August 12, 2023 - August 16, 2023
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1399Overview
In-person 5-Day/4-Night Workshop and Retreat
Mentorship, hands-on activities, presentations, and ample time for retreating will help you on your path to energizing readers through science and nature-themed fiction or nonfiction.
- This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with ample time to relax, retreat, and work on your own writing.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- There will be multiple opportunities for feedback on your science and nature-themed projects.
- Begins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Saturday, August 12, 2023
- Ends with lunch at 12:00pm-1:00pm Eastern on Wednesday, August 16, 2023
- 22 participants max
Why This Workshop?
If you want to energize readers through active nonfiction and fiction with science and nature subject matter and themes, this course will give you the tools and insights you need to advance your path to success. Presentations and creative exercises will help us examine the various forms and formats of science and nature, including:
- narrative nonfiction,
- expository nonfiction,
- science-inspired fiction,
- concept books,
- poetry, and everything in between.
We’ll also enjoy the outdoor facilities and possibilities at the Highlights Foundation retreat center, to improve the depth of our writing and expand our observation skills. We’ll discuss S.T.E.A.M. topics (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) throughout.
During this workshop, you’ll:
- Explore science and nature-themed writing through a range of formats and forms.
- Work one-to-one with faculty on a project of your choice, including a pre-course submission and a 1:1 meeting. Faculty reader/attendee pairings will be made thoughtfully according to your work and your goals. (Providing your submission in advance of the workshop allows us to make this pairing.)
- Explore engaging science and nature-themed ideas, including how to generate, evaluate, and shape them to engage and attract agents and editors.
- Receive guidance on how to submit manuscripts and write proposals; including opportunities like work for hire and the educational market.
You will have ample free retreat time built into this course so that you can stretch, work on your own projects, and/or work on the projects discussed in class.
Feedback Expected
- A 1:1 meeting with your faculty reader sharing insights and questions from your pre-course submission.
- A 1:1 consultation during the workshop with an editor or agent to discuss publishing and/or submission-related questions.
- Informal opportunities for feedback and to talk with faculty, who will be present throughout your time on campus.
Pre-course submission:
Deadline: In advance of the workshop. This submission will be the foundation for your first 1:1 during the course. Submit a cover letter and one of the following:
- One science or nature-themed picture book manuscript (up to 2,000 words, including backmatter)
- Up to 10 pages from a longer science or nature-themed project
- A dummy (mocked-up picture book) as a PDF with sketches and words (if you are in author/illustrator, or author/photographer)
- A proposal or a one-page summary of ideas that you would like to discuss (if you do not have a work in progress)
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You love science and our natural world, and want to share your knowledge and passion with kids. This workshop will show you the dynamics of engaging fiction and nonfiction science and nature-based writing (and/or illustration).
- You want to write or illustrate picture books, nonfiction, chapter books, or books for middle grade and young adult readers. This comprehensive review of the market for science and nature books will move you forward, no matter the age level at which your writing is aimed.
- You have several in-progress science or nature manuscripts and would appreciate multiple feedback perspectives. After your one-to-one critique with faculty, you’ll have fresh ideas for revision. And after hearing from an editor and agent about what they’re looking for, you’ll be well prepared to start submitting.
- You illustrate science and nature-themed works and would like feedback on incorporating them into the children’s book market.
- You are a published author or illustrator who wants to investigate the science and nature market. You’ll hear from authors, an editor, and an agent working in the field.
- You want an in-person learning experience. This program has a balance of presentations, consultations, and writing time so that you can engage with the group and explore on your own.
Photos From Previous Workshops
Tentative Agenda
All Times are Eastern Standard Time.
Pre-Workshop
- In mid-July, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers, engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), and see submission details.
- Please bring at least one favorite nature and/or science theme book that is intended for kid readers (concept book through YA) to the opening session. If you are unable to bring a physical copy of the book, please post the title and cover image in the Canvas classroom prior to the first session. (Recently published titles are preferred.) We will use your titles as part of the opening night introduction.
- Submission deadline is in advance of the workshop to submit a cover letter and one of the following:
- One science or nature-themed picture book manuscript (up to 2,000 words, including backmatter)
- Up to 10 pages from a longer science or nature-themed project
- A dummy (mocked-up picture book) as a PDF with sketches and words (if you are in author/illustrator, or author/photographer)
- A proposal or a one-page summary of ideas that you would like to discuss (if you do not have a work in progress)
Day 1: Saturday, August 12
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival
- 5:30pm: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Faculty and attendee welcome, intro to Retreat Lending Library, and creative exercise with Miranda Paul
Day 2: Sunday, August 13
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Breaking Boundaries with Heather Montgomery
Afternoon:
- Lunch
- Outdoor Explore!
- 1:1 Meetings/ Writing & Retreat Time
Evening:
- Appetizers & Dinner
- After Dinner: Fireside Chat (Work for Hire) & Evening Outdoor Activities
Day 3: Monday, August 14
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Optional Illustration Exploration
- Up Close with Picture Books with Miranda Paul
Afternoon:
- Lunch
- Fiction + STEM/STEAM with Pamela Courtney
- 1:1 Consultations/ Writing & Retreat Time
Evening:
- Appetizers & Dinner
- After Dinner: Fireside Chat (S’mores Science) & Evening Outdoor Activities
Day 4: Tuesday, August 15
Morning
- Breakfast
- Research Roundup (& Educational Standards) with Heather Montgomery
Afternoon
- Crafting an Environment for Your Book with Baptiste Paul
- Optional Consultations/ Writing & Retreat Time
Evening:
- Appetizers & Dinner
- After Dinner: Fireside Chat (Proposals) & Evening Outdoor Activities
Day 5: Wednesday, August 16
Morning
- Breakfast
- Pitch, Query, and Submission Tips with Miranda Paul
- Open Q & A with all faculty
Afternoon
- Lunch and 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 workshop. We try to build in breaks and independent time so you have space for your personal needs. While we encourage participation in all group events, we know that as an adult learner you can decide if you need more time to yourself. Please let someone from our staff or faculty know if you plan to step away from group activities.
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.
An important commitment that will help you get the most from this workshop is meeting with faculty in 1:1 consultations, the first of which is related to feedback from your submission. Please let us know if this is a problem.
How It Impacts Kids
Kids love reading about their world, and science that is out-of-this-world! This course will show you ways to make your science or nature book both engaging and informative.
Testimonials from Our Community
“The instructors were experienced, motivating and available. There was a good balance of activity and free-time. The accommodations are cozy, the meals terrific and the setting was delightful. The best part was the variety of the participants in our group and the most surprising was how quickly we all felt part of something wonderful. This course was an investment in my writing and myself, and it was worth every penny!”
“All the faculty were fantastic! They were warm, fun, and knowledgeable. They all seemed to take a personal interest in helping us further our career and were always accessible.”
“It could not have been better, no way, no how. I was amazed and mesmerized and my brain almost exploded (in a good way)! Why did I wait so long? Glad I found out about these workshops!”
“Their willingness to critique participant manuscripts is invaluable. Miranda Paul was exceptional in her ability to not only point out flaws, but to help steer a writer toward re-envisioning a better product.”
Resources
- Writing STEM With a Twist
- What? So What? Now What? Science Writing that Stands Out
- Science Writing: It’s Not Just for Nonfiction Books
- Setting a Scene with a STEM Book
- Making Science Fun (or Funny) in Your Nonfiction Book
- The Intersection of Science & Social Studies: Can Creative Combinations Enhance Your Writing?
- STEAM-ing Into Nonfiction: 4 Ways to Make It Leap-off-the-Page Exciting
- 3 Myths About Why Writing Science Books for Kids is Hard and 5 Reasons Why You Should Do It Anyway
- Elements of Excellent Science Books
- Picture Book Word Count and Other Rules That Are Meant to Be Broken
