Novels in Verse: A Generative Retreat

In-person 4-Day/3-Night Working Retreat

Join acclaimed authors Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron for an immersive retreat designed to bring greater emotion and momentum to your verse novel. With daily presentations, generative writing exercises, and generous stretches of independent writing time, this experience is built for storytellers who want both inspiration and space to create. A special guest will also join Rajani and Chris to support your creative journey.

This in-person retreat is open to verse novelists, as well as writers who are interested in exploring the form, and who are seeking light instruction alongside plenty of time to work. Lodging and meals are included.

The retreat begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Monday, October 26, 2026, and concludes after lunch on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Gather with fellow storytellers for a supportive, productive experience where creative progress and connection go hand in hand. Rajani LaRocca and Chris Baron will lead daily presentations and generative writing exercises, along with open Q&A opportunities. You will also have scheduled 1:1 consultations with each faculty member to talk through your verse novel project and make the most of your retreat time. No submission is required.

The value of a working retreat lies in time: time to connect with other writers, time to reflect on your story, and time to move your work forward. This retreat welcomes writers at any stage, including those with only an idea in mind, as long as you have a project you would like to develop during your independent creative time.

If you enjoy discussing stories, exchanging ideas, and receiving informal feedback in a warm environment, this retreat offers that opportunity. You’ll be able to share your work during generative exercises and through conversations with fellow attendees.

This is not a lecture-based workshop. It is a working retreat centered on your own projects, with the added benefit of presentations, writing prompts, and time to connect over meals and informal gatherings.

Each novelist will meet with one faculty member for a consultation about their work-in-progress. These conversations do not include written feedback or manuscript review; instead, they are focused discussions about your project’s needs and publishing-related questions.

Held in person at our Retreat Center, this event offers a chance to step away from everyday routines and fully enter your creative process. Rather than a jam-packed schedule, the retreat balances learning with ample time to retreat, reflect, and write.

Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Novels in verse can move readers in powerful ways, and this retreat is designed to give you the time and space to continue that work in a supportive setting.

Before the event, you will receive access to a virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and explore Boyds Mills-related resources, including Community Standards.