Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat ~ 2025
Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is at a new and exciting location! We will feature five outstanding faculty including three editors and two agents. The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is where children’s book writers and illustrators, both new to the industry and award-winning and multi-published, come to improve their craft, connect with colleagues, and interact with industry professions. This retreat was started many years ago by Linda Crotta Brennan and Laurie Murphy - next March 2025 the legacy continues. This retreat is known for its culture of creativity, camaraderie, and MAGIC! We can't wait to see you!
WPWR 2025 ~ Registration is closed
Next Steps
After you register you will be contacted via email about further details and logistics.
What is the Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat?
The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is a weekend packed with presentations, mentor meetings, meals, and magic! In an intimate setting you will have the opportunity to interact and engage with five industry professionals as well as other children's book authors and illustrators. Each participant gets a one-on-one with a faculty mentor who has who has pre-read your picture book, dummy, or up to 15 pages your novel. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. After you register, you will be contacted by the director. This event typically sells out. If all the slots are taken, please join our waitlist here: https://forms.gle/d2XQsQoh3vAKpSb16
Who is this retreat for?
The Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat is for serious children’s book creators, from beginner to advanced, pre-published (aspiring to be published) to published, debut to multi-published, agented and unagented – children’s book writers and illustrators.
Five Magnificent Mentors
Mentor 1 - Matt Phipps, Associate Editor, G.P. Putnam's Sons|Penguin Young Readers
Matt Phipps is an Associate Editor at G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers, acquiring picture books, middle grade, and YA, including graphic novels for all ages. Prior to joining Putnam in 2020, he spent several years in Penguin’s School and Library Marketing department. He was an Editor Mentor with The Word: A Storytelling Sanctuary and volunteered with the Representation Matters Mentorship Program, in addition to serving on the board of the Penguin Random House LGBTQ+ Network. He has also worked as a bookseller, a Spanish-English translator, and a teacher.
Mentor 2 - Marissa Brown, Associate Agent, Pippin Properties
Marissa Brown has always been a reader. She is never without a book (or three, just in case). But it wasn't until high school that she realized she could have a career in books. She studied English Literature at DePauw University in Indiana prior to attending the NYU Summer Publishing Institute. There she was introduced to the world of literary agencies and immediately knew she wanted to become an agent, which led her to Pippin. Pronouns - she/her
Mentor 3 - Olivia Luchini, Assistant Editor, Penguin Workshop|PRH
Olivia Luchini, Assistant Editor, Penguin Workshop|PRH Olivia has been with their team since 2020. She edits on the Who HQ nonfiction chapter book series for middle grade readers, but she also edits picture books and licensed titles. Olivia is enthusiastic to read young adult, middle grade, and picture book submissions. She enjoys nonfiction (especially about animals, cultural holidays, puberty, and history) and fiction (especially contemporary narratives with characters rooted in realities relatable to young readers). A former stand-up comedian, Olivia loves books that have a humorous voice. Pronouns - she/her
Mentor 4 - Alexander Slater, Agent, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates
Alex represents award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors. He specializes in young adult, middle grade, and graphic novels. A Creative Writing graduate of UConn, he lives in Connecticut with his wife and son. Pronouns - he/him
Mentor 5 - Ariel Richardson, Senior Editor, Chronicle Books
Ariel Richardson is a Senior Editor in Children's at Chronicle Books in San Francisco. She is a versatile bookmaker, working at the intersection of art and impact. She’s had demonstrated successes, from Invisible Things debuting on the New York Times bestseller list to Seen and Unseen: What Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams’s Photographs Reveal About the Japanese American Incarceration winning the Robert F. Sibert Medal and Bologna Ragazzi Award. She has worked at three independent bookstores on two coasts, and has a masters degree in Children’s Literature from Simmons University. Pronouns – she/her
Where is it?
The Wylie Inn & Conference Center at Endicott College - 295 Hale Street • Beverly, MA 01915
Historic Hotels in Beverly, MA | The Wylie Inn
The Wylie Inn & Conference Center at Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts
Accommodations
Each attendee will have their very own room! (There are no doubles available at this time.)
Testimonials
Lynda Mullaly Hunt, NYT bestselling and award-winning author of FISH IN A TREE, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS, & SHOUTING AT THE RAIN
"The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is magical. You'll not find a more inspiring location, but it's the people that make it truly inspiring and the kind of writers' event that can raise your writing to the next level. My career began at this retreat and, no matter how busy my schedule becomes, I make it a priority to return each year."
Anika Denise, award winning author, PLANTING STORIES, PHENOMENAL AOC, A GIRL NAMED ROSITA, THE LOVE LETTER, & more
"Oh, Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat , you bewitch and ensorce me with your beautiful setting, amazing mentors, delicious desserts and roaring fires! Seriously, if there is a magic recipe for perfectly inspiring, blissful writers' retreat weekends—WPWR has it. You really MUST go."
Linda Crotta Brennan, Co-Founder of Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat, author of WHEN RIVERS BURNED: THE EARTH DAY STORY, MARSHMALLOW KISSES & more
"Laurie Murphy and I founded the Whispering Pines Writers’ Retreat over twenty years ago, hoping to create a program where writers could receive professional feedback in a rustic, intimate setting. I still return every year for the insightful comments (on my manuscript), workshops and to nurture professional connections which have furthered my career. But more precious than any of that are the lifelong friendships I’ve forged there. The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is a mystical, magical place, buoyant with the joy of creating."
Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor winner of RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE (Also the author of; MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM, SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS, WHERE THREE OCEANS MEET, & MORE!
"The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is an absolute joy, a place to bond with fellow writers and industry professionals while improving your craft. I can't wait to return!"
Laurie Murphy, MG writer, Co-Founder of Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat
"The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is a writer’s paradise. It’s a weekend filled with inspiring talks, one-on-one critiques, and networking in a casual setting. In the midst of pine trees surrounding a lovely pond, the spot is ideal for rejuvenating the creative muses. From the inviting fieldstone fireplace in the living room, to the outdoor campfire for late night s’mores, this popular retreat continues to attract writers, editors, and agents alike. If you’re looking for a unique experience with supportive mentors, fabulous food, and an idyllic setting, you need to look no further than the Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat."
Erin Dionne, author, SHIVER BY THE SEA SERIES, LIGHTS, CAMERA, DISASTER, SECRETS OF A FANGIRL, BALLETBALL, MOXIE AND AND THE ART OF RULE BREAKING, & more
"Due to Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat's small size and intensive format, participants have a true opportunity for growth in their creative lives. No one leaves WPWR unchanged."
Tricia Lin, editor, Simon & Schuster
“The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is a delight. Everyone is warm, kind, and receptive. The environment could not be more beautiful or peaceful, and is wonderfully conducive to spurring creativity. And of course, the food is pretty spectacular.”
Brent Taylor, agent, TriadaUS Literary Agency
“The Whispering Pines Writers' Retreat is pure magic. From the moment I arrived, I felt inspired, empowered, and energized. There are just no writing conferences as intimate as this."
Pricing
Member: $995.00
Non-Member: $1025.00
What is included:
^ Written feedback and 20-minute one-on-one meeting with a mentor, who has pre-read your picture book, dummy, or up to 15 pages of your novel
^ Five presentations conducted by the industry professional mentors (3 editors, 2 agents)
^ Single accommodations for Friday & Saturday. (No doubles are available at this time)
^ All meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners) - and coffee!
^ Other exciting retreat activities
^ Most likely a magical experience
After you register you will be contacted by the retreat director about next steps.
Photo Gallery
Retreat Coordinators
Pam Vaughan, Director
Pam is the author of picture books, Missy Wants a Mammoth, illustrated by Ariel Landy (2024 Holiday House/Pixel+Ink) and Tenacious Won't Give Up, illustrated by Leanne Hatch (Summer 2025 Knopf BFYR). She is also an NE-SCBWI co-Assistant Regional Advisor. Pam was a three-sport athlete at Brandeis University (soccer, basketball, softball) and holds a master's degree in business management. She has coached soccer, basketball, ski racing, softball, ice hockey and worked as a team consultant presenting workshops on leadership, mental toughness, and team building. She lives with her family on a cul-de-sac, by a pond in central MA amongst turkeys, turtles, deer, and owls but can often be found playing ice hockey. Visit her online at www.pamvaughanauthor.com Pronouns - she/her
Julia Boyce, Assistant Director
Julia Boyce writes picture books through young adult novels. She has published an early reader and has also been published in Reader's Digest. Julia lives on a farm in northwestern Rhode Island with her family, an eighteen-year-old cow named Oreo, a faithful Labrador/Golden retriever cross, and a menagerie of other farm animals and pets. Much of her writing is inspired by this lifestyle, as well as her current job working with Cynomolgus Macaques. Julia can often be found writing in the barn or out in the cow fields. Find her online @farm_Julia. Pronouns - she/her