I’ve attended a few writing retreats over the years. I return from every one refreshed, affirmed, and energized to continue in my creative practice. During writing retreats, I network with peers and almost always progress more on projects than I thought possible.
There’s something about spending a few days in a tranquil setting, where I’m well-fed, understood as an artist, and encouraged that makes my creativity soar. I try to attend at least one writing retreat annually.
My favorite retreat spot is the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center in the Pennsylvania Poconos. The idyllic setting includes cabins (several themed for author sponsors), hiking trails, an appetizer hour and three chef-prepared meals each day, an adorable “Art Coop” stocked with art supplies, streams, a Word Garden, and other beautiful places around the property to write. I call Highlights Disney World for writers! I’m always sad to leave once my time ends.
I first became aware of Highlights’ writer offerings when I was selected for their Amplify Black Stories Cohort. Highlights offers annual scholarships for retreats and courses. I’ve been fortunate to have been awarded a scholarship for a personal retreat through The Brown Bookshelf. I have also served on faculty at Highlights for a camp on chapter books and as a resident assistant for an In-Community Retreat.
Below is a recap of my visit during the Highlights 2025 Black Voices In-Community Retreat, led by authors, Valerie Bolling and Jas Hammonds.
Day 1
After I arrived, I checked into Cabin 12 and unpacked. My goal at this retreat was to complete edits on an upcoming HarperCollins picture book and to make headway on a new novel in verse. I read and edited, then I headed to The Barn, which is the main meeting place and where meals are served. Outside the building I ran into Valerie, Jas, Alison Green Myers, a novelist and staffer at Highlights, and other personal retreaters.
After greeting friends I headed outside to the Word Garden. This area includes rocks with inspiring words carved on them. Each time I attend Highlights I choose a word that will be my theme for the week. For this visit I chose the word, “Possibility.”
I wrapped up the evening dining and chatting with writer friends. The food at Highlights is amazing! I turned in early so I’d be fresh for the next day.
Day 2
The Black Voices retreat officially began on my second day at Highlights. I was happy to see old friends and meet new ones. I’d communicated for years with author Dominique Okonkwo, on Instagram. It was neat to meet her in person. After breakfast I wrote for a few hours until lunch. As we finished our meal, Highlights Executive Director George Brown did a short presentation sharing the history and legacy of the family-owned business and the Highlights Foundation. In the afternoon, I wrote some more, then walked around the campus for about an hour, snapping photos of the beautiful scenery. Once we finished dinner we played a fun introduction game.
Day 3
I started Day 3 with an early morning yoga session in The Barn, organized by Highlights. I wrote again for a couple of hours, then returned to The Barn for a yummy lunch. Treating myself after a few more post-lunch hours of writing I stopped by the Art Coop. While illustrator, Veronica Jamison painted scenes from her upcoming book, I painted a design on a group painting Veronica had set up for retreaters. As we chatted, I shared details of a picture book manuscript I’m working on. Next, it was on to another delicious dinner. Then we had a fireside chat where Jas, Valerie, and other published authors answered questions about the publishing industry. We shared our personal ups and downs, which was comforting, as I noticed many commonalities in our struggles and frustrations.
Day 4
My writing routine was similar to my other retreat days. I hit my goal of writing four thousand words in my novel-in-verse. Since my time was winding down I was intentional about getting outside to enjoy the streams, swing on the swing by the farmhouse and take in the scenery. The evening was great. Before dinner we took a group photo near the Word Garden, then had a virtual Q&A session with editor Sydnee Monday from Kokila/Penguin Random House.
The final organized event of the day, and one of the my retreat highlights, was our Open Mic time. I read from a picture book manuscript, and the other writers were very encouraging and complimentary. Veronica shared sketches she’d done while I was speaking and told the group she wanted to illustrate my book once it sells! It felt great to see others moved by my work. I couldn’t wait to share the news with my literary agent, since we plan to take the manuscript out on submission to editors soon.
I had an early flight returning to Houston the next morning and would miss the final half day. Veronica gifted me a beautiful bookmark she’d created for all of us, made with images from our Art Coop group painting. I was very touched.
As usual, it was a wonderful experience. I left Highlights with a full heart and plans about how I could return for my next retreat!
Tonya Duncan Ellis
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