Write with Purpose. Grow in Community.
Whale Rock Workshops helps aspiring and published picture book, middle grade, and YA authors deepen their craft, build meaningful community, and take their writing to the next level. Whether you’re developing your second manuscript or polishing your fifth novel, we offer expert mentorship, rigorous programming, and a space to do your best creative work.
Built for Writers Who Are All In
At Whale Rock, our workshops, retreats, and mentorships are built for writers who are serious about storytelling, committed to their writing practice, and ready to grow. Our faculty includes award-winning authors, editors, and educators who are deeply invested in your success.
Explore programs built to meet you where you are — and help you go further:
Upcoming Retreats: Write, Reflect, and Reset
Week One: Deepening Your Draft - Dedicated Writing Time Just For You
November 4–8, 2025 | Caboose Farm, Maryland
Faculty: Gary Schmidt, Shelley Tanaka, Kathryn Erskine
Special Guest: Patricia Lee Gauch
This retreat is perfect for writers with a work-in-progress who need quiet space, dedicated writing time, and gentle accountability. There is no structured curriculum—just thoughtful support and a chance to reconnect with your creative voice.
Enjoy one-on-one feedback sessions with mentors, cozy chats with fellow writers, and intimate dinners with faculty. We take care of all the details so you can focus on your work, with nourishing lunches, snacks, and delicious dinners provided daily. Editor and author Patricia Lee Gauch will join us for a special day to share wisdom and lead a craft-based conversation.
Week Two: New Connections– Clarity, Feedback, and Industry Insight
November 11–15, 2025 | Caboose Farm, Maryland
Faculty: Gary Schmidt, Shelley Tanaka, Kathryn Erskine
Special Guest: Miranda Paul (Aevitas Creative Management)
This retreat offers the same warm, intimate structure as Week One, with one exciting addition: dedicated time with a literary agent.
Designed for writers with a completed or nearly completed draft, this week is ideal for those preparing to revise, restructure, or submit their work. You’ll receive thoughtful feedback, space to reflect, and guidance to clarify your next steps.
Literary agent Miranda Paul will join us for three days, meeting one-on-one with each participant. She’ll offer project-specific insight or, if you prefer, general career and industry advice through a flexible AMA-style session.
As always, you’ll enjoy nourishing meals, quiet writing time, and cozy evenings with mentors and fellow writers in a warm, supportive environment
Explore Our Signature Programs
Mentorship Semester
Work one-on-one with a master-level mentor for 12 weeks. Includes workshops, personalized feedback sessions, and individual guidance. MFA-level experience without the MFA price tag.
Learn How To Series
90-minute seminars focused on technique, structure, and storytelling tools. Great for writers at all levels looking to sharpen their skills or get inspired.
Master Classes
Multi-week intensives for writers ready to revise, draft, or complete a specific project with targeted feedback and master level instructor support.
MFA-Level Learning. Without the MFA Price Tag.
Whale Rock delivers the depth, mentorship, and structure of an MFA, with the flexibility, affordability, and focus today’s writers need. You’ll find the same personalized feedback, expert instruction, and creative challenge– without the $55000+ price tag for a multi-year commitment of a traditional MFA program or the $9000+ price tag of an MFA post-grad experience.
Whether you’re preparing for publication or refining your voice, we give you the tools and support to go further.
Real Writers. Real Progress.
“AMAZING. My mentor’s comments were kind, thought-provoking, and gave me the added boost in confidence I needed to do the work. Being able to read feedback, and then talk through possible solutions to my literary dilemmas-on more than just short sections- was so exciting. This was my favorite part of the program: The individual feedback. All of the mentors were so knowledgeable and brought so much to the table.
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We Believe That Great Teachers Change Lives
We curate experts from the publishing world to nurture our students. Our faculty include distinguished editors and award winning young adult, middle grade and picture book authors.
Work with amazing editors and authors like:
Patricia Lee Gauch
Gary D. Schmidt
Why Whale Rock?
MFA-level programming without the MFA price
Award-winning and critically acclaimed instructors
Thoughtful feedback, not cookie-cutter critique
Inclusive, supportive, craft-driven community
Whether you’re revising a novel or returning to the page, we’re here to support your growth with structure, accountability, and heart.
Ready to Write Deeply?
Join our community of dedicated writers and discover what’s possible when you have the right tools, mentors, and space to create.