August 10 - August 13
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat
Verse novelists and novelists join Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron for time to create and connect during a retreat built just for you. There will be daily presentations, 1:1 consultations to discuss your projects, and generative writing sessions to move ahead with your novel in verse.
- This is an in-person retreat for verse novelists (and/or those interested in writing verse novels) who are looking for light instruction and ample time to work.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Sunday, August 10, 2025
- Ends after lunch on Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The connection in meeting with other verse novelists felt particularly meaningful, as we were all focused on honing our craft, but with some coming as seasoned poets and others coming as seasoned novelists, the perspectives were wide enough that we could still learn from each other, yet the quality of our work still felt really high. Plus, our respective levels of commitment to the craft was a solid connector as well.
Thinking about Poetry and Drafting a Verse Novel
with Rajani LaRocca
Pushing Through, Overcoming Writing Blocks, and Revising Your Novel in Verse
with Chris Baron
And so much more…
- Working Retreat Time
- Generative Writing
- Q & A about Poetry Conventions
- 1:1 Consults to discuss your work in progress (no written feedback)
Why This Working Retreat?
We invite verse novelists (and those interested in writing verse novels) to gather with fellow storytellers for an immersive experience where productivity meets inspiration! Join authors Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron for daily presentations and generative writing exercises. In addition you’ll meet with Rajani and Chris for 1:1 consultations to discuss where you are in your verse novel journey, and how to get the most out of your retreat time.
If you want to connect with fellow verse novelists, and have dedicated time to move your own project ahead, this is the retreat for you. There will be ample time to work on your independent projects, alongside meaningful connections with fellow writers.
Feedback Expected
- There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.
- Each 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.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are a verse novelist, at any level, even the idea stage. This workshop is open to those beginning their creative journeys, to those who have more experience. Of most importance is having a project that you would like to work on during your independent, creative time.
- You enjoy discussing stories and your journey with fellow storytellers. You’ll gather ideas and informal feedback about your story in a supportive environment.
- You’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 verse novelists over meals and informal gatherings.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-Workshop
- You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
- We 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.
Day One: Sunday, August 10, 2025
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Retreat overview & welcome
- Poetry Conventions BINGO
Day Two: Monday, August 11, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Thinking about Poetry and Drafting a Verse Novel with Rajani LaRocca
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Generative writing prompts (materials will be provided)
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal fireside discussion (weather permitting)
Day Three: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Pushing Through, Overcoming Writing Blocks, and Revising Your Novel in Verse with Chris Baron
- Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Consultations & Writing Time
- Generative writing prompts (materials will be provided)
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Verse Sharing, fireside (weather permitting)
Day Four: Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Morning
- Breakfast
- Open Working Retreat time: read, write, connect
- Final questions and writing prompt
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
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 combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects.
The Highlights Foundation 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.
How It Impacts Kids
Novels in verse impact readers in powerful ways. This retreat gives you time and space to work on your projects, in a supportive environment.
Testimonials from Our Community
“I felt inspired and guided by the instructors and I made a lot of progress on my novel in verse!”
“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.”
“It really gave me the focus I needed, to sort out my stories and make a strategy for submissions.”
“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.”
“Community. I connected with amazing people that encouraged me, listened to my stories and ideas, and made me feel welcome and included. I can’t remember the last time I felt this seen and valued in a community, particularly a community that formed so quickly and shortly.”
Related Resources
- Novels in Verse Are My Language: 3 Verse Novelists Share Their Passion for the Form
- Writing Novels in Verse: 5 Articles to Help You with Form, Structure and Style
- Verse Novels: A String of Emotional Moments
- Conveying and Understanding Emotions Through Powerful Poetry: A Verse Novel Example
- Gather Podcast: Chris Baron and Rajani LaRocca
