Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Retreat

In this in-person 4-day/3-night workshop and retreat, writers are invited to reconnect with the playful, imaginative spirit that makes middle-grade stories so memorable. Led by celebrated authors Erin Entrada Kelly and Laurel Snyder, the experience draws inspiration from the sleepaway camps of childhood—whether those camps were real or only dreamed of.

Designed for middle-grade writers at every stage, this retreat welcomes both beginners and published authors. Participants may bring an active work-in-progress, blank pages, or both, and will find a supportive space for generative writing, reflection, and creative renewal.

The program combines lively discussions, hands-on writing exercises, and one-to-one consultations, along with generous time to rest, retreat, and focus on personal projects. Lodging and meals are included.

Dates: Begins with dinner at 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday, October 1, 2026, and concludes with lunch at 12:00pm Eastern on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Middle-grade fiction thrives on cleverness, emotional truth, and a strong sense of voice. This retreat explores how to build stories that weave plot and emotional arc into one engaging narrative, while also considering the needs and expectations of middle-grade readers. Writers will look closely at character, plot, and voice as they discover fresh ways to begin and develop their stories.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You are just beginning to write for a middle-grade audience and want an overview of today’s best middle-grade novels.
• You are a middle-grade novelist looking to deepen your community and strengthen your revision process.
• You enjoy discussing stories and sharing your writing journey with other storytellers in a supportive setting.
• You want a retreat that gives you time to work on your own projects, rather than a lecture-based workshop.

There will be informal opportunities for feedback throughout the retreat, especially during generative exercises and conversations with fellow attendees. Each novelist will also meet with one faculty member for a consultation about their work-in-progress. These meetings are discussion-based and do not include written feedback or manuscript review.

As an in-person event at the Retreat Center, the experience is designed to offer a meaningful step away from everyday life. It is intentionally not jam-packed; instead, it balances learning with spacious retreat time and opportunities to write independently.

Boyds Mills is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment. Community Standards will be available before the workshop, and participants are asked to engage respectfully with fellow creatives, faculty, and staff.

Before the retreat begins, attendees will receive access to a virtual classroom where they can introduce themselves and explore Boyds Mills resources, including Community Standards.

Schedule Overview

• Thursday, October 1, 2026: Arrival and check-in from 3pm–5pm Eastern; appetizers and dinner at 5:30pm; welcome and introductions after dinner through favorite middle-grade titles.
• Friday, October 2, 2026: Breakfast, Discussion #1 with Laurel and Erin, a hands-on writing exercise and sharing, lunch, writing and retreat time, a 1:1 consultation with Erin or Laurel, social hour, appetizers and dinner, and Stories around the Campfire.
• Saturday, October 3, 2026: Breakfast, Discussion #2 with Laurel and Erin, a hands-on writing exercise and sharing, lunch, writing and retreat time, social hour, appetizers and dinner, and Campfire Q & A.
• Sunday, October 4, 2026: Breakfast, Discussion #3 with Erin and Laurel, retreat time for packing, writing, book browsing, and social hour, followed by lunch and farewells.

Past participants have described the retreat as magical, generous, fun, and deeply restorative—an inspiring space for learning, connection, and creative play.