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I am starting to set up a small Writer’s Retreat for this September in Avalon NJ, similar to what we did last year, which was a four day workshop with an editor and an agent. It included a one hour full manuscript critique with one of the mentors and a one hour 50 page critique with the other mentor, a first page session, a brainstorming session, group critiques, and pitch practice. The cost last year was $850 which included the cost of the house, the critiques, and most food.

Since the house is rented for the week, you have the choice to come early before the mentors get there to relax and work on your writing. I have not confirmed the mentors, yet. It would be nice to customize to fit the final group. I am looking to let two additional writers attend, so if you are interested in joining our group of advanced writers, please email me (Kathy.temean(at)gmail.com) for more details. Last year’s retreat was the best thing I have ever put together.It is a great opportunity.

Gregory Myers from Australia sent in this illustration called “Haru” that was commissioned by Tokyo Journal as part of a series on the seasons in Japan. Gregory is a freelance illustrator. Studied under Czech artist Petr Herel at Canberra School of Art, and Akira Kurosaki at Kyoto Seika University. He is based in Sydney, Australia. Hand-coloured scraperboard artworks like this one prove to be popular with his clients.

Ammi-Joan Paquette has been promoted to senior agent at the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Julie Just, who became an agent at Janklow & Nesbit in late 2010 after working at the NYT Book Review as children’s book editor, is moving to Pippin Properties on May 1. Pippin founder Holly McGhee says: “We were looking to expand our agency and had just signed a new office lease when we began talking to Julie. Since we are interested in representing our authors’ and artists’ work across all genres, including more YA and adult trade books as well, Julie Just is exactly the right fit.”

Greenhouse Literary Agency has hired Polly Nolan head up the UK side of their business representing children’s and YA authors. Currently associate publishing director, fiction, at Macmillan UK Children’s, she will start her new job on June 3.

At Simon & Schuster, Molly Lindley has been promoted to associate editor.

Alison Weiss has been promoted to associate editor at Egmont USA.

Amber Morley has joined Chronicle Books as marketing coordinator for their children’s division.

At HarperCollins, Dana Trombley has been promoted to senior manager, digital marketing, adding oversight for the marketing of all the digital-first titles published through the Impulse lines.

Angela James has been promoted to editorial director, Carina Press.

At Harlequin, Adrienne Macintosh has been promoted to editor, series, while Karen Reid moves up to associate editor, Harlequin Superromance and Charles Griesman has been promoted to editor, Harlequin Desire. In addition, Reka Rubin has been promoted to senior manager, subsidiary rights, while Amy Wilkins moves up to the manager, online engagement.

At Simon & Schuster Children’s, Nicole Russo has been promoted to deputy publicity director and Lydia Finn has been promoted to publicist. Russo has been with the company since 2005.

Talk tomorrow,

Kathy