Join Valerie Bolling and fellow storytellers for this in-community retreat for Black writers and illustrators.

About the Program

This 3-night/4-day retreat thrives within a welcoming community, designed to spark your creativity and foster connections with fellow storytellers. This retreat provides a loosely structured environment, allowing you ample time and space to engage in writing, illustrating, or simply exploring. Feel free to bring multiple projects, as we celebrate the power of community and various approaches to uplifting and championing Black voices in crafting stories for children and teens.

How It’s Structured

This is a lightly scheduled program with optional/informal, post-dinner group activities (like fireside chats and open sharing of stories) led by your host Valerie Bolling. There will be an abundance of writing, illustrating, and retreat time; please bring your stories.

Optional consultations can be scheduled with one of our faculty mentors. These opportunities are available at an additional cost, and can be added at the time of registration or during your retreat stay. No submissions will be required or accepted for these 1:1 consultation opportunities, but you will fill out a questionnaire in advance (in our virtual classroom) to prepare. Consultations will include time to discuss where you are in your stories, and ideas for moving forward with drafting, revisions, and/or submissions.