NESCBWI Squam Lake Writing Retreat

What is Squam Lake Writing Retreat? 

This is an opportunity for children’s book writers and illustrators to connect, improve their craft, and network with an industry professional. Rejuvenate your writing in this idyllic, rustic setting, enjoy presentations, get creative with staff and peers, and delight in the ambiance and delicious food.

This retreat is open to children’s book writers and writer-illustrators of all levels and genres, both published and trying hard to be published — creators of board books, picture books, chapter books, middle-grade novels, young-adult novels, and graphic novels, etc. 

Grab your hiking boots, a flashlight, and your laptop and join us.

And yes, there will be campfires!

Schedule (tentative)

Friday, September 8

• Arrive and check in after 3pm

• Welcome session with introductions followed by dinner

• Batch #1 one-on-ones and an organized creative session

• An evening mixer event

Saturday, September 9

• (Optional) 5am writing session with Shawn

• Breakfast

• Keynote with Stephen Fraser

• Batch #2 one-on-ones

• Lunch

• Batch #3 one-on-ones and an organized creative session

• Dinner

• Evening pitch event

PLEASE NOTE: Free time can be spent hiking, swimming, free writing/drawing, and enjoying nature

Sunday, September 10

• (Optional) 5am writing session with Shawn

• (Optional) Peak Poetry writers’ hike with Alex

• Breakfast

• Presentation with Alex and Stephen: the Agent/Creator Relationship

• Closing remarks

• Checkout of rooms prior to lunch

• Departure will be after lunch

PLEASE NOTE: Feel free to stay for a hike, dip, or one more writing session on your own before heading home.

Pricing

Members: $650, includes food, onsite activities, and lodging (double-room occupancy).

Non-member: $750, includes food, onsite activities, and lodging (double-room occupancy).

Single room: $650 extra

Day ticket: $375, includes food and onsite activities.

*Written critique and 10-minute one-on-one chat with Stephen Fraser: $65, Stephen will critique first pages (750 words) of a novel, a picture-book manuscript, or your query letter.

As co-directors, we look forward to seeing you by the lake! Please contact us if you have any questions.

Shawn Anderson (Co-Regional Advisor) NorthernNERA@NESCBWI.org @ShawnTWrites

Alexandra Hinrichs (Co-Assistant Regional Advisor) NorthARA@NESCBWI.org @PuddleReader

Kathy Quimby Johnson @ktquimby

No refunds or cancellations after Aug 4, unless a replacement can be found. If the spot can be filled, registrant will receive a refund (minus a $50.00 processing fee).