“The Kweli writing retreat at Akwaaba was one of the best experiences I've had as a writer. There was so much care put into not only the accommodations, but also care in the community that we built over the weekend. It provided me with a much needed and appreciated break from my everyday life, and gave me the opportunity to focus on my craft with a writer I have long admired.

Carole’s presentations on time, premise and voice gave me a few new perspectives to use when I approach writing as a whole. For example, I look at time differently. Carole told us that time is always there, waiting and watching, and doesn't stop. It can be hard to find the time for creating and writing, but if you think of the stories you're creating, and what writing does for you, you'll find the time and prioritize what's important. The craft sessions were as lyrical as the writer’s entire body of work. The sessions were also practical and met you wherever you were, so that you could take what you needed from the talk. The one-on-one session with Carole was amazing! I got to see what kind of revisions were needed on my manuscript, and why. Then Carole also shared advice on the book’s potential. She told me, “Don’t think small when it comes to this story. See the way these characters can be bigger than just this one book. Carole even brought my agent into the conversation, sharing tips over the phone with her on how to support this specific piece of work going forward.

The gifts I received from this weekend will be with me for a long time, and I know that I'll look at writing and the trajectory of my career much differently than I did before.”

Ariel Vanece, Picture Book Retreat Raffle Winner

2022 Picture Book Writing Retreat at Akwaaba