September 10 - September 13
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat
To 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 one we dreamed about!)
Write, wander, and connect with fellow novelists as we swap ghost stories around the campfire, engage in character development exercises, and play games designed to generate new pages and revive old ones.
This 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.
- This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with lectures, writing exercises, and small group discussions.
- We include ample time to relax, retreat, and work on your own writing.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Wednesday, September 10, 2025
- Ends with lunch at 12:00pm Eastern on Saturday, September 13, 2025
“Laurel and Erin were amazing! It is hard to list a favorite part of the workshop but I’d have to say my 1:1 meeting helped me figure out where to go next with my middle grade novel.”
The Makings of a Middle Grade Novel: An Overview
Point of View & Character
co-taught by Erin and Laurel
And so much more…
- Working Retreat Time
- Generative Writing
- Q&As
- 1:1 Consults to discuss your work in progress (no written feedback)
“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!”
Why This Retreat?
Middle-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.
One way to write authentic stories is to connect with the emotional truth of the middle-grade reader.
Join 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!
Please 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.
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 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.
- You 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.
- 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 MG 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: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: “The Makings of a Middle Grade Novel: An Overview” with Erin and Laurel, including welcome and introductions via your favorite middle-grade titles
Day Two: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Session #1: “Join Us In the Middle: World Building in Your Middle Grade Novel” with Laurel and Erin
- Session #2: Hands-on writing exercise, followed by sharing
Afternoon
- Lunch
- 1:1 consultation with Erin and Laurel (ideas, revisions, and questions; no written feedback)
- Writing & retreat time while not in your meeting
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Stories around the Campfire: Social and Q & A
Day Three: Friday, September 12, 2025
Morning
- Breakfast
- Session #3: “Point of View & Character” with Erin and Laurel
- Session #4: Hands-on writing exercise
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Writing & Retreat Time
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Fireside chat: Q & A with Laurel & Erin
Day Four: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Morning
- Breakfast
- Reflection & Packing Time
- Discussion: Next steps, revisions, and questions
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
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.
Testimonials from Our Community
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel like this retreat helped restore my brain and gave me time to play.”
