A writing retreat exclusively for picture book writers with champagne and cupcakes?! YES, please! Award winning author Rosie J. Pova's exceptional women's picture book writing retreat is everything an aspiring children's book author could ever wish for and more.
Champagne & Cupcakes Women's Picture Book Writers Retreat Review
Attending a writing retreat is a great opportunity for all writers to work on their craft, learn the industry and make like-minded friends. If you are looking for a way to jump-start your writing career a retreat is most likely on top of your to do list. Choosing the right program and coach can be daunting, however, and what better way to decide than to read about it from the people who have already been there.
Knowing how talented, generous, and creative both Rosie J. Pova and Jackie Kruzie are, I fully expected this three-day experience to be amazing and was excited to be a part of it. As an active member of the KidLit writing community, for over a decade, I have attended my fair share of events, so not much can surprise me, but Rosie's retreat far exceeded all my expectations.
It's a brilliant, inspiring, value-packed, empowering event, you should absolutely consider attending. You will be glad you did. Here I share my personal experience in the hopes to inspire yours.
This post is a review of my personal experience at the Champagne & Cupcakes writing retreat for picture book writers.
WRITING RETREAT REVIEW OF CHAMPAGNE & CUPCAKES WITH ROSIE J. POVA
First Impressions
From planning to execution this transformational experience was exceptional. There was no confusion as to how or where to sign up and once one did Rosie made sure to share any updates promptly. A printable daily agenda was sent ahead of time making it easy to plan and pack accordingly. The event launched with the festive and fun Champagne & Cupcakes red carpet reception. And what an evening it was!
Name tags, gifts, and an incredible spread of desserts, charcuterie and finger foods awaited attendees. Although the reception was meant for us to get acquainted and have fun, it is astonishing how much we learned just during that one evening.
The Coaches
Hosting the retreat was multi-published, award-winning children's author and exceptional KidLit Writing Coach Rosie J. Pova. She's the creator of *Picture Book Mastery System* that helps children's writers advance their career and get closer to their publishing goals.
I met Rosie at one of her book signings at Barnes & Noble five years ago and have been a big fan of her work since. She is absolutely brilliant both as an author and a writing coach, and those fortunate enough to learn from her have had nothing but praise for her methods and generosity. To learn more about Rosie J. Pova's books and her remarkable road to success check out Rosie J. Pova on Writing & Publishing Children’s Books - an in-debt interview and giveaway.
Joining as guest faculty was the incredibly talented Jackie Kruzie. A picture book author herself she is also an editor, a librarian, and soon to be an agent. She has worked both in public and school libraries as well as in publishing. As an editor her main focus were STEM picture books and short chapter books for early readers.
I had the honor of meeting Jackie a few years ago during an SCBWI event, when she was the North Texas chapter regional advisor. Her knowledge of the publishing industry is second to none, as is her editing expertise. Furthermore, her contagious enthusiasm, love for children's literature, and honest, constructive feedback are what aspiring children's book authors can look forward to when working with her.
What's In It for a Children's Writer?
Before I go on to the WHAT this retreat is all about, it's important to briefly discuss the WHY. Writing for children is without a doubt a rewarding experience, however it can also be a frustrating, as well as time consuming one if you are going into it without any grasp of the realities of the publishing industry. Whatever your skills, expectations or motivation may be, if you are to make an impact, I am thinking you would like to see your name on a book cover sooner rather than later.
This is where courses, conferences, workshops, professional affiliations and YES - RETREATS come in. There are two ways to success. The first being, where you try to learn it all on your own through trial and error (like many of us have done) and the second where you learn from those who have paved the way and can give you the step-by-step guide to success.
So why is being a part of THIS KidLit writing retreat a good idea? Because it is a retreat/workshop/crash course event, which also includes live and remote critiques from industry experts, writing and revision sessions, as well as brainstorming and networking. It's all-in-one type of experience, which while may not guarantee success (that one you would need to earn yourself), it sure sets you up for one.
Writing Workshops
Since this retreat is meant for unpublished children's, writers having quality workshops is essential. In that regard the retreat is not just a place where one go to just write in seclusion, but also learn the craft. The workshops Rosie and Jackie put together covered everything from types of publishing to character development.
I found them very detailed, well thought out and clearly presented. Bear in mind that this is an intensive weekend retreat, so there is A LOT of information, but that's just what makes it worthwhile. Remember this is decades of experience served in a concise three day package, meant to help you reach your goals in a more productive, effective and efficient way.
Get ready to soak up the knowledge and take plenty of notes, photos, or videos. Give yourself a break and don't expect to remember it all immediately. None of us could try as we may. Go over the information during the next days, weeks, or months even and keep for future reference. What may not apply to you today, may come in very handy a few month for now when you are ready to start querying or when you are about to sign your first contract.
Manuscript Critiques
Having your work in progress critiqued BEFORE it goes to submission is one of the best ways to make it shine. The Champagne & Cupcakes women's picture books writing retreat offers plenty of opportunities to get your work critiqued and revised. After the workshops conclude, writers can put their newly learned skills to practice and focus on their work.
All attendees participate in round table critiques and have an opportunity to receive a personal LIVE critique by Rosie and Jackie. In addition, they can send their manuscript for a written critique by the remote faculty members. This time around they had Helen Wu - Yehoo Press Editor and Kaitlyn Sanchez - Context Literary Agent. I felt that it was very impressive that all three types of critiques were offered.
Brainstorming & Inspiration
What's a writing retreat without inspiration? Enter writing prompts. During the brainstorming sessions we would draw words and come up with a story. It is fascinating how the same three words can inspire 5 different stories written by people sitting at the same table. This for me was some of the most fun I've had at a writing conference.
In addition to the brainstorming sessions themselves we covered quite a few mentor texts. I found this part of the retreat extremely helpful, as the books we read and analyzed covered a wide range of topics and types of picture books. We laughed, we sighed, we wow-ed and then we laughed again. Most importantly we were inspired.
Making Friends in the Writing Community
If there is one thing that is sure to empower a writer is networking with fellow creators. It goes without saying that with every new idea the cycle starts anew and no writer, no matter how experienced they may be, is immune to revisions, queries, rejections and even self-doubt on occasion. Being able to share, exchange ideas and understand that others are going through the same things you are makes a huge difference.
Surprises
When the news about the upcoming writing retreat first came out, Rosie J. Pova promised surprises and boy did she deliver.
Gifts were given during all three days of the retreat, so no one left empty handed. My favorite part was that we all received bookish gifts and got to pick from the gift table ourselves. That was super fun.
Then came the surprise of all surprises - a GUEST presenter and an additional exclusive workshop. For anyone who knows my background, it would come as no surprise that I LOVED meeting and learning from multi-published author, poet, and avid reader Jennifer Cole Judd. I couldn't write fast enough all the tips, insights and practical, actionable items she shared.
When you sign up for a conference or a retreat expecting presentations from two coaches and somehow you get three extraordinary women, who are experts in their field with hearts for children's literature and contagious enthusiasm, you know you hit the jackpot.
What About the Food?
Champagne & Cupcakes Women's Picture Book Writers Retreat
The retreat included a red carpet reception with champagne, finger foods and of course cupcakes. On Saturday lunch was included for all attendees. Then that evening dinner with the faculty was available for VIP guests. With Sunday being the last day, lunch was not provided, but the group ended up going to a local restaurant together and enjoyed hanging out.
Reception at the Champagne & Cupcakes Women's Picture Book Writers Retreat
There was of course coffee, water, and soda available at all times. Rosie even made sure to have herbal tea and honey, which I am extremely grateful for, since I can't drink much else.
Dinner at the Champagne & Cupcakes Women's Picture Book Writers Retreat
At similar events I am used to seeing regular coffee and decaf, as tea drinkers are often overlooked, but this time I enjoyed a nice cuppa. I was, of course, delighted, but not entirely surprised, since Rosie Pova is known to always think of every little detail and this was no exception.
Dinner at the Champagne & Cupcakes Women's Picture Book Writers Retreat
Snacks were also available all day every day. Popcorn, cookies, fruits, and protein bars to name a few. During breaks we would grab a snack and chat near the kitchen. Meal times turned out not just tasty and fun, but also educational.
Dinner at the Champagne & Cupcakes Women's Picture Book Writers Retreat
The food was warm, tasty and people with dietary restrictions were accommodated. We are talking Italian for dinner, with crab cakes, alfredo pasta, freshly prepared green salad and tiramisu for dessert. Talk about taking a retreat to the next level.
Where is the Retreat?
The retreat is hosted at a private residence in Dallas, Texas. This dynamic city has so much to offer. Whether you choose to stay for the weekend or extend the trip a few days there is a lot to see and do in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.
All retreat activites were held at a private residence which had a kitchen, dining, and meeting room with comfortable couch. Conveniently located near multiple hotels it was easy to get to and from. There were quite a few restaurants nearby as well, although food was not at all scarce at the event.
Final Thoughts
Rosie J. Pova's writers retreat proved to be all it promised it would be and more. Fun, transformative, inspiring, and uplifting event that both beginners and experienced writers would benefit from. Everything from start to finish was well planned and executed, complete with great food, company, and gifts.
At the end of every event, I like to reflect on my experience and note at least one take away. A golden nugget if you will. Something that would make this a time well spent. It helps to solidify it as a memory, by focusing on what you liked best. Champagne & Cupcakes Women's Picture Book Writers Retreat was no exception. I did reflect on the three-day experience - the friends made, the lessons learned, the thoughts shared. I looked back at the inspiration and ideas taking flight, solidifying into new stories that someday may turn into books.
After all was said and done, it wasn't the champagne or the cupcakes, as great as they were, that made this weekend special for me (though they were exquisite). And it wasn't just a few takeaways, or golden nuggets either. They were simply too many to count.
It was the overall experience, the feeling of encouragement, hope, and confidence it left me with. The inspiration and the fact that I didn't have to worry about ever forgetting any of it, as it was simply unforgettable.
Champagne & Cupcakes Women Picture Book Writers Retreat Useful Links:
- Visit Rosie J. Pova's official website
- Read Rosie J. Pova's in-debt interview here
- Learn more and REGISTER for the retreat
- Visit Jackie Kruzie's official website
- Visit the Jennifer Cole Judd's official website
- Read about The Top Resources for Children Book Authors here
Follow and Share:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/RosieWrites
Twitter: @RosiePOV
Twitter: @JackieKruzie
IG: @Rosiepova
