Spotlight on the Middle of Your Novel: A Generative Retreat

In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat

Designed for middle grade and YA novelists working in any genre, this in-person retreat is a strong fit for writers at every stage, including both published and pre-published authors, who find themselves in the challenging middle of a novel-length project. Join celebrated authors Nova Ren Suma and Emily X.R. Pan, along with guest Meera Trehan, for a creative reset that can help carry your work from uncertainty toward momentum.

Blending inspiration with generative writing time, the retreat includes craft conversations, lively Q&As, optional writing prompts, and generous stretches of uninterrupted time to write. The structure is intentionally spacious, giving you room to focus deeply on your project while making meaningful progress toward completion.

Whether you are untangling plot threads, trying to strengthen stakes and tension, or simply hoping to reconnect with your creative energy, this retreat offers support, community, and practical space to keep going. The goal is for you to leave feeling more connected to your story and to a community of novelists who understand the process.

This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with discussions, writing exercises, and Q&As. There will also be time to relax, retreat, and work on your own writing. Lodging and meals are included.

The retreat begins with dinner at 5:30pm Eastern on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and ends with lunch on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Novels have middles—that much is certain. But you do not have to move through yours alone.

Throughout the retreat, Nova Ren Suma and Emily X.R. Pan, together with Meera Trehan, will guide participants through conversations and exercises designed to support the middle of any novel-length project. A small portion of the workshop will include outdoor exploration and/or hands-on craft activities, and participants are asked to note any accommodations needed during registration.

This retreat is especially well suited for you if:

• You are actively writing for a middle grade or YA audience, whether published or pre-published.
• You are feeling stuck and want a balance of creative inspiration and independent writing time.
• You enjoy discussing stories and your writing journey with fellow storytellers.
• You want a retreat that focuses on doing the work, not on lectures.

Feedback will be informal and optional. There will be opportunities to share work during generative exercises and in peer-led roundtable discussions. These roundtables are optional, and if you choose not to participate, no submission is required for the program.

The retreat is designed to support a safe and inclusive environment. Community Standards will be available before the workshop, and respectful engagement with fellow creatives, faculty, and staff is expected.

Participants will also receive access to a virtual classroom where they can introduce themselves to fellow creatives and explore Boyds Mills resources, including Community Standards.

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, with an overview from 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

Engaging novels matter for middle grade and YA readers, and this retreat is built to help writers move through the draft, reconnect with their stories, and find community along the way.