Intensive Study of Children's Literature
Immerse yourself in the craft and business of writing for young readers. Join our MFA faculty and students for eight intensive days of lectures, workshops, readings, and panel discussions with award-winning authors and publishing professionals.
Designed With You in Mind
Craft Lectures from award-winning faculty covering everything from finding story to character development to professional practice.
Workshops led by faculty members, where you'll receive constructive feedback on your manuscript pages from peers and faculty, develop your critique skills, and learn to read like a writer through guided analysis.
Publishing Industry Panels and guest lectures from notable editors, agents, and authors designed to help you understand how the industry works and how you can best make the connections that will boost your career.
Readings by faculty and students. You will hear works in progress that no other audience has yet heard.
Course Schedule
Winter
- Format: In-person residential intensive at the San Damiano retreat center in Danville, CA
- Dates: January 17-22, 2027 (6 days)
- Enrollment: Open enrollment—no application required, capped at 10
- Cost: $2,000 (covers all lectures, a single room, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Summer
- Format: In-person residential intensive on USF campus
- Dates: July 6–13, 2027 (8 days)
- Enrollment: Open enrollment—no application required, capped at 16
- Cost: $2,500 (covers all lectures, a single room, with breakfast and lunch)
What You'll Accomplish
Through intensive workshops, craft lectures, and conversations with agents and editors, you'll develop:
- Story structure and narrative arc fundamentals
- Character development and voice techniques
- Genre-specific skills for your chosen audience
- Critical analysis skills to read like a writer
- Workshop skills for giving and receiving constructive feedback
- Professional practice and publishing industry knowledge
Build Lasting Connections
Beyond the classroom, you'll build lasting connections within the children's literature community through shared meals, evening readings, creative activities, and informal gatherings. Join current MFA students and fellow certificate participants in a supportive environment designed to foster collaboration and lifelong professional relationships.
Ideal For
- Writers considering an MFA who want to test-drive the program
- Post-MFA writers seeking continued education
- MFA students from other programs wanting specialized training in children's literature
- Teachers pursuing continuing education units (CEUs)
- Any writer seeking advanced instruction with award-winning faculty
Meet Your Instructors
Learn from established voices in children's literature who bring decades of combined experience as published authors, educators, and mentors:
Workshop Leaders
Skyler Schrempp
Jolie Stekly
Instructors
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Anne-Marie Strohman
Program Coordinator -
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Elana K. Arnold
National Book Award finalist, Printz Honor winner -
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An Na
Printz Honor author -
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Tracey Baptiste
NYT bestselling author and storyteller -
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Ann Dávila Cardinal
Award-winning YA horror author -
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David Macinnis Gill
Award-winning novelist -
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Candice Iloh
two-time Printz Honor winner, National Book Award finalist -
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Erin Entrada Kelly
Newbery Medal winner -
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Michelle Knudsen
NYT bestseller, Andre Norton Nebula Award winner -
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A.S. King
Printz Award winner, acclaimed YA author -
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Michael Leali
Golden Kite Award winner, two-time Lambda finalist -
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Erica S. Perl
NYT bestseller, National Jewish Book Award winner -
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Laura Ruby
two-time National Book Award finalist, Printz Award winner -
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Eliot Schrefer
two-time National Book Award finalist, Printz Honor winner -
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Liz Garton Scanlon
author of All the World (Caldecott Honor, illustrated by Marla Frazee) -
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Dashka Slater
Award-winning journalist and author -
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Eugene Yelchin
Newbery Honor winner, National Book Award finalist