Highlights Foundation-Black Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers 2024

I do much of my creative work alone, so whenever I can get in community with other authors and illustrators it’s a treat. Serving as a resident assistant for the Highlights Foundation Black Voices: An In-Community Retreat for Storytellers was just what I needed after a busy launch season for my debut picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM. It was three days of writing, networking, recharging and building community!

Award-winning authors Valerie Bolling (TOGETHER WE SWIM, I SEE COLOR) and Jas Hammonds (WE DESERVE MONUMENTS, THRISTY) were faculty. My role as resident assistant was to make sure participating writers had their needs met and felt comfortable on the grounds and to help with scheduling of activities. I also taught a marketing workshop, giving tips on book selling, networking, and brand building for authors.

As usual, I loved being surrounded by the natural beauty, working in my own private cabin in the woods and eating three delicious chef prepared meals each day. After she heard my five minutes of raving about the lemon sugar cookies (they were the best I’ve had in my life!) one of the cooks gave me a copy of the recipe. I hope I can do them justice.

Other retreat activities included writing sprints and an open mic night, where we shared our works. I’m always surprised at how much headway I make on projects while retreating and how great it feels to fellowship with kindred spirits who “get” my creative aspirations, struggles and frustrations. It was inspiring to be surrounded by so many talents. Much thanks to Highlights for providing this space for storytellers to grow and learn!