PICTURE BOOK RETREAT 2025

The SCBWI Picture Book Retreat is a haven for storytellers and illustrators looking to refine their craft, spark new ideas, and connect with fellow creators. Through workshops, insightful discussions, and dedicated writing and illustrating time, attendees will dive deep into the art of picture books. Whether you're polishing a manuscript, seeking inspiration, or hoping to learn from industry professionals, this retreat offers a space to grow and create in a supportive and enriching environment.

Each morning, immerse yourself in creative workshops with our expert faculty to jump-start your picture book writing and illustrating, explore new techniques, and experiment with words and images. Evenings will be open for informal critique sessions, discussions on technique, craft, and the children's publishing industry—all in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Industry Insights from the Editor's Desk:

• Stacie Bradly, picture book editor at Nosy Crow, sheds light on what the publishing world is currently looking for. Find out what’s hot, what’s not and other insider ’secrets'.

Story Prompts - Ideas Factory:

• Story-sticks and other fun and resourceful brainstorming tips for kick-starting your imagination and new story ideas with your SCBWI Faculty Facilitators, Paul, Tita and Natascha.

Exploiting Your Ideas with author-Illustrator Leo Timmers - Hands-on Workshop:

• “I like to stretch an idea until it reaches breaking point." Leo will share an exclusive insight into how he creates his award-winning picture books. Followed by practical exercises to explore and recognise that we shouldn’t always be content with our first ‘good’ idea.

Developing Your Story with author/illustrator Leo Timmers - Hands-on Workshop:

• “Creating picture books is the most beautiful profession in the world!” Following on from Saturday’s workshop, Leo shares his vision and practical tips for how to proceed and take your winning idea towards that finish line. 

Wonderstruck the Ultimate Creativity Workshop with Gary Fabbri:

• "Embrace the Magic of Your Inner Child" by using both art and writing exercises to help you reconnect with the magic of childhood, unleashing fresh ideas and creative insights. 

Being Social Media Savvy: Essential Tips and Hacks with Tita Berredo:

• Discover how to become a whiz at self-promotion. Share your news and stories globally, and stand out from the noise with these top tech tips.

Evening Critique Sessions (divided in small groups) led by Retreat Faculty Members:

• In these informal, social and-highly-valuable sessions, you are invited to share your latest Work In Progress with your peers. Get immediate helpful feedback and suggestions to make your books stronger and more commercial. One of the most popular sessions, as reviewed by previous attendees!

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The SCBWI Picture Book Retreat is crafted for both writers and illustrators, or author/illustrators, with a perfectly balanced approach to storytelling in all its forms. Every workshop and exercise is designed to invite you to explore your creative process and develop your craft. Workshops will focus on essential elements like story structure, narrative flow, and pagination. Critique groups provide space for refining your work, and quiet morning writing sessions foster focus and inspiration. Plus, there’s plenty of time for self-directed writing to explore and develop your ideas at your own pace.

Attendees will have the valuable opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with industry professionals, receiving tailored advice on their picture books in progress and career development. Throughout the retreat, there are ample chances for impromptu networking with visiting speakers, SCBWI faculty, and fellow members—both pre-published and published—creating an inspiring and supportive creative community.

This year's featured author-illustrator was specifically chosen to bring both sides of picture book craft into one immersive experience. Whether writing and illustrating are considered together or separately, their expertise will provide valuable insight into the full creative process.

*YOU MUST BE A SCBWI PAYING MEMBER TO ATTEND THIS EVENT*

"I have been on two retreats now and my writing has improved incredibly as a result. The teaching is full on, friendly and supportive. You will learn what you didn’t know you needed to know! Everyone shares and genuinely cares. Exercises, activities and structured teaching along with 1-1, small group feedback sessions and guidance are provided and presented in a professional manner with kindness. This is a brilliant weekend with fun, laughter, learning, delicious food and awesome people." Daisy Sparkle, Author

"A long weekend talking and learning about picture books with other picture book authors/illustrators is my idea of heaven. So I should recommend the SCBWI-BI Picture Book Retreat. But if I do recommend the SCBWI-BI Picture Book Retreat it might become so popular that I can't get a place. It's a dilemma. Maybe I'll say how good it is once I've booked!" Em Lynas, Author

"Holland House proved to be an inspired choice of venue, providing ideal spaces, both indoor and out, for lectures, craft sessions, one-to-one mentoring, quiet contemplation, the opportunity to share ideas, as well as socialising and general fun and games. The PB Retreats have always been especially enjoyable because we get to do something that’s actually quite rare, which is to spend time with people who all share a common obsession with and love of the art form of the picture book. My tribe!" Mike Brownlow, Author

"The SCBWI Picture Book Retreat is a warm and welcoming place to learn all there is to know about writing picture books. As a SCBWI newbie I first went to the PB retreat as a complete novice and without knowing anyone but as soon as I walked in I was greeted by friendly faces and immediately put at ease. There was so much to learn from the speakers, the agents, the publishers, the organisers and my fellow retreaters that I didn't hesitate to return again the following year! I made lifelong friends became part of a wonderful community and gained so much knowledge not only about writing picture books but the publishing industry as well. I would definitely recommend booking your place - leave your nerves at the door and jump in with two feet!" Charli Wenden, Author

The retreat begins on Friday 11th July (arrival from 3 pm) and ends after breakfast on Monday 14th July 2024.

The retreat will be held at Holland House located in four acres of beautiful gardens in Cropthorne, Pershore, Worcestershire. A magnet for writers and artists, Holland House is a perfect setting to find inspiration and new ideas, to experiment and share expertise. The nearest British Rail station is Evesham. Once in Evesham you can take a taxi or bus to Holland House.

Directions: use post code WR10 3NB * for navigation settings or Google map directions. *Word of warning, this postcode has sent people to a different location, so please check on your sat nav map that it is Holland House, Cropthorne as your target destination.

Every attendee will be pre-assigned a faculty mentor (published author / illustrator, editor) for their 15 minute 1-to-1 review session.

Most art materials for making dummies and optional craft techniques are supplied, and a list of suggested art materials for bringing along with you will be sent closer to the time of the retreat.

Questions or queries, please email [email protected]

COST OF THE RETREAT

SINGLE ROOM - £540 full price per person

(£200 deposit payable on booking - balance of £340 payable by bank transfer by 31st May)

TWIN ROOM - £485 full price per person

(£175 deposit payable on booking - balance of £310 payable by bank transfer by 31st May)

Retreat fees include accommodation and meals, plus a pre-assigned 15-minute 1-1 mentor session.

Tickets will be available on 12th May 2025 at 7:30pm.

Booking & Payment Options

• When purchasing your tickets, you can choose to pay the full price upfront or just the deposit. Please note that the deposit amount is non-refundable in both cases. If you opt to pay only the deposit, you must complete the balance payment by 31st May 2025—otherwise, you may forfeit both your place and your deposit. Bank details will be provided in the confirmation email.

Ticket Form & Reservation

• After selecting your ticket, you’ll be asked to fill in buyer details followed by attendee details. Don’t worry—your spot will remain secure while you complete the form. You’ll have up to 15 minutes to finish the process. Once your booking is confirmed, further details will be emailed to you.

Questions or queries, please email [email protected]