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:20260604T054314 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:20260519T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260521T190000 DTSTAMP:20260604T054314 CREATED:19700101T050000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T150447Z UID:63751-1779217200-1779390000@boydsmills.org SUMMARY:Writing Nonfiction: Hooking Your Reader & Finding Success DESCRIPTION:Overview\nA Two-Night Online Course \nNonfiction manuscripts that have a strong hook\, a unique take\, or an intriguing structure stand a better chance of capturing the attention of readers\, editors\, and agents.  \nJoin celebrated authors Jennifer Swanson and Teresa Robeson for this short course that helps writers to find the hooks\, entry points\, and ways to engage readers in nonfiction\, no matter its length! \nThis program is a great fit if you’re looking for two\, 75-minute sessions with loads of information for nonfiction writers! \n \n \n \n \n \n \nTuesday\, May 19\, 2026 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)\nThursday\, May 21\, 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 June 30\, 2026.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Jennifer Swanson was the best!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“So much practical information. And wonderful encouragement!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“Keep the minis coming! They are accessible and packed with information!” \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?\nNow more than ever\, we want readers to engage deeply with facts—from the natural world to people and pivotal moments in history. Nonfiction can open the door to these topics. Creating a compelling hook brings readers into the nonfiction. \nJoin celebrated nonfiction authors Jennifer Swanson (Atlas Obscura’s Explorer’s Guide to Inventing the World\, The Lost Forest) and Teresa Robeson (Queen of Physics\, Two Bicycles in Beijing) as they share concrete strategies for shaping strong hooks\, entry points\, and narrative momentum in nonfiction of any length and for any age. This course will help you craft work that resonates with readers and communicates its purpose and promise clearly to editors and agents. \nTopics include: \n\nKnowing your audience – what engages your reader?\nEntry points to sharing nonfiction\nMaking it relevant\nFinding the unique elements\nand more!\n\nIf you are unable to attend either session for any reason\, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through June 30\, 2026. \n \n \n \n \n \n It’s a Great Fit If…\n\nYou have an idea for a nonfiction project\, are in the beginning stages of writing their nonfiction manuscript\, or are in the trenches of revision. Read on to learn more.\nYou love nonfiction and are eager to write more. This course will help make your nonfiction relevant and engaging.\nYou have an idea for\, or you are working on a nature\, science-themed\, biography or social justice project. Both Teresa and Jennifer can help you move forward with your ideas!\nYou are looking for something short\, sweet\, and full of information about nonfiction. If you are unable to attend either session for any reason\, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through June 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 \n Tentative Agenda\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. \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\, May 19\, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)\n Engaging Your Readers\nWhat’s a hook?\nWhat is it and why does it matter? \nKnowing your audience\nWhat engages your reader and how do I do that? \nTry This!\n \n \n \n \n \n Part Two: Thursday\, May 21\, 2026 (7pm-8:15pm Eastern)\n Biographies & Market Analysis\nBiographies: another form of nonfiction \n\nStructures in picture books\nGraphical and older biographies\n\nMarketability \n\nCurrent state of the market\nHow to stand out in the crowd\n\nQ&A\n \n \n A Note About How Our Workshop Agendas Change and Evolve\n \n \n \n \n \n Resources\n\n5 Questions Everyone Asks About Writing Nonfiction for Kids\nJennifer Swanson: My Path to Nonfiction (AKA: When What You Think You Want to Write and What You’re Good at Writing Are Not the Same Thing)\nTeresa Robeson: A Passion for Writing Nonfiction\n5 Ways to Make Your Nonfiction Manuscript Capture an Editor or Agent’s Attention\nSetting a Scene with a STEM Book\n7 Ways to Make Your Nonfiction Stand Out\n\n \n \n \n \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 Nonfiction 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 Here’s an overview of feedback in this nonfiction writing webinar: \nNo feedback is included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program. \n \n \n \n \n \n Will Sessions 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 June 30\, 2026. \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. Nonfiction novels offer readers the opportunity to engage with facts and deepen their knowledge of the world. This course will help you navigate the many possibilities to make your own nonfiction novel irresistible. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Books by Jennifer Swanson\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 Teresa Robeson\nSee More URL:https://boydsmills.org/workshop/writing-nonfiction-hooking-your-reader-finding-success/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Asian American Voices,Nonfiction,Online,Online Mini,Past,The Business of Publishing ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://boydsmills.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/pitch-course-graphic-2.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR