WRITING WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES
Note: This is not an endorsement of any of the following workshops/retreats/classes. I have not been compensated for including any of them on my list.
- Better Books Marin
This annual in-person retreat for MG and YA writers has been running since 2014. Less than 30 authors gather in the Bay area with 4 industry professionals for 4 days of critique, workshops, and camaraderie. Admission is application based. (I have attended this twice in person, and twice during Covid, and have met the most wonderful humans and critique partners.) - Big Sur Writing Workshop
Put on by Andrea Brown Literary Agency, this in-person event is held bi-annually, once on the west coast and once on the east coast. Admission is application based. (I attended in 2019 and received invaluable feedback that propelled me on my journey.) - Tin House Workshops and Seminars
Tin House is based in Portland and hosts an annual week-long workshop. They used to offer a shorter YA workshop (which I attended in 2022) and I hope it will return. They offer shorter online seminars and one day virtual classes throughout the year, taught by an enviable faculty roster. Admission is application based and competitive. - Highlights Foundation
While I have attended a retreat at their beautiful property in Boyd Mills, PA, I haven’t taken a class through Highlights yet. But I’ve heard such incredible things that I’m planning to register for one this summer. Their online offerings for KidLit writers are dense and change seasonally, always taught by an impressive faculty. Registration is open to all kidlit writers. - Literary Arts
I haven’t taken a class through Literary Arts, but their seasonal catalogue is impressive and leans literary as the name might suggest. Their offerings span the gamete from poetry to screenwriting. - Hugo House
Based in Seattle, Hugo House offers both online and in person classes that lean literary as well. I haven’t taken a class with them yet, but have heard wonderful things, particularly about their poetry offerings. - The Attic
The very first workshop I ever participated in was at The Attic, so it holds a special place in my heart. Check out their Atheneum program which bills itself as a MFA without the high expense. - VCFA Whole Novel Retreat
I attended this wonderful retreat in 2022 and it felt like I had gone back to college, in the best way possible. With a combination of critique, workshopping, and readings, there is plenty of time for heads down writing time. The most decadent part was that I was given two dorm rooms on their campus: one for sleeping, and one as a dedicated writing studio. (the location has now shifted) Admission is open to VCFA graduates or writers with an advanced degree.