? \n Feedback Expected\nGuidance and mentorship will be offered in two ways\, both through our faculty readers and in your facilitated peer group. Our feedback sessions offer you support\, and give you space to ask questions to help problem-solve\, brainstorm new ideas\, and work through challenges. You will receive comprehensive submission details closer to the start of Summer Camp. \n\nPicture book writers can submit one full picture book manuscript of up to 1\,200 words. This submission should also contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project\, your connection to the topic/theme\, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).\nThose writing longer nonfiction or fiction can submit up to 2\,500 words from a current work in progress for their faculty reader. This submission should contain a cover letter (including where you are in the project\, a summary of the complete project arc if you know it\, your connection to the topic/theme\, and specific questions you have for your faculty reader).\nIllustrators can submit one full picture book manuscript (up to 1\,200 words)\, or a digital link to your portfolio of images\, or up to 5 pages of a longer piece of illustrated fiction or nonfiction (including a graphic novel). The submission should also include a cover letter including specific questions that you have for your faculty reader.)\nIf you are between projects or just starting out\, you can submit a book proposal with a short writing sample or a one-page list of ideas you are considering as a full-length project. This submission should also contain a cover letter.\nIn addition to submitting one of the above choices to your faculty reader\, you will submit pages for your peer groups. These submissions can be from the same work-in-progress given to your faculty reader\, or a new project altogether (please follow the same length guidelines and cover letter requests).\nSubmissions are due June 8\, 2026 to allow ample time for readers to take in your story.\n\nNOTE: What if I don’t have anything to submit at this time? Read our guide to learn more. You can also learn more about feedback and critique here. \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat? \n As an in-person event at our Retreat Center\, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the workshop. We build in breaks and independent time so you have space for your personal needs. While we encourage participation in all group events\, we know that as an adult learner you can decide if you need more time to yourself. Please let someone from our staff or faculty know if you plan to step away from group activities. \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. Creating for children and teens is often referred to as a labor of love. It is rewarding work because your stories can have a big impact on the lives of children\, and it is hard work. This summer camp will offer support\, motivation\, reassurance\, and sense of community from fellow creators who share your passion. \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat? \n You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Boyds Mills related resources (including our Community Standards)\, prior to the event. URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/summer-camp-for-writers-and-illustrators-session-two/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:Black Voices,Chapter Books and Early Readers,friend50,Graphic Novels,Illustration,In-Person,Latinx Voices,LGBTQIA+ Voices,Muslim Storytellers,Nonfiction,Novels,Novels in Verse,Picture Books,Poetry,Summer Camps,The Business of Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sold-out-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260923 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261112 DTSTAMP:20260603T222124 CREATED:20260401T194927Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T125743Z UID:65182-1790121600-1794441599@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall) DESCRIPTION:Overview\nMove your writing project forward in Just Do It! This 8-week program starts with goal-setting and provides the accountability to get you putting words on paper. Foster your writing practice through live sessions\, writing prompts\, mindfulness guidance\, studio dates\, check-ins\, and feedback with Sarah Aronson\, Chris Tebbetts\, and Daria Peoples\, and their special guests! \n \n \n \n \n \n \nEvening sessions take place via Zoom on Wednesdays from 8pm – 9pm Eastern (September 23\, 30\, October 7\, 14\, 21\, 28\, November 4\, 11)\nFlexible “craft warm-ups” take place via Zoom on Wednesdays from 7pm – 8pm Eastern just prior to the week’s main presentation!  Join as topics interest you\, and/or watch the recordings!\nOptional studio dates will take place via Zoom throughout the course on Thursdays at 8pm – 9pm Eastern with Daria Peoples.  A second room will also be open during this same time for anyone looking for a quiet accountability space to write!\nAn interactive Canvas classroom with discussions and resources throughout the program.\nA single\, 1:1 20-minute consultation with faculty to discuss progress\, ask questions\, and plan for next steps.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Just Do It reminded me to show up to the work daily whether I’m writing or thinking about the story. To trust my voice – all stuff I know\, but it was really helpful to be reminded and encouraged.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Chris\, Sarah and Daria were the perfect complement to each other! I gained so much from brainstorming with Sarah\, learning about specific revision techniques and answering the hard questions with Chris\, and found inspiration through Daria’s studio sessions. I would take this class from all three of them again in a heartbeat!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Chris Tebbetts is an extraordinary teacher—his direct critique went straight to the heart of my novel and the techniques he provided\, through the live and recorded sessions gave me revision tools which are relevant to my manuscript and to my overall writing goals.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Daria’s studio nights were revelatory\, and her whole “art for writers” approach brought so much more to the course!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The community of people—instructors and fellow students—that this class has provided has been instrumental in keeping my working on my story when there are so many distractions and reasons to stop.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“This was a great choice for me because I’ve taken so many craft workshops and webinars\, and this was more of a supportive\, get the work done\, every writer is unique\, you’re making progress type of experience.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“I grew as a writer\, made new contacts and friends\, and continued to find new motivation to keep writing my story! I felt connected and inspired on an almost daily basis.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nSee more testimonials at From Just Do It to Just Did It! \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Workshop?\nMoving ahead with a first draft (or tenth draft) can be extremely difficult. This collaborative program provides the support and structure you need to build momentum in your writing projects—no matter your format or genre. \nWeekly presentations anchor the course\, along with flexible “craft warm-ups” and studio hours\, plus writing prompts and a 1:1 consultation with Sarah Aronson\, Chris Tebbetts\, or Daria Peoples. \nYou will have access to all recordings and discussions through December 31\, 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit If…\n\nYou are a creative at any stage in your journey—new or experienced—who craves support and accountability to complete your first draft\, final draft\, or any draft in between!\nYou write any genre\, with children and/or teens as the intended audience. The writing prompts will sample from fiction\, nonfiction\, poetry\, prose\, and more. Weekly studio hours will bring a variety of art prompts and play your way!\nYou’d like a high level of engagement with fellow writers and faculty so that you can move forward on your work-in-progress with new ideas and inspiration.\nYou crave time with fellow writers. We’ll build community online in this supportive\, collaborative experience.\nYou enjoy online learning. This multi-week course relies on LIVE Zoom interaction and our Canvas classroom discussion boards.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Agenda\nAll Times are Eastern.  Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n General Weekly Schedule and Creative Practice\n General Schedule\n\nWednesdays: Optional “Craft Warm-up” or Open Mic (7–8pm Eastern)\, and then Presentation (8–9pm Eastern)Thursdays: Optional Studio Hour (8–9pm Eastern) for creative exploration\, prompts\, or writing/reading accountability\n\nPre-Workshop\nYou will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers\, engage Boyds Mills related resources (including our Community Standards)\, access the Zoom link\, and ask program related questions before we dig in! \nYou will have access to all recordings and discussions through December 31\, 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n Getting Started\, Week 1\n \nWednesday\, September 23: Live Zoom sessions\n\nIntroductions & Overview (7pm – 8pm Eastern)\nInspiration Presentation! with Sarah\, Chris\, and Daria (8pm – 9pm Eastern)\n\n\n\n\nThursday\, September 24 at 8pm Eastern  with Daria Peoples\n\nOptional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour: Come and write quietly\, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!\n\n\n\n\nIn the virtual classroom:\n\nGoal Setting Resources\nIntros!\nWriting prompts\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Creativity in Practice\, Week 2\n \nWednesday\, September 30: Live Zoom sessions\n\nCraft Warm-up (7pm – 8pm Eastern)\nPresentation! with Chris (8pm – 9pm Eastern)\n\n\n\n\nThursday\, October 1 at 8pm Eastern  with Daria Peoples\n\nOptional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour: Come and write quietly\, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!\n\n\n\n\nIn the virtual classroom:\n\nCheck-in\nWriting prompts\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Creativity in Pursuit\, Week 3\n \nWednesday\, October 7: Live Zoom sessions\n\nOpen Mic (7pm – 8pm Eastern)\nPresentation! with Sarah (8pm – 9pm Eastern)\n\n\n\n\nThursday\, October 8 at 8pm Eastern  with Daria Peoples\n\nOptional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour: Come and write quietly\, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!\n\n\n\n\nIn the virtual classroom:\n\nCheck-in\nWriting prompts\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome Special Guests! Week 4\n \nWednesday\, October 14: Live Zoom sessions\n\nCraft Warm-up (7pm – 8pm Eastern)\nSpecial Guest Presentation! (8pm – 9pm Eastern)\n\n\n\n\nThursday\, October 15 at 8pm Eastern  with Daria Peoples\n\nOptional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour: Come and write quietly\, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!\n\n\n\n\nIn the virtual classroom:\n\nCheck-in\nWriting prompts\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome Special Guests! Week 5\n \nWednesday\, October 21: Live Zoom sessions\n\nOpen Mic (7pm – 8pm Eastern)\nSpecial Guest Presentation! (8pm – 9pm Eastern)\n\n\n\n\nThursday\, October 22 at 8pm Eastern  with Daria Peoples\n\nOptional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour: Come and write quietly\, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!\n\n\n\n\nIn the virtual classroom:\n\nCheck-in\nWriting prompts\nSign Up for 1:1 Session\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome Special Guests! Week 6\n \nWednesday\, October 28: Live Zoom sessions\n\nCraft Warm-up (7pm – 8pm Eastern)\nSpecial Guest Presentation! (8pm – 9pm Eastern)\n\n\n\n\nThursday\, October 29 at 8pm Eastern  with Daria Peoples\n\nOptional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour: Come and write quietly\, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!\n\n\n\n\nIn the virtual classroom:\n\nCheck-in\nWriting prompts\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Sustaining a Creative Life\, Week 7\n \nWednesday\, November 4: Live Zoom sessions\n\nCraft Warm-up (7pm – 8pm Eastern)\nPresentation! (8pm – 9pm Eastern)\n\n\n\n\nThursday\, November 5 at 8pm Eastern  with Daria Peoples\n\nOptional (but HIGHLY encouraged) Studio Hour: Come and write quietly\, or get inspired by a weekly art prompt!\n\n\n\n\nIn the virtual classroom:\n\nCheck-in\nWriting prompts\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Celebrations! Week 8\n Final Session! \n\n\nWednesday\, November 11: Live Zoom sessions\n\nOpen Mic Sharing & Celebrations! (7pm – 8pm Eastern)\nFinal Q & A with Daria\, Sarah\, and Chris!  (8pm – 9pm Eastern)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About The Just Do It! Online Workshop\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work? \n \nInformal feedback from faculty and peers during LIVE sessions and in the Canvas classroom.\nA 1:1\, 20-minute consultation with faculty (scheduled at a mutually convenient time during the online course) to discuss progress\, ask questions\, and plan for next steps.\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Workshop? \n Commitment Required for the Best Experience\n\nThis course is best if you engage in all live sessions. If you cannot attend live\, please commit to keeping up with the writing prompts and check-ins.\nParticipants are encouraged to attend weekly studio hours and/or set aside time for your creativity.\nSchedule your 1:1 meeting with faculty during the course at a mutually convenient time.\nYou will have access to all recordings and discussions through December 31\, 2026.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Workshop Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. A first draft is an important step to getting a story to a child. This online course can help get you to that crucial “first draft is done!” stage. \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Workshop? \n The Canvas classroom will be a main space for online communication (before\, during\, and after the course). We will not share your contact information\, though you are encouraged to set up groups and partners in ways that make sense for your creative needs and accountability. \n \n \n \n \n \n Where Can I Find More Writing Resources for Just Do It? \n \n3 Questions for Daria Peoples\, Chris Tebbetts and Sarah Aronson About Making Progress On Your Creative Journey\nFrom Just Do It to Just Did It!\nGetting the Work Done: Shifting Negative Self-Talk to Constructive Ideas\nJust Do It! How Momentum and Effort Can Help You Finish Your Draft\nTrust Your Story with Yourself and Your Community\nKeep It Moving: Movement and Writing Practice\nUsing Visual Outlining with Your Novel Draft\nWorking Writers Chat with Chris Tebbetts and Sarah Aronson\nCraft\, Community and Your Career: Some Lessons Learned\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Chris Tebbetts\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Sarah Aronson\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Daria Peoples\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/just-do-it-your-collaborative-support-group-for-finishing-your-draft-fall/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Black Voices,Chapter Books and Early Readers,friend50,Graphic Novels,Illustration,Jewish Voices,LGBTQIA+ Voices,Nonfiction,Novels,Novels in Verse,Online,Online Workshop,Picture Books,Poetry,The Business of Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/just-do-it-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261105 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261109 DTSTAMP:20260603T222124 CREATED:20251105T232033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T153808Z UID:63673-1793836800-1794182399@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Poetry Palooza! A Workshop for Poetry Lovers DESCRIPTION:Overview\nIn-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat \nGather in the woods with celebrated poets Rebecca Kai Dotlich\, Georgia Heard\, Irene Latham\, and Charles Waters for this rare and heart-filling experience. Along with their surprise guests\, your faculty will help you bring poems to the page through presentations\, guided writing activities\, and the magic of poetry that surrounds you at the retreat center. You’ll have time to write\, wander\, listen\, and discuss the world and your work. In addition to group programming\, you’ll meet in small groups as well as in one-to-one private consultations with faculty. For poetry lovers\, this retreat is not to be missed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThis is an in-person retreat for poets ready to write and learn more about poetry\, poetry anthologies\, and collections.\nNo submission is required.\nLodging and meals are included.\nBegins at 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday\, November 5\, 2026.\nEnds after lunch on Sunday\, November 8\, 2026.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“This retreat was wonderful. There was so much positive energy\, and it really gave me the momentum to keep working toward my goals.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“It was\, hands down\, the best writing experience I’ve ever had. Too often educational encounters are competitive in nature. In this workshop I felt totally relaxed.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The retreat was a wonderful mix of instructional time\, poetry sharing\, and independent work time. I gained insight into the direction I want to take my own poetry manuscript\, which is one of the core reasons I attended. I enjoyed it all and would strongly recommend it to others!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The cottage was perfect\, the surroundings peaceful and relaxing. I was able to find a balance of work and play. So much thought and consideration has gone into providing an inspiring\, rejuvenating environment.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why This Retreat?\nThe words “retreat” and “palooza” might not conjure a single image\, but if anyone can make the two connect it is a poet! Imagine four days of poetry-themed activities with poetry enthusiasts\, alongside the lyrical guides: Rebecca Kai Dotlich\, Georgia Heard\, Irene Latham\, Charles Waters\,  and their special guests. Presentations on poetry throughout the day will weave into guided writing activities. You’ll meet in informal small groups during the retreat\, as well as one-to-one with one of the faculty members for discussion about your work. In addition\, time is set aside for you to write\, wander\, and truly retreat.  \nTogether we’ll: \n\nbrainstorm ideas\,\ngenerate new poems\,\nshare our writing\, and\ndiscuss the life of a poet!\n\n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit If…\n\n\nYou are a poet that could use some creative inspiration. There will be generative writing activities to spark ideas for children’s book poetry and stand alone poems for children and teens. \n\n\nYou want to learn more about opportunities in writing poetry for children. This retreat will showcase solo collections\, stand-alone poems for placement in anthologies\, novels in verse\, and more. \n\n\nYou want to immerse yourself in the elements of craft within a community of poets. At this workshop you’ll be surrounded by words and a community of poets who love them. \n\n\nYou’d like a retreat where you can work on new poems. There will be ample free time built into this course so that you can stretch and work on your own projects. \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Agenda\nAll Times are Eastern Time.  \nClick on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail. \n \n \n \n \n \n Pre-Workshop\n\nYou will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Boyds Mills related resources (including our Community Standards).\nYou will receive details about what to bring to the retreat for your 1:1 consultation. There are no pre-retreat submissions.\nWe encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress\, as you will have time to draft\, revise\, research\, and polish your work during independent time.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day One: Thursday\, November 5\, 2026\n \n3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in\n5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner\nFollowing dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Two: Friday\, November 6\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nPresentation #1 with Charles and Irene\nRetreat time: read\, write\, connect\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch\nPresentation #2 with Georgia and Rebecca\nGenerative poetry prompts for stand-alone poetry\nOptional Small Group Workshopping\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nInformal gathering and sharing fireside (weather permitting)\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Three: Saturday\, November 7\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nPresentation #3 with Georgia and Rebecca\n1:1 Consultations \nRetreat time: read\, write\, connect\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch\nRetreat time: read\, write\, connect\nPresentation #4 with Charles and Irene\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nPoetry Jamboree!\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Four: Sunday\, November 8\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nOptional Small Group Workshopping\nGenerative poetry exercise\, followed by Q & A with the faculty\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch & farewells\n\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Poetry Palooza: Our Poetry Writers Retreat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work? \n Feedback Expected\n\nInformal feedback throughout the workshop via discussions and open sharing.\nA 1:1 consultation with faculty during the workshop. You will bring up to three poems\, or a short sample from a novel in verse\, to share during the session to read and discuss with faculty. You may bring questions and ideas to discuss with your faculty as well. Use this consultation time to move your poetry projects ahead.\nThere will be optional\, informal small group opportunities to share with fellow poets throughout the retreat.\n\nIf you’d like to learn more\, see our note on feedback in our programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat? \n As an in-person event at our Retreat Center\, you’ll have a chance to step away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it is a Working Retreat that combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects. \nBoyds Mills strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives\, including our faculty and staff. \n \n \n \n \n \n How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?\n Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform\, educate\, and inspire children to become their best selves. Poetry brings emotion from page to the heart for kids. This retreat highlights the many ways to bring poetry into children’s lives\, giving you time and space to create\, in a supportive environment. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat? \n You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Boyds Mills related resources (including our Community Standards)\, prior to the event.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Rebecca Kai Dotlich\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Georgia Heard\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Irene Latham\nSee More \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Charles Waters\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/poetry-palooza-a-workshop-for-poetry-lovers/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:Black Voices,friend50,In-Person,Novels in Verse,Poetry ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sold-out-2.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR