June 11, 2026 - June 14, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1299Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat
Aimed at YA & MG novelists writing in all genres, this retreat is ideal for writers of all levels—including published and pre-published authors—who find themselves somewhere in the messy middle of a novel-length project. Join celebrated authors Nova Ren Suma and Emily X.R. Pan (and their guests) for a boost of creativity to help you move through the murky and into the exhilarating.
This retreat offers a blend of inspiration and generative writing opportunities: craft conversations, engaging Q&As, and optional writing prompts. Alongside, daily writing stretches that prioritize deep, uninterrupted retreat time so that you’ll have the space to make real progress to move through the middle of your novel towards completion.
Our hope is that you’ll leave more connected to your story, and connected to a supportive community of novelists who truly get what you’re going through.
- This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with discussions, writing exercises, and Q & As.
- We include ample time to relax, retreat, and work on your writing.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins with dinner 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
- Ends with lunch on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Find Your Magic!
Save $100 on any 2026 in-person workshop with coupon code FINDMAGIC. Use the code at checkout for all 2026 campus workshops.
Offer valid through November 19 at midnight.
Why This Retreat?
Novels have middles—that is a guarantee. But you don’t have to navigate through the middle of your novel alone.
Join celebrated authors Nova Ren Suma and Emily X.R. Pan, as well as their guest Meera Treehan, to move through the middle of your novel towards completion.
This retreat offers a blend of inspiration and generative writing opportunities, as well as uninterrupted, independent writing time. Whether you’re wrestling with a tangle of plot threads, feeling a disconnect between stakes and tension, or just looking for a spark to reignite your momentum, this is a retreat designed to help you find support, community, and a creative flow.
Please note that a small portion of the workshop is set to involve outdoor exploration and/or hands-on craft activities. We request that you make note during your registration of any accommodations that can help support you during these happenings.
It’s a Great Fit If…
- You are actively writing for a middle grade or YA audience, published or pre-published. The conversations and writing prompts will help you move through the middle of any novel-length project.
- You are a novelist feeling “stuck.” This workshop has been crafted for creative inspirations with a balance of support and independent time to get writing done.
- You enjoy discussing stories and your journey with fellow storytellers. You’ll gather ideas and informal feedback about your story in a supportive environment.
- You’d like a retreat where you can get to work. This retreat is not based on lecture. It’s time to work on your own projects, with the added immersive experience of discussions, generative writing exercises, and time to connect with fellow novelists over meals and informal gatherings.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-Workshop
- You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
- We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, and polish your work during independent time. This retreat is not filled with lecture. At its heart, this retreat is time to work on your project.
Day One: Thursday, June 11, 2026
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Opening Writing Prompt & Welcomes
Day Two: Friday, June 12, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Craft Discussion #1: “Character & Motivation” with Nova and Emily
- Q & A
- Writing Time
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Writing Prompt
- Writing & retreat time
- Optional, Peer-led Roundtable Discussions, an overview provided by Meera Trehan
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Fireside chat and Writing Prompt
Day Three: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Craft Discussion #2: “Conflict & Tension” with Nova and Emily
- Q & A
- Writing Time
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Writing Prompt
- Writing & Retreat Time
- Optional, Peer-led Roundtable Discussions, with support from Meera Trehan
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal sharing fireside
Day Four: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Craft Discussion #3: “Drafting, Revising, and Publishing” with Nova and Emily
- Final Q & A
- Reflection & Packing Time
Afternoon
- Lunch & Farewells
Learn More About This Novel Writing Retreat
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- There will be informal feedback opportunities and time to share work during generative creative exercises, and as you connect with fellow attendees.
- Novelists will have the opportunity to meet in peer-led roundtable discussions to share work and offer informal feedback. This is an optional component of the retreat. If you do not wish to meet in these groups, there will be no submission for the program.
If you’d like to learn more, see our note on feedback in our programs.
What Level of Commitment is Expected During the Retreat?
As an in-person event at our Retreat Center, you’ll have a chance to move away from everyday life to experience the retreat. It is important to recognize that this is not a “jam-packed” workshop; rather it combines opportunities for learning with ample time to retreat and work on your own projects.
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How Does This Retreat Support Our Mission?
Our mission is to positively impact children by amplifying the voices of storytellers who inform, educate, and inspire children to become their best selves. Engaging novels are needed for middle-grade and YA readers. This retreat will help you move through your draft and connect with your story and community.
Can I Connect with Other Participants Prior to the Retreat?
You will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow creatives and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
