The facilitator
Darcy Pattison is a children's book author and writing teacher. In 1999, she created the Novel Revision Retreat, which she now teaches across the nation. Translated into eight languages, her books have been recognized for excellence by starred reviews, Book of the Year awards, state award lists and more. She is the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor's Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children's literature.

The retreat
After twelve years as the conference director for the Arkansas chapter of SCBWI, Darcy realized that the hardest thing to get help with is a novel. The Novel Revision Retreat's goal is that every author will go home with strategies for revising their own particular novel. The retreat is designed for maximum participation, with many sessions devoted to intensive work in groups of four writers. Advance preparation is required. 

The location
Dominican University of California is an independent university located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, California. Founded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the tranquil Dominican campus covers 80 wooded acres in a quiet residential neighborhood.

Requirements to attend
1. You must have a completed draft of a novel.
2. You must agree to do pre-conference homework.
3. You must agree to read three other drafts of novels before the retreat. The group sessions are based on the assumption that you have read the other persons' novels.
4. You must purchase and read two books. You will need four copies of your manuscript.

Accommodations and dining
Single or double rooms are located in the Edgehill Village Apartments. Each pair of rooms shares a bathroom en suite. Linens are provided by the university. Meal service is in the Caleruega Dining Hall. Three meals are provided on weekdays, with two meals (brunch and dinner) on weekends.

Cost
$450 for a double room and all meals and conference activities
$550 for a single room and all meals and conference activities.

 

*Non-residential students

Residential students have priority for registration but there MAY be a limited number of non-residential, conference-only spots for people who don't want to spend the nights at Dominican. These spots are on a first come, first served basis. The cost is $350, which does not include a room OR meals.

The deposit is $250 and the balance is due on May 30. You will be advised by May 15 if the space is available. If the conference-only space is not available, a full refund of the deposit will be made.

Cancellations received before May 30, 2009 may receive a refund less a $50 processing fee. After May 30, no refunds unless a substitute is available. The balance is due on May 30. The program is subject to change without notice.

Schedule
THURSDAY
Check in 3:30 to 4:30

Introduction and Inventory
Ice Breakers and Group Session
Writing Time - Finish the Inventory
FRIDAY
Plotting: Macro to Micro
Group Session: Plotting
Writing Time-Plotting
Sensory Details
Clarity: Verbs, Nouns and Connotations Sensory Details
Group Session: Words
Writing Time: Words
Characterization and Dialogue
Group Session: Characterization & Dialogue 
SATURDAY
Where Are We? Setting
Group session: Setting
Writing Time: Character & Setting
Adding Depth and Layers: Narrative Patterning
Group Session: Setting and Depth
Writing Time: Depth and Layers
Open Mic - sharing from revised works
View and Critique A Favorite Film
SUNDAY
Bonus Lecture: Making Voice a Conscious Decision
Planning a Successful Revision
Group Session: Plan of Action

For your evening entertainment
Enjoy a play under the stars at the Marin Shakespeare Festival. Performances take place in the Forest Amphitheater on the Dominican University campus. Tickets must be purchased separately.