Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat
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The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is a weekend packed with presentations, mentor meetings, meals, and magic! In an intimate setting you will have the opportunity to interact and engage with five industry professionals as well as other children's book authors and illustrators. The retreat is known for its idyllic ambiance, culture of creativity, encouragement and inspiration, and it's delicious food. In this quaint setting, writers and illustrators attend enlightening presentations and have a 20-minute one on one meetings with one of our outstanding mentors who has who has pre-read your picture book, dummy, or up to 15 pages your novel.
Who is this retreat for?
The Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat is for serious children’s book creators, from beginner to advanced, pre-published (aspiring to be published) to published, debut to multi-published, agented and unagented – children’s book writers and illustrators.
When
April 2 - 4, 2027
Where
The Wylie Inn & Conference Center At Endicott College, 295 Hale Street • Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
Accommodations
Each attendee will have their very own room! (There are no doubles available at this time.)
Mentors
To Be Revealed!
We love to add suspense so the mentors will be revealed before registration opens.
There will be 5 mentors (most likely 2 agents and 3 editors)
Testimonials
Lynda Mullaly Hunt, NYT bestselling and award-winning author of FISH IN A TREE, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS, & SHOUTING AT THE RAIN
"The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is magical. You'll not find a more inspiring location, but it's the people that make it truly inspiring and the kind of writers' event that can raise your writing to the next level. My career began at this retreat and, no matter how busy my schedule becomes, I make it a priority to return each year."
Anika Denise, award winning author, PLANTING STORIES, PHENOMENAL AOC, A GIRL NAMED ROSITA, THE LOVE LETTER, & more
"Oh, Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat , you bewitch and ensorce me with your beautiful setting, amazing mentors, delicious desserts and roaring fires! Seriously, if there is a magic recipe for perfectly inspiring, blissful writers' retreat weekends—WPWR has it. You really MUST go."
Linda Crotta Brennan, Co-Founder of Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat, author of WHEN RIVERS BURNED: THE EARTH DAY STORY, MARSHMALLOW KISSES & more
"Laurie Murphy and I founded the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat over twenty years ago, hoping to create a program where writers could receive professional feedback in a rustic, intimate setting. I still return every year for the insightful comments (on my manuscript), workshops and to nurture professional connections which have furthered my career. But more precious than any of that are the lifelong friendships I’ve forged there. The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is a mystical, magical place, buoyant with the joy of creating."
Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor winner of RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE (Also the author of; MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM, SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS, WHERE THREE OCEANS MEET, & MORE!
"The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is an absolute joy, a place to bond with fellow writers and industry professionals while improving your craft. I can't wait to return!"
Laurie Murphy, MG writer, Co-Founder of Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat
"The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is a writer’s paradise. It’s a weekend filled with inspiring talks, one-on-one critiques, and networking in a casual setting. In the midst of pine trees surrounding a lovely pond, the spot is ideal for rejuvenating the creative muses. From the inviting fieldstone fireplace in the living room, to the outdoor campfire for late night s’mores, this popular retreat continues to attract writers, editors, and agents alike. If you’re looking for a unique experience with supportive mentors, fabulous food, and an idyllic setting, you need to look no further than the Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat."
Erin Dionne, author, SHIVER BY THE SEA SERIES, LIGHTS, CAMERA, DISASTER, SECRETS OF A FANGIRL, BALLETBALL, MOXIE AND AND THE ART OF RULE BREAKING, & more
"Due to Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat's small size and intensive format, participants have a true opportunity for growth in their creative lives. No one leaves WPWR unchanged."
Tricia Lin, editor, Simon & Schuster
“The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is a delight. Everyone is warm, kind, and receptive. The environment could not be more beautiful or peaceful, and is wonderfully conducive to spurring creativity. And of course, the food is pretty spectacular.”
Brent Taylor, agent, July First Literary
“The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is pure magic. From the moment I arrived, I felt inspired, empowered, and energized. There are just no writing conferences as intimate as this."
Price
Member: $1010.00
Non-Member: $1110.00
What is included:
^ A 20-minute one-on-one meeting with a mentor, who has pre-read your picture book, dummy, or up to 15 pages of your novel
^ Five presentations conducted by each of the industry professional mentors
^ Single accommodations for Friday & Saturday. (No doubles are available at this time)
^ All meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners) - and coffee!
^ Other exciting retreat activities
^ Most likely a magical experience
Applying to Register
Look to apply in early December.
Retreat Coordinators
Pam Vaughan, Director
Pam is the author of picture books, Tenacious Won't Give Up, illustrated by Leanne Hatch (Knopf BFYR) and Missy Wants a Mammoth, illustrated by Ariel Landy (Holiday House). She is also an NE-SCBWI co-Assistant Regional Advisor. Pam was a three-sport athlete at Brandeis University (soccer, basketball, softball) and holds a master's degree in business management. She has coached soccer, basketball, ski racing, softball, ice hockey and worked as a team consultant presenting workshops on leadership, mental toughness, and team building. She lives with her family on a cul-de-sac, by a pond in central MA and can often be found playing ice hockey. Visit her online at www.pamvaughanauthor.com. Pronouns - she/her
Julia Boyce, Assistant Director
Julia Boyce writes picture books through young adult novels. She has published an early reader and has also been published in Reader's Digest. Julia lives on a farm in northwestern Rhode Island with her family, an eighteen-year-old cow named Oreo, a faithful Labrador/Golden retriever cross, and a menagerie of other farm animals and pets. Much of her writing is inspired by this lifestyle, as well as her current job working with Cynomolgus Macaques. Julia can often be found writing in the barn or out in the cow fields. Find her online @farm_Julia. Pronouns - she/her
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Given the limited spaces available for this event, no refunds can be provided for cancellations unless a replacement can be secured. If the spot can be filled, the initial registrant will receive a refund (minus a $65.00 processing and Stripe fees).
No refunds two months prior to the event because payment is already promised to the faculty.
Waitlist (after registration closes you can sign up)
This event usually fills up. But don't give up hope if all of the slots are taken. You might still come.
After registration closes you can sign up for the waitlist. A link will be posted here.