[Update 10/19/12: There wasn’t enough time to properly plan this retreat for the Nov-Dec timeframe, so I am considering doing it in the spring instead. Please follow this blog (see left column) to get all the updates!]
No, this isn’t a trick. No plastic thumb or fake dove here. Smoke and mirrors? Nah. This is a real treat. Better than chocolate. It’s a PiBoIdMo Retreat!
Yes, I’ve been kicking around this harebrained scheme to host a picture book writing retreat and workshop weekend with a PiBoIdMo theme in late November or early December. Am I nuts? Yes, of course! Only crazy pants people can be children’s authors, silly!
Cozy, no? Don’t you wanna just plop down and write?
The Grand Summit Hotel in Summit, NJ is the proposed venue. Located in downtown Summit, The Grand Summit offers walking access to the NYC train, shops and restaurants, plus this mid-sized hotel provides personalized service and well-appointed rooms with a comfortable, hometown feel. (OK, with that description it’s painfully obvious that I’ve been obsessed with “The Price is Right” game on Facebook.)
Two picture book authors (moi included), one picture book literary agent and one picture book editor from a major house comprise the potential faculty.
And you, the first 24 PiBoIdMo devotees to register, will be the small, intimate group of lucky attendees.
There will be four workshop classes plus smaller break-out sessions. And plenty of time to write and gossip. How about a Friday night dinner soiree with open bar, too? Cranberry Cosmos for all! (Saturday-morning hangover optional.)
I am busy crunching numbers to determine if this is possible. So, if this sounds even remotely intriguing, please speak up in the comments. Tell me how much is a reasonable attendance fee (bear in mind you’d also have costs for hotel accommodations and transportation) and what you’d want out of the weekend.
I need your input, PiBoIdMo’ers! Let the comments commence!
Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) 
59 comments
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August 11, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Susanna Leonard Hill
It sounds very intriguing and I’d love to come, but for me scheduling is an issue and I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull it off. As for cost, I’m not sure what would be reasonable. I’m just so helpful, aren’t I? 🙂 But I think it’s a GREAT idea!!!
August 11, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Shelli Cornleison
I’m no help at all on costs but I think I have enough airfare miles to travel there for free so I’d be interested to hear what you come up with!
August 11, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Kim
Sounds fantastic! Depending on cost, count me in!
August 11, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Brook
Sounds wonderful and if I wasn’t able to make it, I’d be super jealous. Hmmmm on the rate, I’m not sure… i think the similar WP retreat with SCBWI is more than $395…but I can’t find what the deposit was on top of that. That also had individual crits with agents/editors/similar peeps. And included the most amazing food!
August 11, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Patrick Guindon (@123patrickg)
I’ve never been to one but this sounds exactly like what I would love to be a part of! Woohoo!
For me, I think I’d love to have some chances to work on existing manuscripts with a group of other people who are also author/illustrators. I think hearing more about how to present yourself as the combo would be really fantastic, too. I don’t know that I could afford it but would do everything in my power to make it work!!!! How would you pick the 24?!
August 11, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Tara Lazar
Patrick, the 24 would not be picked. It will be first come, first served. I’d most likely have people email to reserve their spot, then follow up with a mailed check/registration which confirms attendance. If we find that it is more popular than we imagined, I might extend it to around 30 people. But I want to keep it relatively small and intimate, not like a big conference.
August 11, 2012 at 5:20 pm
Diandra Mae
Oh man, my husband will probably kill me for saying this (I’ve traveled A LOT this year), but I so want in! Also, I am considering planning a similar retreat for illustrators next fall, so if you go through with this, I will totally be picking your brain.
I don’t think I could swing paying more than $250 for it, considering that I’ll have airfare as well as the hotel cost. (Our conference fees average less than $200, but they are a bigger affair, and I know more people=lower fees.) The faculty would be a big factor, too. If they’re someone I have already critiqued with/heard present at another conference, I’d be less likely to attend.
August 11, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Marcie Colleen
Count me in!!! Just can’t do Dec 8th..
August 11, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Tara Lazar
I can’t, either! Hanukkah!
August 11, 2012 at 6:17 pm
lindamartinandersen
Tara,
I wish I could but it’s not in the budget this year. Maybe you’ll come to NC to present at our SCBWI Conference one year. I hope that happens!
August 11, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Tara Lazar
Linda, I’d love to be asked. Or maybe I just have to submit a proposal? When is your NC conference?
August 11, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Jennifer
I think it sounds like a great idea! But, like Susanna, it would depend on when and how much. (I never have any money to think about conferences or retreats, so I have no idea what is actually reasonable!) As far as topics….well, I need to think about that more to give a thoughtful response — I just wanted to say, yes, I find this (more than) remotely intriguing!
August 11, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
This sounds lovely, Tara, but not possible for me. My question is why November or December? November is NanoWriMo, but maybe not many who do PiBoIdMo also do NaNo, anyway. December is such a busy month for most people, but maybe it would be a needed and welcome change.
I wish you success with this; it sounds like fun.
August 11, 2012 at 6:54 pm
Marge McGugan
Wish I could do November/December but I’m out of town twice those months. Not sure how much help I can be with costs. But I sure do need a retreat to write and stay focused, along with some quality feedback. Great idea, maybe at a different time of the year?
August 11, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Tara Lazar
It’s to be during PiBoIdMo, most likely at the end, so part of the event would deal with fleshing out your ideas. If not the last weekend in November, the first in December, which will not interfere with any holidays (Hanukkah starts the 8th). And actually, it’s like a holiday treat for writers! Jan/Feb/March is too iffy weather-wise in this area–I would hate people not being able to come because of a snowstorm. And by April, I’ll be too busy preparing for my book launch in June, and it would compete too closely with the NE-SCBWI and NJ-SCBWI conferences during the spring. So that’s the reasoning behind the proposed schedule. I don’t suspect it will work for everyone, but hopefully some will be able to make it.
October 19, 2012 at 1:02 pm
Julie Segal Walters
Hi there! I’m curious about the status of this conference. It sounds ideal! How’s everything going? Do you need any help?
August 11, 2012 at 7:45 pm
Claudia
Count me in. Time and place are perfect (I’m from NJ). As to the cost…hm…I agree w/Diandra ($200-$250 range). Possible topics: plot, narrative arc, POV, voice, humor, theme…and anything else you want to throw in.
August 11, 2012 at 7:54 pm
Annie Silvestro
Love this idea and would totally be on board. Difficult time of year but would love to make it happen!! Let me know if I can help! Thanks!
August 11, 2012 at 8:38 pm
SevenAcreSky
Yes, difficult time of year with our traveling to see family and such around holidays. I would pay around $200 for a retreat, but travel from southeast Arkansas would be pricey. Depending on the amount of instruction, interaction, and chances to really work on the WIP, it might be something I would swing for.
August 11, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Penny Klostermann
Sounds very tempting. I would have to wait and see details.
August 11, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Holly Ruppel
Tara, this sounds amazing! I’d love to participate!
August 11, 2012 at 9:05 pm
carterhiggins
Travel would be a tough thing that close to the holidays, but that’s only because I’m about as far away from Summit as possible and still in the lower 48. Otherwise? Totally in. Something specifically for PBs is a huge hole in the ‘retreat-slash-conference market.’ Would you foresee any overlap for Andrea Brown’s Big Sur Writing Retreat for faculty or attendees? Just a thought…think that’s usually the first weekend in December.
Bomb idea though!!
August 11, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Tara Lazar
I figure since the AB retreat is all the way across the country, we’re not tapping the same audience. Although I didn’t realize it was during the same time! Heck I might drop everything and go to Big Sur! LOL. I have tons of respect and admiration for that agency.
August 11, 2012 at 10:38 pm
carterhiggins
Y’all could start an East Coast/West Coast rap war!
Or not really.
All of that to say I want to cozy up in Jersey sometime with my picture book peeps!!
August 11, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Colleen Kosinski
Sounds great. Keep me in the loop. Along with my PB’s I’m working on a new graphic novel style. If anyone is interested in learning about it with me, I’d love to discuss.
August 11, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Tara Lazar
My daughter’s been taking a graphic novel writing class. OK, not the same, but it’s been interesting to hear what she’s been learning.
August 11, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Beth Gallahger
Wow, it sounds GREAT! (Said with a decidedly Tony-The-Tiger feel…) Don’t ask me about cost, as we are barely squeeking by as it is. How could you pick just a few of us?
August 11, 2012 at 10:58 pm
Tara Lazar
Beth, I wouldn’t pick because I can’t think of a way to make that fair! It would strictly be first come, first served until the 24 spots fill up. I might open it to a few more if the response is swift! I am also kicking around the idea of a Kickstarter campaign to ensure I have the funds to cover minimum booking requirements and other expenses. If the Kickstarter is successful, I might be able to reduce retreat fees.
August 11, 2012 at 10:41 pm
Kerry Aradhya
Hi, Tara. Not sure I could swing it this year, either, although I have been wanting to go on a writing retreat. Hmmm…will have to see. I think it is a fabulous idea!
August 11, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Tara Lazar
Carter, we already have our rapper names! T.Zar and Chiggins, yo. Kelly Sonnack could be K-Nack and Jennifer Laughran is already Literaticat. So we’re all good to go.
August 12, 2012 at 3:30 pm
carterhiggins
Ha…it’s on.
August 12, 2012 at 12:30 am
viviankirkfield
Tara…it’s a lovely idea…I applaud the energy you have. 🙂 I’d love to take part in EVERYTHING that is picture book, but until next year, I wouldn’t even be able to contemplate it. But I hope it comes to pass and that everyone who takes part in it has a ball…as I know they will!
August 12, 2012 at 12:41 am
Tara Lazar
Energy? Ha ha. If y’all only knew how much I slept. My life pretty much consists of sleeping, eating, Momminess, napping, Wifieness, picture books, reading and sleeping.
August 12, 2012 at 6:46 am
Ellen L. Ramsey
A great idea–I’d be in favor of a limited number of classes and more time for one-on-one critiques, peer critiques, and writing/revision time.
August 12, 2012 at 7:21 am
Jarm Del Boccio
This sounds fabulous, Tara! I wish I lived closer to the East coast. Otherwise, I would be onboard immediately. Great idea!!
August 12, 2012 at 8:35 am
Joan Waites
Count me in as potentially interested Tara! I do a lot of organizing for SCBWI in the DC area, so I know this is a ton of work to put together!
August 12, 2012 at 11:13 am
Tara Lazar
I know it will be. But it’s fun work, right? I had the idea less than two days ago and I’m already on it like flies on poop. Umm, perhaps that was not the best analogy.
August 12, 2012 at 10:27 am
Cheryl Mansfield
Tara, this sounds like a fabulous experience. I’m interested. Keep me in the loop, please.
August 12, 2012 at 10:46 am
tracy bermeo
I’m in. What a great retreat!
August 12, 2012 at 11:24 am
dustwrites
For me, I’d take a look at what you offer that is totally unique. I’ve been to a lot of these small, boutique workshops (Fishtrap,Big Sur) and always prefer them to the cons. For those two, Fishtrap was remote location and focus on written and spoken word for novelists, Big Sur – high concentration of actively looking agents and publishing pros.
Cost wise both of those shops are on the high end becuase they are very unique.
The thing that always gets me to pull the trigger on a workshop like this, is know that I have some tangible and definitive ‘thing’ that I know I will return with. Just meeting to network is not enough (sorry, being blunt here). Flying to NJ to meet with writers and a few pub pros would be a BLAST, but I need more.
August 12, 2012 at 11:36 am
Tara Lazar
Thank you! Bluntness is what I want! (As long as you’re not hitting me over the head with a blunt object.) I will work on the “tangible” benefits in the schedule. Appreciate your thoughts!
August 12, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Lauri Meyers
I am interested depending on final dates & details. I need to be brave and actually meet another writer in person, because my husband seems to think I am corresponding with robots or imaginary people. Well, I guess I do spend a lot of time with imaginary people, but I digress. Sounds great!
August 12, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Joanne Fritz
Sounds like a fantastic idea to me, Tara. Not sure I’d be able to make it this year, but I hope it becomes an annual event!
August 12, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Amber Alvarez
I’d come if I could swing the dates! Ideallyid like more time to prep, but I love the idea of showing up post PBIDMO with a book of ideas and all that bottled energy!
August 13, 2012 at 9:37 am
Wafa
Hi Tara thanks for thinking of doing this and for asking for feedback ahead of time! This is great! You can count me in, I feel like it is rare to find something like this tailored to the PB genre specifically which would be incredibly helpful plus this is the time of year where i feel like its slow in terms of events or workshops.
Ideally I would like the chance for a full manuscript read by both an editor and agent that would be awesome, and very helpful. Okay maybe thats overly ambitious but I also think a workshop on how to keep yourself motivated as a PB writer would be helpful
creating change in your main character in a PB would also be a good one
okay im blabbing on but anyhow let me know if you are looking for volunteers or assistance? im close by and thanks again for throwing this together!!!!!
August 13, 2012 at 11:58 am
Tara Lazar
Hi Wafa! It is soooo good to hear from you. I’ve been thinking about you. Get yourself on Facebook, girl! Your input is great. I may need help so thanks for volunteering. I’ll put the call out when I need you!
August 13, 2012 at 9:48 am
Jan
It does sound like it could be a great way to hone an idea into an actual book. As far as cost you’d have to find out what the workshop facilitators are asking, what any food costs might be as well as the cost of renting the venue and then divide by the number of people you expect to attend. Does that help?
August 13, 2012 at 11:56 am
Tara Lazar
Yes, that’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve already talked to the hotel and they’ve been very accommodating with pricing. I think I know how much I would have to charge, but I also may want to try a Kickstarter campaign to guarantee some upfront funds in case we don’t fill our quota. And if the Kickstarter is successful, it would mean I could reduce the entrance fee. I don’t know…still in the planning stages…need everyone’s input! Thanks!
August 13, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Donna Koppelman
yesss!
August 13, 2012 at 3:45 pm
aneducationinbooks
Off topic, but did you send in the Ryan Gosling pic to WriteOn Con’s “Welcome Back” video?
August 13, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Tara Lazar
No, I didn’t. Too funny. Do you have a link for the video?
August 13, 2012 at 6:43 pm
aneducationinbooks
If the link doesn’t work, the video’s on WriteOnCon.com’s homepage.
August 13, 2012 at 5:43 pm
carol gordon ekster
This sounds wonderful. That timing doesn’t work for me this year. As far as price, it should compare to a conference and provide as much learning for writers, in my opinion. You are one dedicated author and hard worker. Good for you to venture into this. Good luck with it.
August 13, 2012 at 7:49 pm
Carrie Finison
It sounds wonderful! I would definitely be interested…but of course price and exact timing are key. The weekend of December 1-2 might be really good since it is early enough before Christmas and far enough from Thanksgiving. I’ve never been to a writing retreat before, but would LOVE the opportunity. I’d love a retreat that would give me time to write/revise and, in addition to workshops, offer multiple specific opportunities to get feedback from editors and agents, as well as peers. In terms of cost, it would be hard for me to spend more than about $500 for the whole weekend. I’ve been considering the Whispering Pines retreat in New England and this sounds similarly structured. I think that one costs $600 – including food and hotel.
Good luck with this! I can’t wait to hear more about it.
August 13, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Tracy (A2Z Mommy)
Now that I’m not trying to squeeze in a quick “yes” amidst kids running around on a weekend, I’ll add these thoughts. Just being among fellow writers would be tremendous. Is it possible to find out what the kidlit market needs? What’s been over done or not done well, or not done at all? The audience is young kids, and there are classic stories, but kids are exposed to so much more at a much younger age- how does that fit into writing stories for them? Are agents and editors tired of seeing the same old stuff? As far as cost, I have no idea. Early December could be good, as someone mentioned. Just past Thanksgiving and still before Christmas.
August 17, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Christy Peterson
Oh, it sounds so fun! But Washington (the state) is very far from NJ. I won’t be able to do it this year. I wish you all much success so I can come next time! 🙂
August 19, 2012 at 9:12 am
Julie Segal Walters
I love this idea! Count me in!
With a picture book focus, do you think Candlewick would want to participate in some way? Their year long picture book campaign is very exciting! I also think it would be helpful to have an illustrator or two on hand to critique the manuscripts from a “how does this work with pictures” perspective. If not for each manuscript, a workshop session like this would be great.
Thanks for the idea and for organizing!
Oh! Regarding price: I think under $200 makes it accessible.
Julie
August 20, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Susie Kralovansky
I think this sounds great! I did Big Sur a couple of years ago and found the process of group critiques, revision time and then another session of critiques was a great use of time. I would also be more than happy to help – especially if you’re doing any session on NF. I’ve written 6 NF picture books for Abdo and 1 picture book for Pelican, all to be released Spring ’13.
I can’t wait to hear more!
Susie
August 22, 2012 at 4:43 pm
wendy
I am so-o late to the party. But I think it’s a great idea. The $200 price sounds optimistic to me. I might be wrong but I thought the one day One on One at Rutgers in NJ (no hotel and only food is lunch) is $195. Now they’ve got a zillion agents/editors, so maybe that explains the cost. If I can be free that weekend, I would totally ask for this for my holiday gift this year! 🙂