New England SCBWI
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

The Vermont Retreat is limited to 25 serious writers of middle-grade or young adult fiction. Each participant will choose between a critique track or a writing track.

The critique track includes informal small critique groups in which participants read and critique other members’ work. Critique track participants will receive a one-on-one critique with either author Marsha Qualey or author Louise Hawes. The writing track will give participants the stimulation of lectures, chunks of time to use for writing, and the opportunity to network.

All participants are welcome to take part in scheduled sessions with the three presenters. Evenings will include a Q&A session and an open mike session.

For an additional cost, 13 participants from either track can put their first chapters (up to 10 pages) under the editorial microscope and have a critique with Julie Romeis. We fill these critique slots by the order we receive applications. Please don’t hesitate if you’re interested.

The fee includes accommodations (double occupancy) in the dorms at Vermont College for Friday and Saturday nights. Meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch will be prepared by the New England Culinary Institute.

ENROLLMENT INFO:
• Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting immediately.
• You will be notified if you are included. Otherwise, your application and check will be returned.
• There will be a waiting list in case of last-minute cancellations.
• To reserve your place at the Retreat, a deposit of $200 and your application are due by February 8, 2008.
• The balance of $250 is due by March 21, 2008.
• Manuscripts for critique are due by March 21, 2008. Submissions should be of a work in progress. Send up to 20 pages (or 10 for Julie).

APPLICATION:
Send a DEPOSIT of $200 along with the following information:
• NAME, MAILING ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, & EMAIL
• Your choice of the Critique Track OR the Writing Track
• For critique with editor, add $50
Make all checks out to "New England Novel Writers."

Send your application and deposit by February 8, 2008 to:
CINDY FAUGHNAN
VERMONT WRITERS' RETREAT
47 HUNTLEY STREET
NORWICH, VT 05055

FACULTY:

Marsha Qualey is the author of several young adult novels such as Just Like That and Thin Ice. Her books have appeared on numerous best-of-the-year lists, including ALA Quick Picks and Best Books for Young Adults, IRA Young Adults' Choices, and the New York Public Library's Books for the Teen Age. She teaches in the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Hamline University.

Louise Hawes has published over a dozen novels. Her most recent, The Vanishing Point, was reissued in paperback last year. Her newest book is the 2008 collection, Black Pearls, a Faerie Strand. She has taught in MFA programs, at national conferences, and colleges and universities nationwide and overseas. But it’s the sweetest gig of all to come “home” to Vermont again!

Julie Romeis recently joined Chronicle Books in San Francisco as Editor, and will be working to develop a list of middle grade and young adult fiction as well as picture books, chapter books, and ancillary products. Julie began her career at Bloomsbury Children’s Books as one of three women who launched the U.S. children’s division in 2001. There she worked on books for all ages, editing titles such as Chicks and Salsa, Ophelia, and The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, which has been published in eleven countries around the world and optioned for film by Warner Brothers. Julie is thrilled to be living on the west coast and working to grow the Chronicle list. She is especially committed to nurturing and developing new and undiscovered talent.

For more information, contact Sarah Aronson or Cindy Faughnan.