August 9, 2026 - August 12, 2026
Highlights Foundation Campus
$1399Overview
In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat
In the shifting publishing landscape, it seems that many people are discussing the idea of “writing short.” What does this phrase mean? And what impact might it have on novels?
Join celebrated authors Hena Khan, Christina Soontornvat, Minh Lê, and Ellen Oh for a retreat that allows for healthy discussion about this topic, along with concrete ways for you to “write short” when it fits your story. This experienced faculty will cover topics like pacing, plot, revision, concept-generation, and much more. In addition, there will be ample time for you to try out their suggestions as you write and retreat on your own projects.
- This is an in-person retreat for novelists at any stage in their creative journey who would like to learn more about writing shorter novels– in verse, graphically, and/or in prose.
- No submission is required.
- Lodging and meals are included.
- Begins at 5:30pm Eastern on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
- Ends after lunch on Wednesday, August 12, 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?
Discover how “writing short” might be exactly what your story needs. Join celebrated authors Hena Khan, Christina Soontornvat, Minh Lê, and Ellen Oh to find out the how and why behind crafting novels that are “shorter” in length. Through craft-focused sessions on pacing, plot, revision, and concept development, you’ll gain practical tools to build a shorter narrative while staying true to your voice.
Whether you’re refining an existing manuscript or starting something new, this retreat offers inspiration, community, and support. In addition, ample time is set aside for you to write, wander, and retreat!
It’s a Great Fit If…
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You are a novelist that’s trying to craft (or revise) a novel with an impactful, short narrative.
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You want to learn more about plot and pacing from award-winning and celebrated authors!
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You’d like a retreat where you can take time to write. While there will be presentations at this retreat, there will also be ample time built for you to write and work on your own projects.
Detailed Agenda
All Times are Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
Pre-Workshop
- You will receive details about what to bring to the retreat for your 1:1 consultation. There are no pre-retreat submissions.
- We encourage you to bring projects with you to the retreat at various stages in-progress, as you will have time to draft, revise, research, and polish your work during independent time.
Day One: Sunday, August 9, 2026
- 3pm – 5pm Eastern: Arrival and check in
- 5:30pm Eastern: Appetizers & Dinner
- Following dinner: Expectations and goals for our time together
Day Two: Monday, August 10, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #1
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- 1:1 Discussions (No Written Feedback)
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Informal gathering and sharing fireside (weather permitting)
Day Three: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Morning:
- Breakfast
- Presentation #2
- 1:1 Consultations (continued)
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
Afternoon
- Lunch
- Presentation #3
- Generative Writing & Writing Together
- Retreat time: read, write, connect
Evening
- Appetizers & Dinner
- Fireside sharing
Day Four: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Morning
- Breakfast
- Publishing Q & A
- Generative writing prompt
Afternoon
- Lunch & farewells
About This Novel Writing Retreat
DUMMY ROW - WILL BE HIDDEN
What Level of Feedback Can I Expect for My Work?
Feedback Expected
- Informal feedback throughout the workshop via discussions and open sharing.
- A 1:1 consultation with faculty during the workshop. You may bring questions and ideas to discuss with your faculty. No written feedback will be offered.
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 is a Working Retreat that 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. Many readers are in search of novels that capture their attention and move quickly. This program will help you build (or revise) a tight narrative that is compelling for your reader.
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), prior to the event.
