2012 Highlights Founder’s Workshop- Whole Narrative Nonfiction

A visit to the Highlights editorial offices in Honesdale, PA

I’ve just returned from my second Highlights Founder’s Workshop with a renewed vigor. Not that I was in a slump before hand but when I learned who was on faculty for this event, how could I pass up the opportunity? Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Elizabeth Partridge, Peggy Thomas– they’re all rock stars in the kid-lit nonfiction arena and I’ve been a loyal fan for a long time. I’ve studied their works and admired their careers. After a week with them, I have a new appreciation for their professionalism and their personal integrity. I’ve met the “other side” of their rock star image, and glimpsed at how their own careers evolved.

And, Carolyn Yoder, the notoriously “picky” editor of Highlights and Calkins Creek Books, was on faculty, too. This was a rare chance to pick her brain, and soak in her editorial wisdoms relating to my specific manuscript. Today, Carolyn is more three dimensional to me. She’s funny, fun-loving, energetic, curious, and she shares my love of British comedies.

Check out the new Highlights Barn, aka the conference center. Can you imagine a more perfect design for this rustic setting, especially when flanked by the woodsy cabins we each inhabited? How cool is that?

The Highlights Conference Center (Barn)

I had a specific goal in mind for the week. To find clarity on a
manuscript that I’ve whittled away at for almost ten years. It’s been
through so many rewrites, so many re-envisionings, so many different
approaches, I needed to re-immerse myself in the story to get back on
track. And, I did just that.

My week was filled with structured lecture time, one-on-one sessions with my assigned faculty mentor (thank you Peggy!,) one-on-one time with Carolyn, large chunks of private writing time, and chef-prepared meals that were out of this world. But, unstructured time was equally important. I enjoyed numerous walks through the Pennsylvania countryside where conversations with my new friends flitted between craft, marketing, and personal life. There was ample time to pose my endless questions and to benefit from questions posed by others. Often, it was the impromptu discussions that offered the most insight.

Beyond the amazing workshop week, I was reminded how much I admire Kent Brown,  the executive director of the Highlights Foundation, Inc. He is
editor in chief emeritus of Highlights for Children, Inc., and the
former publisher of Boyds Mills Press, the trade division of Highlights, which he co-founded in 1990. He serves Highlights for Children, Inc. as a director. During this week, Kent was dressed down, ready for hard labor, as he supervised the construction of the new lodge being built on property. We were thrilled when he joined us for several meals. His grandparents would be proud of what the Highlights Foundation accomplishes today. Kent is the supportive and generous backbone to the organization. Rest assured, there is great heart behind the Highlights name.

During my last day’s walk, I slowed, allowing my friends to return to home base without me. I needed to meander for a change. To inhale deeply and to take in the natural setting. The sounds of rushing water, fluttering birds, and a whistling breeze centered me. It was time for me to look at the minutia of nature’s wonders. The lichen on the rocks, the beaver dam, the buzzing bees on the foliage. Nature is a part of me- the roots to my tree of life. There was no better ending to my week of rediscovery.

my cabin
Calkins Creek-behind the Founder’s home
Look who else enjoyed the workshop. My talented friend, Cynthia Levinson
from left, Ann Parr, Peggy Thomas, me, Carolyn Yoder, and Carolyn’s mother, Kay
This greeted me every morning

I tried like the dickens to get photos of the adorable chipmunks. They peered through the glass doors during our sessions and one even trapped himself inside the barn until we helped him find his way outside. I could never get my camera out in time. Until this moment. Out of the blue, as I was walking toward the Barn, this little guy ran right up to me. He paused long enough for me to take my phone out of my pocket and find the camera setting.

It was rainy for part of our week, but that didn’t stop some of us from walking. Check out the heart-shaped puddle I came upon. I find it metaphorical, really. Something about finding beauty in our work, even when we’re muddled in the mire of details.  At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the heart of our stories.

 

3 Responses to “2012 Highlights Founder’s Workshop- Whole Narrative Nonfiction”

  1. Carmen Oliver

    Sounds sublime!! I'm thrilled you got everything out of this workshop you needed and new friends. Wonderful!!