By Cynthia Leitich Smith

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of teaching at the tenth annual Vermont College of Fine Arts Novel Writing Retreat for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers. The event organization was seamless, morale high, discussion meaty and writer-takeaway tremendous. Programming included speeches, one-on-one critiques from an editor and established authors, critique groups, readings, socializing, and terrific informal discussions. In sum, a group of about 40 writers came together from across the country to celebrate story and make magic on a historic campus in quaint Montpelier, Vermont.

To those looking for a weekend of high quality, budget-friendly, MFA-level instruction, I give the VCFA Novel Writing Retreat, my highest recommendation. Watch for breaking news and registration information for the 2014 program at Facebook.

Novel retreat coordinators Sarah Aronson & Cindy Faughnan

Opening address by author Julie Berry

Author Ann Angel & Novel Retreat coordinator Sarah Aronson

With Elly Pitaski Swartz — thanks for many of the photos!

With Novel Retreat coordinator Cindy Faughnan & author Debbi Michiko Florence at lunch

With author Debbi Michiko Florence

Talking about metaphor and world building.

With fellow faculty Candlewick editor Andrea Tompa & author Lauren Myracle