How to Decide What You Need to Grow as a Writer
Our first night at Highlights began with drinks, appetizers, and a presentation from George Brown, the executive director, which was entertaining and informative.
I’ve been in the kid lit world for more than 20 years, and it seems like the professional development options for novelists have expanded in recent years.
In addition to joining the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and taking in-person courses in writing through continuing education or a nearby college or university, you can
Take an online course through programs like Gotham Writers or UCLA Extension
Attend a writing conference that offers paid critiques (like through SCBWI)
Attend a workshop geared toward kid lit writers
Hire a book coach or developmental editor
Pursue an online or low-residency MFA
With so many options, how do you choose?
I think you need to know what fits your needs best at a particular moment.
About 20 years ago, I was trying to decide between two well regarded programs to continue my education as a budding children’s novelist. Should I attend a Highlights workshop or apply to a low-residency MFA program?
Both would help me grow. But since I’ve always loved school AND I really wanted that MFA credential, the degree program won (the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA in writing for children and young adults). I completed my degree in January 2008. I learned a lot and made great friends. The degree also helped me land a couple of interesting jobs in higher education.
An MFA was not a shortcut to publishing a novel, however, at least not for me. When I finished my degree, I felt like I knew a lot more intellectually about how fiction works, but I wasn’t mature enough yet as a writer. (Something I can see now, but couldn’t see then.)
Why I decided to attend the Highlights Whole Novel Workshop
This month (August 2024) I attended my first ever Highlights program, the Whole Novel Workshop. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Before applying to the workshop, I considered hiring a book coach/developmental editor to give me feedback on my MG novel, No Dogs Die in This Book. That would have been an excellent option if feedback was my primary objective.
But I also wanted to be around other writers again, other writers who were serious about their craft and were trying to create excellent work for kids, and who were focused on writing novels.
I wanted an experience like I had during the 10-day residencies at VCFA in Montpelier, Vermont, where we chatted with faculty and fellow students over meals, attended lectures, readings, and workshops, and had casual interactions with each other.
The type of experience I wanted was the most important consideration. Other factors I considered were the price, the time commitment, and the time of year the workshop was offered.
The Whole Novel Workshop, which included food and lodging for five days, was $2,799. Travel costs were separate.
I probably spent $500, for gas and two nights in motels, to drive about 2,100 miles round trip (through Upper and Lower Michigan, southern Ontario, New York, and a tiny bit of Pennsylvania). Flying would have cost me more money and been much less comfortable.
The workshop took place in mid-August, when I had no other commitments. And, since I’m no longer working for anyone but myself, that was an easy yes.
What’s an easy yes for you when it comes to growing your kid-lit knowledge and skills?
Next time: What my Highlights workshop experience was like