Jennifer Liss specializes in writing fiction for struggling and reluctant readers. She says: “In 2022, I was the honored recipient of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Scholarship, which I used to attend Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Retreat Experience. While I was on campus, I completed my first draft of WIDE EYE, a middle grade novel, in the Floyd Cooper cabin.”

Sarah Odedina at Pushkin Children’s Books acquired the book earlier this year, and it is slated to be released in early 2026. Sarah shared this about the book, “I am delighted to be working with Jennifer on her wonderful book WIDE EYE. It is such a tender and touching adventure story about family love across generations, as well as a gorgeous story about the power of belief and imagination.”

Jennifer’s Retreat Experience

I was lucky to learn from the incredible Erin Entrada Kelly and Laurel Snyder. There were many lessons, but some highlights include: strategies for developing main character; when to stick with and when to bend middle grade perimeters; how to maintain perspective when struggling with publishing/marketing issues; and how to invest in your characters so they become whole.

It was Jennifer’s first time attending a Highlights Foundation workshop, and she was grateful for our scholarship support:

My scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me. For years, I closely followed the Highlight Foundation’s offerings, but as a full-time working parent, I struggled to justify the time and expense it would take to attend a program. So, I was honored to receive full support for an in-person program. For two decades, I have worked as a writer and editor in educational publishing, though I’ve had few opportunities for professional development. In the last several years, I began focusing more on my own creative projects, and I viewed my scholarship as an opportunity to deepen my craft, focus on my novel, and meet like-minded writers. All those things–and much more–came to fruition.

Having four days to focus exclusively on my craft was an invaluable gift. When I first arrived at the campus, I felt really emotional. I was shocked to be staying in the Floyd Cooper cabin with his original art on the walls. I felt a responsibility to properly utilize the gift of time in this special place. I worked on finishing a draft of my WIDE EYE manuscript and took long walks to work through ideas and take in the beautiful property. The magical library, the caring and talented cooking staff, and the open and inspiring fellow attendees all contributed to an experience that I will never forget, an experience that I believe will make me a more skilled and thoughtful writer. I am very grateful.

More About Jennifer

For twenty years, Jennifer Liss has worked in educational publishing, developing materials for students and teachers across the country. She specializes in writing fiction for struggling and reluctant readers. Jennifer lives in Santa Rosa, CA, with her husband and two sons.

Website: jenniferliss.net
Instagram: @bookmarkedbyjen