Esther Hershenhorn: “Writing for Children”

I’m enormously proud to continue for an eighth year the Vermont Manuscript Workshop, honoring Workshop founder Barbara Seuling’s love and knowledge of writing for children, dedication to craft and personal investment in her writers and their stories.

Grounded in the ways and wonders of Vermont's beautiful Green Mountains, this summer's workshop offers up to 6 children's book creators:

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• uninterrupted writing time from morning to night in a bounty of beautiful settings inside, outside, all around the town;

• daily face-to-face facilitator feedback and coaching on their efforts;

• rich connections with fellow like-minded, like-hearted writers to fine-tune both the story they’re telling and the writer’s life they’re living;

• evening Read-aloud sessions;

• drop-in visits by Children’s Book World residents;

• optional outings to maximize nearby Vermont resources, such as Northshire Books in Manchester and local galleries.

• focused “Food-for-Thought” Writer’s Journey conversations throughout each day’s three delicious 5* meals.

Interested participants need:

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• a working manuscript on which to focus;

• a want and a need to take that manuscript to the necessary NEXT LEVEL, whatever that may be;

• a willingness to connect, as Mary Poppins’ P.L. Travers advised – with their world, their story, themselves.

NOTE: To ensure a worthwhile experience, participants must email the facilitator samples of the work on which they wish to focus by April 25, 2026: if a picture book, please send the entire manuscript; if a chapter book, please send the beginning 10 pages plus a synopsis or description of the story.

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Author Website

Registration Fee: $900

Student Capacity: 6

What’s Included in Your Workshop Stay

Your workshop package is full room + board with a simple “show up and paint” experience:

• Workshop instruction and programming

• Lodging at The Landgrove Inn

• Three meals per day, including 3-course dinners

• Welcome reception on the first night

• Gratuity included

All meals are shared together as a group — it’s a big part of the Landgrove experience and what makes these retreats feel like a true creative community.

The Landgrove Workshop Experience

Workshops at The Landgrove are intentionally small and intimate, with a focus on:

• meaningful learning and personal attention

• relationship building with other artists

• a warm, welcoming creative environment

You’ll stay in a peaceful historic inn surrounded by Green Mountain National Forest — an inspiring setting that helps you slow down and settle into deep creative work.

And when you want to explore beyond the studio, we’re close to classic Vermont destinations like:

• Manchester (Southern Vermont Arts Center, Northshire Bookstore)

• Weston (Weston Theater Company, Vermont Country Store)

• plus scenic drives, local shops, and mountain towns nearby

Workshop Agenda (Sample Schedule)

Our workshops are designed to be immersive, relaxed, and relationship-rich — with time for focused instruction, practice, and shared meals together as a group.

Arrival Day (Check-in + Welcome)

• Check-in: anytime after 3:00 PM

• Welcome Reception (wine/beer + light hors d’oeuvres): 5:00 – 6:00 PM

• Introductory 3-Course Dinner: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Workshop Days (Daily Rhythm)

Each full day follows a consistent and supportive flow:

• Breakfast (communal): 8:00 – 9:00 AM

• Morning painting session: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

• Lunch (communal): 12:30 PM

• Afternoon painting session: ~1:30 – 5:00 PM

• 3-Course Dinner (communal): 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Exact timing may shift slightly based on demonstrations, group needs, and the instructor’s teaching style.

How to Book

Please read these notes before booking so your stay and workshop registration are counted correctly.

1) Choose Your Dates

When selecting your workshop the dates will auto-populate for arrival and departure.

• Check-in (arrival) date is fixed.

• Check-out (departure) date defaults to the final full workshop day (ending around 5 PM). Check-out time is 11am if departing on the final workshop day.

• Check-out may be extended an additional night, to include the final 3-course dinner, plus one more overnight and breakfast the next morning.

  
  

2) Single Occupancy (1 person in the room)

The booking system defaults to single occupancy, which includes:

✅ Lodging + full meal package + gratuity for one person

✅ One workshop registration included

Note: The workshop fee is prorated across the number of nights you book, so it appears as part of your nightly total.

3) Double Occupancy (2 people sharing a room)

Two guests may share the same room during the workshop.

Step A: Change the room occupancy to 2 so meals are included for both guests.

Step B: If the second guest is also taking the workshop, add “Additional Workshop Registration” at checkout.

Not everyone in the room needs to register for the workshop. Many spouses and friends join for the stay without painting. They often explore the national forest, visit nearby towns, ski local mountains, relax by the pool, or enjoy a book by the fire in the tavern — while still being part of the shared meals and community experience.

4) Dietary Needs / Special Requests

During checkout, please add any dietary requirements in the Special Requests field so we can prepare appropriately.

Ready to Book?

Use the widget on screen to book, or book from the following link: Book This Workshop

Transportation to The Landgrove

If flying in to a nearby airport (Albany, Hartford, or Rutland) and seeking transportation, we recommend:

Mountain Drivers

802.772.5223

https://www.mtndrivers.com/