By Stephanie Bearce
%20(1).jpg)
For an entire month, generous writers shared their wisdom. We explored research rabbit holes, voice, structure, and how to turn facts into stories that breathe. It was a feast of curiosity and craft, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who made it extraordinary.
For seven years, the Nonfiction Ninjas have hosted this celebration of learning. We love nonfiction. We love true stories. We love primary sources, surprising historical details, and the thrill of discovering something real and remarkable.
But here’s what some people don’t always realize:We are not just nonfiction ninjas.
When you spend years studying fascinating real people and remarkable events, eventually your brain starts asking… what if?
Linda Skeers reminds us that best friends are even better than sprinkles — and we all know sprinkles improve everything!
Lisa Amstutz brings warmth and tradition to life in Our Christmas Tree Farm.
Nancy Churnin celebrates heart and Halloween in Lila and the Jack-o’-Lantern.
Susie K. Holt captures bold spirit in There Once Was a Cowgirl.
Christine Liu Perkins imagines mathematical shapes as characters in The Quest for a Tangram Dragon.
And then there’s me, lover of weird science and odd bits of history, writing about Raven Gallows, who lives in a funeral home and has a habit of uncovering mummies, lost diaries, and secret societies.
We, Ninjas, are full of surprises.
But here’s the thing.
We know good writing.
We’re seasoned publishing veterans who’ve revised more manuscripts than we can count. We’ve wrestled with tricky middles, reshaped story arcs, and strengthened characters until they felt real enough to walk off the page.
When a manuscript is almost there, we can see it. And we know how to help you carry it the rest of the way.
That’s why we’re inviting you to the 2nd Annual Total Ninja Experience: Revision Retreat & Children’s Writing Workshop
June 12–14, 2026
Hiawatha, Iowa
This workshop is designed for writers who already have a manuscript that needs critiquing, revision, editorial help, and guidance — fiction or nonfiction, picture book through YA and everything in between.
You’ll work directly on your manuscript with award-winning authors dedicated to helping writers elevate their craft. The faculty-to-critique group ratio is six to one or better, and participation is limited to maximize learning and keep the experience intimate and focused.
The weekend includes:
• Scheduled critique groups
• Brainstorming
• Impromptu discussions of craft
• Dedicated time to revise
Location:
Prairiewoods
120 East Boysen Road
Hiawatha, IA 52233-1277
(319) 395-6700
About 20 minutes from Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
Programming and all meals are included in every option.
Retreat Options:
• Shared room/shared bath — $450
• Private room/shared bath — $650
• Stay off site (meals + programming included) — $375
• Solar-powered hermitage (no outlets, no charging), single occupancy — $400
Want to arrive early? Add Thursday (dinner Thursday plus Friday breakfast and lunch) for $100.
Check-in: 3:00 PM Friday
Check-out: 11:00 AM Sunday
Register early. Space is limited.
Because we may be called the Nonfiction Ninjas…
…but we are not limited to one section in a bookstore.
We live in nonfiction and novels. In gardening and ghosts. In Christmas tree farms and tangram dragons. In stories rooted in fact and stories born entirely from imagination.
If you’re ready to strengthen yours, we’d love to see you in Iowa this June.