ZigBone Farm Creative Writing Retreat

Facilitated writing retreats in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere

January 13-18, 2027

Spend January at ZigBone Farm Retreat Center, a sustainably built, light-filled creative space in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains. Located about an hour from the D.C./Baltimore area, the farm sits on 100 acres of mountain pastures and open views. Its buildings were crafted with timber framing and salvaged, local natural materials, including repurposed old barn beams, straw bale insulation, and clay plaster made from the farm’s own earth.

The bright rooms and wide landscape create an inspiring setting for a writer’s retreat, offering room to connect with fellow writers, strengthen community, and return to your creative self.

What to Expect at a ZigBone Retreat

• Relax in cozy writing nooks and on comfortable sofas.
• Meet each day to explore key elements of creative writing, including structure, dialogue, and voice.
• Take part in generative writing exercises and prompts designed to spark new ideas.
• Enjoy generous stretches of silence for independent work throughout the day.
• Share homemade, family-style meals made with produce from ZigBone and nearby farms, along with local beer and wine.
• Gather at dinner to talk about the day’s work and experiences.

Reviews for ZigBone Writing Retreats and Diana Friedman

Warm and Welcoming Retreat
From the first evening, Diana Friedman created a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental, and non-competitive atmosphere that supported community and made creativity and productivity flourish. The optional craft discussions, writing prompts, and exercises were insightful, practical, and enjoyable. During a one-on-one conversation, Diana offered strategies that helped me move forward with my novel after feeling completely stuck. I left feeling energized, inspired, and grateful for both the writing and the friendships I formed. (January 2025)
Hillary S.

Excellent Instructor and Literary Guide
I loved ZigBone. My needs were fully met, allowing me to relax and focus on my creative work in an inspiring setting. The food was wonderful, fresh, and delicious. Both the generative and instructional writing sessions were exactly right. Diana is an excellent instructor and literary guide. (January 2024)
Rhonda Zimlich

Magic and Joy at ZigBone
Diana and Dena create magic together at ZigBone. It is a joyful place for me. Diana’s craft teaching, readings, and ability to inspire group interaction create a safe, warm environment. Her one-on-one meeting felt like a therapy session wrapped in a warm blanket of breathtaking advice. I came home with breakthroughs, clearer awareness, and direction for the next stage of my writing journey. (April 2024)
Patti Steckler

Safe and Comforting Space
The classes, facilitated by Diana Friedman, were impressive. I appreciated her knowledge of craft and her ability to create a space that felt comfortable and safe for everyone. The sessions were structured and thoughtfully planned, right down to the last writing prompt. Diana also took time to speak with us about our projects, and it was incredibly helpful to witness her passion and expertise. (January 2023)
L. Boone

Fantastic Location, Amazing Instruction
My week at ZigBone was fantastic. Diana and Dena are an amazing team and do a wonderful job caring for their writers with great food and phenomenal instruction. (April 2025)
Camille N.

Wonderful Teacher and Editor
Diana Friedman is a wonderful teacher, editor, and collaborative partner who helps you navigate the mystery of your novel. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about my own work until I began talking with her. She asks insightful, probing questions that get to the heart of what you are trying to create. She helps make sense of plot and story, and she is open, perceptive, and down-to-earth. (April 2025)
Jamie Hull

What’s Included in the ZigBone Farm Creative Writing Retreat?

• Morning generative writing sessions
• Afternoon craft workshops
• Free writing time
• One-on-one consults with the writing facilitator
• Breakfast and lunch buffet-style, plus a sit-down dinner featuring local food
• Access to fruit, snacks, coffee, and tea throughout the day
• Full use of the house, including cozy corners and nooks for writing with your pen and/or laptop

Who is This Retreat For?

This retreat is open to anyone committed to writing, regardless of publication or submission history. The intention is to offer a nurturing, warm, and positive space where creative writers can find both solitude and support, no matter their level of experience. For more experienced or published writers, the craft workshops may feel like a review, but they also include warm-up exercises and published readings that may inspire something new. Because all workshops are optional, writers may also use the full time for independent work. Evening gatherings bring everyone together around the dinner table to discuss craft challenges, celebrate progress, share new material, and build community.

More Questions? Ready to Book?