iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Take a closer look at recent episodes of The Children’s Book Podcast. This roundup features Boyds Mills faculty member Ernesto Cisneros, along with Matthew Cordell, Carole Lindstrom, Matthew Swanson, and Robbi Behr. boydsmills.org/blog/podcast...

boydsmills.org

Podcast Roundup: April Guests on the Children’s Book Podcast - Boyds Mills

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Our continued commitment! 2026 Community Giving Project: Pathways to Connection We are proud to continue our commitment to create pathways. This year, we want to expand the pathway network to the back cabins, continuing to connect spaces and people here on campus. boydsmills.org/pathways-com... \

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Kristen C. Strocchia @kcstrocchia.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

@boydsmills.bsky.social Always adds the perfect little custom touches. Thanks to the incomparable Chef Amanda and her team even the food was on theme this weekend. #poconoandthethreebears 😁 #WriterSky #KidLit #WritingCommunity #KidLitArt

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Lauri Meyers @laurimeyers.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

The porch of cabin 14 @boydsmills.bsky.social was full of inspiration and productivity this weekend!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Are you making time for your story? Join us for a personal retreat at Boyds Mills. Comfortable lodging, dedicated workspaces, and three farm fresh meals a day (plus snacks) mean you can fully focus on your creative work! We take care of all the details.

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

It was so great to have Patti Gauch, longtime friend and faculty member, on campus this past week! Patti has been a part of the Boyds Mills community since our Chautauqua days. Always so great to see Patti and to listen in on some of her inspiring sessions!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

We’re excited to celebrate the 75 winners of our 2026 scholarships! This talented group of aspiring, emerging writers and illustrators is dedicated to creating works that inspire, educate, and inform children. We’re honored to support their journey in shaping the future of storytelling!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Before we fully step into spring, one last glimpse of campus as a winter wonderland ❄️

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Ernesto Cisneros (faculty & friend) was featured in Publishers Weekly! He answers four questions about his new middle-grade novel: QUESO, JUST IN TIME. Ernesto will be a special guest at our Community Retreat with Meg Medina this May! www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...

publishersweekly.com

Four Questions for Ernesto Cisneros

Longtime teacher and author Ernesto Cisneros spoke with PW about how watching his own parents age inspired his time-traveling middle grade novel, 'Queso, Just in Time.'

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marty lapointe-malchik @mlapointemalchik.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Spent last weekend in the cozy inspirational #JaneYolenCabin @boydsmills.bsky.social ❤️ Meet up with my #SwiminaPondintheRain zoom group of writers was effervescent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

With warmer weather on campus, we’re daydreaming about our favorite spots to sit and be creative. Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Join Harold and special guests for a Crash Course in Children’s Publishing starting June 3rd!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗬! Our 2026 Scholarship Application window closes tonight (2/9) at 11:59 PM ET!! Boyds Mills offers scholarships each year thanks to the generous support of our community. Don’t miss your chance! APPLY NOW! Click the link in our bio for all the details.

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

OUR 2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINDOW IS NOW OPEN! Boyds Mills offers scholarships each year thanks to the generous support of our community! Apply now! 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄 January 22 – February 9 Click the link in our bio for all the details!

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Harold Underdown @hunderdown.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

In 1 week, I go live online via @boydsmills.bsky.social with all you need to know to get out on submission with a #kidlit or #yalit ms.: preparation, strategies, resources, case studies, query letter basics, myth-busting, handouts. Questions, a recording. $59 boydsmills.org/workshop/suc...

Banner for "Successful Strategies for Submitting Your Manuscript to Agents and Editors" on January 27 and 29, online, via boydsmills.org, with photo of Harold Underdown

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Our 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 Programming Schedule! ▪️𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹 ▪️𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 ▪️𝗞𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟬𝟭 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶 ▪️𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶 www.highlightsfoundation.org/upcoming-wor...

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Harold Underdown @hunderdown.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Coming up Jan. 27/29, online via @highlightsfound.bsky.social, what works, what doesn't, query letter basics, case studies, handouts, and more! It will be recorded. $59. Please repost and otherwise spread the word. Registration is open: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/suc...

Banner for online workshop on "Successful Strategies for Submitting Your Manuscript to Agents and Editors" presented by Harold Underdown via the Highlights Foundation on January 27 and 29.

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Christiana Doucette @doucette515.bsky.social · 15/11/2025

Last year this was such a wonderful retreat. And I’m so grateful for the Kay Yoder Scholarship for History that allowed me to go to the @highlightsfound.bsky.social Novel-in-Verse retreat. Highly recommend! #KidLit

Novels in Verse: A Generative
Retreat
In Person | October 26-29
$1299
Faculty: Verse Novelists Rajani LaRocca, Chris Baron, and Meg Eden Kuyatt
Join celebrated authors Rajani LaRocca, Chris Baron and their special guest, Meg Eden Kuyatt, for a retreat designed to infuse your verse novel with emotion and
support your creative journey.

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Nova Ren Suma @novarensuma.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

One more day to get $100 off on the Spotlight on the Middle of Your Novel retreat w/ me & @exrpan.bsky.social at @highlightsfound.bsky.social June 11–14, 2026! This generative writing retreat is for published & pre-published novelists of all genres... www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/spo...

highlightsfoundation.org

Spotlight on the Middle of Your Novel: A Generative Retreat - Highlights Foundation

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

Join Jennifer and Lisa to learn practical techniques for discovering your story’s theme and turning it into a clear, impactful pitch to guide your drafting or revision! Sign up now! www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/pit...

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨… Mark your calendars! Our 2026 In-Person Schedule goes live on 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝟱 𝗮𝘁 𝟭:𝟯𝟬 𝗣.𝗠. 𝗘𝗧. Don’t miss your chance to find your magic in 2026! ✨ #findyourmagic

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

Check out faculty member Sarah Aronson’s Monday Motivation newsletter! She’s on campus for the Whole Novel Retreat, and in her newsletter, she shares about the first night of the retreat and the magic of being on campus! 💙💚 #findyourmagic saraharonson.substack.com/p/putting-yo...

saraharonson.substack.com

Putting yourself first

You're not being selfish.

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Now Open: Winter 2026 Personal Retreat Dates! Come stay on campus this winter! Enjoy uninterrupted time to focus, reflect, and create. Take a break from everyday stresses and reconnect with your creativity this winter! www.highlightsfoundation.org/personal-ret...

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Inspiration is in the air here…along with the smell of perfectly toasted (or burnt) marshmallows!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗶𝗻 #kidlit 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴! Join Editor Harold Underdown for a two-night online workshop, where he’ll guide you through the different kinds of changes in the publishing world and show you how to position yourself to respond effectively. www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/pub...

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Join Cynthia, Jasmine, and Anne! Learn how to create your own graphic novel! Sign up: www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/fro...

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Picture Book Authors and Illustrators: Working Retreat!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Middle Grade Writers: A Generative Retreat!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

What kind of picture book are you writing? With @nikkishannonsmith.bsky.social concept, it’s easy to distinguish the difference between the two! To learn all things picture books, join Nikki and special guest Esther in the 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀: 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁, 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 Online Workshop

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

🔉 Sound on! 🔉 You can hear the bees busy at work, buzzing through the bushes!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

September & October Minis are here! 🍂 Two-night online workshops for just $59! Head to the link in our bio for more details.

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

Check out this blog written by Jennifer Swanson: "5 Ways to Make Your Nonfiction Manuscript Capture an Editor or Agent’s Attention" 🗓️ Join Jennifer online this October for Intro to Writing Nonfiction: History, Biography, STEAM, and Much More! www.highlightsfoundation.org/2025/08/06/5...

highlightsfoundation.org

5 Ways to Make Your Nonfiction Manuscript Capture an Editor or Agent's Attention - Highlights Foundation

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Sarah Aronson @saraharonson.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

Registration is open! This is the class for you if you are looking for accountability, community, and opportunity! We will help you get words on the page! www.highlightsfoundation.org/workshop/jus...

highlightsfoundation.org

Just Do It! Your Collaborative Support Group for Finishing Your Draft (Fall) - Highlights Foundation

This workshop takes all creatives from goal to finished draft. Find support via live sessions, writing prompts, studio dates, and more!

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Hanley Brady @hanleybrady.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

Attended the @highlightsfound.bsky.social Whole Novel writing retreat last week in Pennsylvania, and it was LIFE CHANGING! #amwriting #writingcommunity #amediting you need to check this out for next fall (scholarships available)! The braintrust groups and mentors are amazing! (blog post to follow!)

Small, individual cabin in a verdant, misty setting for writing

Interior of a very large, rustic "barn" made for meetings and writing

Two empty green chairs facing a small creek, surrounded by lush greenery

View from inside a tall lodge building looking through many windows onto a lovely porch setting surrounded by trees and greenery

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Allyson Jacob @allysonjacob.bsky.social · 17/08/2025

Centerville -> CVG -> IAD -> Scranton -> Milanville Grateful to @highlightsfound.bsky.social for the gift of a week to write and be in community #amwriting #booksky

Highlights Foundation Retreat Center at Boyd’s Mills Farm in PA. Wooden cabins with red Adirondack rocking chairs on the porches. Grass and tall trees and basically, writer heaven

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Miranda Paul @mirandapaul.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

It’s so good to be back. @highlightsfound.bsky.social

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Word garden inspiration: Let Children Laugh Forever! 💙💚

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

FREE event! #HFGather: Writing for and Writing WITH Kids Join authors Valerie Bolling and Diana Ma to learn ways to enhance your school visits, strengthen community engagement, and honor the voices of the aspiring storytellers you inspire! Click the link in bio to register for this FREE event!

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

Grill night! A summer camp tradition with Chef Amanda and Megan 🌲⛺🔥

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Help us pave the way! 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧: 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗪𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 Our Executive Director, George Brown, shares a little about our goals with this project by creating a series of paved pathways linking buildings (and people) across our 66-acre campus www.highlightsfoundation.org/pathways-to-...

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

July & August Minis are here! Two-day online workshops for just $59. Head to the link below for more information! www.highlightsfoundation.org/upcoming-wor...

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

Halfway through 2025, with six months to go! Now’s the perfect time to refocus on your creative goals. Book your personal trip to campus to rest, recharge, and turn the rest of the year into your most creative yet!

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Rosemary Lynn @rosemarylynnbooks.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

I have nothing but incredible things to say about the Highlights Foundation and I already miss it so much 🥰😭 THANK YOU to @highlightsfound.bsky.social for all the love and inspiration ❤️ 📚 #highlightsfound #kidlit #amwriting

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Boyds Mills @boydsmills.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

No cooking. No cleaning. No distractions. No schedule. Just peaceful days filled with creating and inspiration! Book your 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 today and give your story the space it deserves!

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Kaz Windness she/her @kazwindness.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

What's your favorite creepy crawly? "Ode to a Slug" is based on a little friend I saw outside the barn at @highlightsfound.bsky.social on Thursday. And yes, I know slugs are not bugs, but the rhyme is to delicious to resist. #watercolor #collage #coloredpencil #digitalart #poetry #kidlit #sluglove

Watercolor painting of a slug with a red back and kissy lips following a shiny trail to a tomato plant with a big ripe tomato with suggested human face features.
Ode to a Slug
by Kaz Windness
I have never seen a bug,
quite as handsome as a slug.
Dancing eyes and glistening tail,
writing love poems with their trail.
Leading to our rendezvous,
underneath these leaves of dew.
To kiss my ripe and blushing face.
Until I’m gone without a trace.

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