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;VALUE=DATE:20260531 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260604 DTSTAMP:20260603T220808 CREATED:20251105T231852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T134004Z UID:63591-1780185600-1780531199@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Community Retreat with Meg Medina: Celebrating Latinx Stories in Kidlit DESCRIPTION:In-person 4-day/3-night Retreat \nThis retreat has been thoughtfully planned by host Meg Medina and special guests as a celebration of the diverse and powerful Latina\, Latino\, Latine\, and Latinx voices in children’s books. \nWhy this community retreat? \n\nThe Latinx community retreat first began as an beautiful idea from authors Alex Villasante\, NoNieqa Ramos\, and M. García Peña in 2019. In its sixth year\, Meg Medina will host the program for children’s book authors and Illustrators. Meg says\, “You are moving through the world as a person who is writing a long love letter to children\, and to the child you once were. This is important work.” \n\nThis is a lightly scheduled program with optional/informal group activities is meant to offer time alongside community members as you create\, rest\, and explore. You can bring multiple projects with you at all stages of their process so that you can decide what you’d like to work on while you are at the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 least one week prior to the retreat\, 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). Boyds 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. \nPlease bring projects at any stage in the creative process that you wish (idea\, draft\, revision\, etc.) \nAny questions? Please reach out to our support team. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day One: Sunday\, May 31\, 2026\n \n3 – 5pm Eastern: Arrival \n5:30pm: Appetizers followed by dinner\n7:15pm: Welcome and Introductions from Meg Medina\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Two: Monday\, June 1\, 2026\n Morning \n\nYoga (optional)\nBreakfast\nRetreat time\n\nAfternoon \n\nRetreat time\nInformal writing/drawing together with retreat assistant Lindsay Cordero\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter dinner: Fireside chat led by Ernesto Cisneros\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Three: Tuesday\, June 2\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nRetreat time\n\nAfternoon \n\nRetreat time\nGROUP PHOTO\nOptional Writing Together (with or without writing prompts)\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nAfter dinner: Open Mic & Sharing\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Four: Wednesday\, June 3\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nPacking and Retreat time\nClosing remarks from Meg Medina\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch and Farewells\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 \n \n \n \n \n \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 Community Retreat with Meg Medina\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 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. Your work grows as you grow and ground yourself in community. Join this community-centered program to connect and amplify one another. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat? \n At least one week prior to the retreat\, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in related resources (including our Community Standards). We strive 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 \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 your host.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Meg Medina\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 Ernesto Cisneros\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/community-retreat-with-meg-medina-celebrating-latinx-stories-in-kidlit/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:Essential Conversations,friend50,In-Community,In-Person,Latinx Voices,Past ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/megmedinaretreat-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260602T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T190000 DTSTAMP:20260603T220808 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:20260708 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260713 DTSTAMP:20260603T220809 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:20260603T220809 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:20261001 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261005 DTSTAMP:20260603T220809 CREATED:20251105T232025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T191852Z UID:63659-1790812800-1791158399@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Retreat DESCRIPTION:Overview\nIn-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat \nTo write for children\, we need to reconnect with the clever\, imaginative\, and curious core of our childhood selves. Join celebrated middle-grade authors Erin Entrada Kelly and Laurel Snyder for a four-day retreat focused on generative writing inspired by the sleepaway camps of our youth (or the ones we dreamed about!) \nThis retreat is designed for middle-grade writers at all levels\, from beginners to published authors. You are welcome to bring your work-in-progress and/or blank pages from stories you have yet to write. \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThis is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with engaging discussions\, writing exercises\, and one-to-one consultations.\nWe include ample time to relax\, retreat\, and work on your own writing.\nLodging and meals are included.\nBegins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday\, October 1\, 2026.\nEnds with lunch at 12:00pm Eastern on Sunday\, October 4\, 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“I really enjoyed this workshop\, learning about writing for a Middle Grade audience while spending time with other writers. The food was wonderful\, as always! And I enjoyed being on campus in the fall. Simply magical!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Erin and Laurel were so generous and kind with their knowledge and inspiration. I loved the casual format and how they kept things fun. The included one-on-one time was also very valuable.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“There is so much that is positive\, it is hard to narrow down\, but I especially appreciated the quality of the workshops\, the camaraderie between all\, and the one-on-one instructor meetings.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Erin and Laurel were wonderful teachers\, authentic\, personable\, and intelligent. They were so generous with their time and knowledge\, and they treated us like peers.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Thanks to Laurel and Erin! The Playlist you put together was awesome\, as were the arts and crafts. I learned so much from both of you– thanks for being so generous with your wisdom and advice.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Thank you\, thank you\, thank you! I feel like this retreat helped restore my brain and gave me time to play.” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?\nMiddle-grade novels are clever and imaginative\, yet grounded. Some of the very best ones find a way to weave plot and emotional arcs into one impressive narrative that ignites a passion for reading. \nOne way to write authentic stories is to connect with the emotional truth of the middle-grade reader. \nJoin celebrated middle-grade authors Erin Entrada Kelly and Laurel Snyder to discover new ways to start and grow your middle-grade narrative\, with a retreat focused on generative writing and key middle-grade topics like character\, plot\, and voice! \nPlease note that a small portion of the workshop is set to involve outdoor exploration and/or hands-on craft activities. We request that you make note during your registration of any accommodations that can help support you during these happenings. \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit If…\n\nYou are just starting to write for a middle-grade audience. You’ll get a broad overview of the landscape of today’s best middle-grade novels.\nYou are a middle-grade novelist wishing to deepen your community and revision. This workshop is centered on the middle-grade novel with craft-focused sessions.\nYou enjoy discussing stories and your journey with fellow storytellers. You’ll gather ideas and informal feedback about your story in a supportive environment.\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 MG novelists 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\nAll Times are Eastern Time.  Click 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).\nWe encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress\, as you will have time to draft\, revise\, and polish your work during independent time. This retreat is not filled with lecture.  At its heart\, this retreat is time to work on your project.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Day One: Thursday\, October 1\, 2026\n \n3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in\n5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner\nFollowing dinner: Welcome & Introductions via your favorite middle-grade titles\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Two: Friday\, October 2\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nDiscussion #1 with Laurel and Erin\nHands-on writing exercise\, followed by sharing\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch\nWriting & retreat time\n1:1 consultation with Erin or Laurel (ideas\, revisions\, and questions; no written feedback)\nSocial Hour\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nStories around the Campfire\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Three: Saturday\, October 3\, 2026\n Morning: \n\nBreakfast\nDiscussion #2 with Laurel and Erin\nHands-on writing exercise\, followed by sharing\n\nAfternoon \n\nLunch\nWriting & retreat time\nSocial Hour\n\nEvening \n\nAppetizers & Dinner\nCampfire Q & A\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Day Four: Sunday\, October 4\, 2026\n Morning \n\nBreakfast\nDiscussion #3 with Erin & Laurel\nRetreat Time: packing\, writing\, book browse\, and social hour\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 Middle Grade Writers: A Generative 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\nThere will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises\, and as you connect with fellow attendees.\nEach novelist will meet with one of the faculty members for a consultation about their work(s)-in-progress. This consultation will not have written feedback or review\, and is structured as a discussion for the needs of your project and publishing based questions.\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 move away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it 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. Middle Grade novels ignite a passion for reading and spark a child’s imagination. This workshop highlights the many ways to craft a middle-grade novel that will satisfy readers. \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 Erin Entrada Kelly\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 Laurel Snyder\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/middle-grade-writers-a-generative-retreat/ LOCATION:Boyds Mills Campus\, 392 Boyds Mills Road\, Milanville\, PA\, 18443\, United States CATEGORIES:friend50,In-Person,Latinx Voices,Novels,Novels in Verse,Working Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sold-out-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261006 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261028 DTSTAMP:20260603T220810 CREATED:20260601T143859Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260601T144939Z UID:66268-1791244800-1793145599@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Diving Into Picture Books with Editor Matt Phipps DESCRIPTION:Overview\nA 4-Week Online Course \nEditor Matt Phipps invites beginning picture book writers into a deep dive on what makes stories resonate with children (and their favorite reading partners)! \nThis four-week online workshop will include presentations\, writing exercises\, Q&A sessions\, and handouts on topics like: \n\nPicture books to read (and read again); AKA “the hook”\nCharacter meets plot (emotions and actions in picture books)\nWord choice (and keeping illustrations in mind)\nThe role of the editor in the picture book writing process\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \nLive presentations on Tuesdays\, October 6 – 27 at 8pm Eastern\nHands-on exercises to draft and/or revise your picture book\, with time to work independently on your draft between live sessions.\n\nNote: 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. They’re usually posted the day after the session\, and they’ll be available through November 30\, 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 Why This Course?\nPicture books encapsulate emotion and wonder! If you are beginning your journey into this classic (and extraordinary) form\, join editor Matt Phipps for a deep dive into the elements that make a picture book fun to read (and write). \nMatt will offer a live presentation each week\, followed by time for your questions and a key takeaway for you to try out with your new idea (or revision). \nResources will highlight: \n\nHow to craft a hook\nHow to build a memorable character\nHow to engage emotions in the reading experience\nHow to work with an editor\nAnd more!\n\nOptional post-course critique will be available (at an additional cost) for those who would like written feedback on their work-in-progress. \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit For…\n\nPicture book beginners: Whether you are brand new to writing or new to writing picture books\, this course provides an overview of picture book fundamentals.\nIllustrators who want to learn more about picture book writing. Many picture books are a beautiful balance between words and pictures. If you feel confident in your illustrations but want to learn more about the writing and structure of a picture book\, please join us.\nThose who like the structure of an online course with time to work on your own draft in between sessions. You’ll have time to implement some of your learning and ask questions during the course.\nYou like the flexibility of online programs with recordings available for at least 30 days following the course.\n\n \n \n \n \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 in 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 Week 1: Picture Books To Read (and Read Again)\n LIVE Zoom Session: Tuesday\, October 6\, 2026 at 8pm Eastern \n\nWelcome with brief introductions\nPresentation: How to Craft a Picture Book “Hook”\nRead Aloud: An example\nQ&A\n\nIn the virtual classroom: \n\nHomework: Try this!\nAsk questions and share reflections\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 2: Character Meets Plot (Emotions and Actions in Picture Books)\n LIVE Zoom Session: Tuesday\, October 13\, 2026 at 8pm Eastern \n\nPresentation: Character + Active and Emotional Plots\nRead Aloud: An example\nQ&A\n\nIn the virtual classroom: \n\nHomework: Try this!\nAsk questions and share reflections\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 3: Word Choice Matters\n LIVE Zoom Session: Tuesday\, October 20\, 2026 at 8pm Eastern \n\nPresentation: Word Choice (and Keeping Illustrations in Mind)\nRead Aloud: An example\nQ&A\n\nIn the virtual classroom: \n\nHomework: Try this!\nAsk questions and share reflections\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Week 4: Bringing it All Together\n LIVE Zoom Session: Tuesday\, October 27\, 2026 at 8pm Eastern \n\nPresentation: My Role (the editor) in the Process + Revision Tips\nQ&A\nReview optional post-course critique opportunity\n\nIn the virtual classroom: \n\nHomework: Try this!\nAsk questions and share reflections\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 Online 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 \nOpportunities to share with informal discussion in the virtual classroom.\nOptional post-course paid written feedback on a submission.\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 Workshop? \n This multi-week online program is best if you attend or review all presentations\, and reserve time for the exercises and reflections. \nWe strive 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 Will the Sessions Be Recorded? \n Yes! 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. They’re usually posted the day after the session\, and they’ll be available through November 30\, 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n Where Can I Find Resources for Writing 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 Books edited by Matthew Phipps URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/diving-into-picture-books-with-editor-matt-phipps/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Beginners,friend50,Latinx Voices,Online,Online Workshop,Picture Books,The Business of Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/pb-diving-2.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR