I can not thank the Access Copyright Foundation enough for helping me attend the Highlights Whole Novel Workshop through their Professional Development Grant.
Attending this workshop was quite simply the best writing experience I’ve had. Here are the “highlights” (pun intended):
16 amazing participants – a diverse collection of creative people who take writing for young people seriously. I enjoyed getting to know every single one of them. I look forward to keeping in touch, being part of this new community of writers, and seeing all their middle grade and young adult books on the shelves!
4 talented mentors – I learned so much from these amazing authors who gave so freely of themselves and their craft. I’m currently reading and enjoying all of their published titles and encourage you to check out the websites of Sarah Aronson, Nancy Werlin, A.M Jenkins and Jennifer Jacobson. I am especially thankful for Jennifer, a kindred spirit who writes about themes similar to my own, who found things in my novel that I didn’t know were there and encouraged me (okay, sometimes it was more like forced me) to dig deeper into the core of my story.
2 great workshop leaders – extremely knowledgable, approachable, and encouraging, Nicole Valentine and Rob Costello gave us so many great resources, cultivated connection, and set the tone for the entire week.
Lots of time to write – It was amazing to be able to immerse myself in my story and not have to worry about cooking or cleaning or keeping track of kids (thanks Grandma and Papa!) The food was amazing and the scenery spectacular.
I will do everything in my power to return to this magical place one day. In the meantime, I feel very grateful for the opportunity. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!!