📌 The Indelible Nourishment of Milkwood
Strengthening the threads of children's literature, one newly-forged community at a time. (Otherwise entitled: WOW, wow, wow-ee.)
Imagine opening your email to a Willy-Wonka-style spot at Milkwood, where instead of competing, everyone becomes a fully-fledged member of Team Picture Book—with a mission as simple (and as profound) as bringing your creative spirit?
Where, instead of a chocolate river, deep inspiration flows through each carefully-considered space? (Also, yes, there was chocolate—lots of it, along with cardamom cake, but stick with me—I’m trying to paint the big picture here. 😂)
Well, Friends, I just went there…and now I’m baaack! Back from (sighs dreamily, rests hands under chin) Milkwood, the relatively new—yet already timeless and impactful—creative retreat for the children’s book community that Sophie Blackall, her husband Ed, and their delightful family have lovingly handcrafted, in many cases, from the literal ground-up.
If you want details (without ruining any big surprises or workshop exercise specifics, natch)—I got you! Just keep reading!
For the more impatient types, here is the main gist of what I’m about to say:
Yes, you should definitely apply to Milkwood next year—and your first step is to sign up for their email newsletter. (Don’t worry, they aren’t spammers. In fact, they email so infrequently, in a few months, you may wonder if you actually signed up. But do it now, and you will know you did.)
Yes, it was really as great as one might imagine. Even better. No, I know your imagination is running wild, but it was still better. Okay, fine, don’t believe me, but be prepared for the brunt of my raised eyebrow and sassy little smile.
Actual film footage of said smile—the Maggie Smith one. I’m SAVAGE. No, I didn’t go for illustration. If you are interested in an illustration retreat experience, Rebecca Green has a beautiful write-up you should check out/bookmark! (Note: there were also retreats and residencies of all other sorts—check the site for the full 2023 list.) As for me, I was a lucky participant in the Picture Book Writers Workshop with the whipsmart (and delightful!) wordsmithing team of editor Susan Rich and writer Annie Barrows. (Fun fact: Annie used to be an editor herself—in fact, she acquired Griffin & Sabine! And Susan, of course, acquired A Series of Unfortunate Events, among others!) I MEAN!
Yes, the biggest treasure you’ll find is a super-passionate children’s book community. Still, the delectable food, the beautiful location, and the “already storied” vibe of this extraordinary place certainly didn’t hurt! IT WAS GORGEOUS.
Yes, there were some tears when it was time to leave. It’s true: you got me—I cried. I have never even once gotten past the opening sequence of Pixar’s Up—so of course, I cried! It was just such a special time—and group. 🥹
Now, for those who crave more, more, MORE! (Rubs hands together.)
First and foremost, I shared this experience with the following creative crew.
Our days included:
Wake-ups from the most charming ducks I’ve ever met. (I left my screened windows open at night, so if a duck killed your uncle and you are still processing that pain, or you somehow don’t need this benefit—keep your windows closed, and you’ll never know these adorable waddlers are out there.)
A delicious breakfast during a long meal window. Early risers had plenty of time to take a walk, chat, or work—and others got the rest they needed! (Win/win.)
Edifying—and fun!—writing exercises of all sorts, including (of course) writing, readings, discussions, and even some papercraft! We also each brought a beloved picture book to read aloud to the group and discuss. (Bliss!)
Photos by Sophie Blackall. I love how the chairs just kind of got shunted aside in the second one. "TIME FOR LUNCH!!" In fact, the only thing that could tear us away from our beloved “work-and-play” time was the allure of yet another delicious meal. (Note: Sophie is somehow as extraordinary a baker as she is an illustrator or author!?!?!? It’s enough to make one faint with jealousy, but she’s so generous with her many talents that somehow you only end up loving her more for them!) 😋
Mama mia! Then we got back to work! There was truly never a dull moment. (Video below taken by Sophie—during one of my very favorite of the picture book writing exercises!)
Adding to the excitement (and learning), throughout the retreat, we each got a one-on-one critique session with either Annie or Susan. I had Susan for my critique; she was ah-may-zing—and I heard the same of those who had Annie!
We were never bored, yet we also had plenty of time for casual gathering, working, thinking, and pondering. And for exploring! There was so, so much to take in!
Outside…
And inside…
And sometimes even sometimes inside of ourselves…
Every dinner (followed by dessert!) was magnificent, but on Saturday night, it was extra-extra-special. That night, there was a voluntary Show-and-Tell in the hayloft, where we all ended up sharing whatever we were working on, thinking about, or interested in. Music, art, words, and ideas were shared among now-friends. Magical.
A special piece of art that Sophie made for each of us? No, I’m not tearing up—you are tearing up! Probably because of the onions you’ve clearly been chopping in here!
It has been a year. A big year. A year that has been so surprisingly lucky and lovely (knock on wood!) that, in typical writer fashion, I now constantly scan the horizon for the wrecking ball that must surely be ready to descend from the angry heavens.
Yet—come what may—those fickle forces let me have this, somehow.
This once-in-a-lifetime retreat strengthened me (and, honestly, my craft!) in ways that can never be taken away. It was transcendent.
Thank you, Milkwood. Thank you, Susan and Annie—for all that you shared. Thank you to the wonderful Milkwood staff. Thank you, most especially, Sophie and Ed—for creating this sacred space for the children’s literary community.
Thank you all, so very much.
Yours in this community of learners,
Elayne
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Ok, ok. I’m putting myself on this list. Sigh… this looks amazing. So glad you had an incredible time!
I feel like after reading your post, I'm reliving my whole experience there and I was also so sad to leave! I stayed in the goat room and was also woken by ducks, though it was too cold to leave the windows open during my stay! Maybe there will be a next time!