New Directions Creative Writing Retreat
​at ZigBone Farm

​Open only to participants in the New Directions Writing Program​

Just one hour from DC/Baltimore areas, in Maryland's scenic Catoctin Mountains

March 12-16, 2025

This retreat is for writers who are members of the New Directions Creative Writing Program and want ample space to write, instruction on writing through a psychoanalytic lens, and bonding time with other writers in the New Directions program

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Harbaugh Valley on a misty winter morning, view of our sheep and goats in the top pasture
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Barn cat catching winter rays in the barn window
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Writer catching winter rays in the parlor window

What to expect:

  •  A five-day, four-night writing retreat in Maryland's Catoctin Mountains, Sabillasville, MD
  • Relaxing in cozy writing nooks and on comfy sofas
  • Meeting with two writing instructors and two analysts
  • Blessed time to work on your creative projects throughout the day
  • Homemade meals prepared with produce from ZigBone Farm and area farms​
  • Coming together after dinner to discuss your day´s work and share your writing
  • Developing a support community of writers in the New Directions program​​

Scenes from 2023 New Directions Writing Retreat

"Zigbone Farm was the site for our Writer’ s Retreat and it couldn’t have been better. Diana Friedman is an author and writer and she led the Retreat with time for each participant to review and critique our work with helpful commentary. It was perfect to have all that time to write as well as to bike and hike and enjoy the grounds and then to come together every evening to read our work and exchange commentary on each piece. The food is plentiful, fresh and delicious! I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect time away!" - N. Prendergast

The Dream of ZigBone Farm Retreat & Pricing

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Your Host
Dena Leibman, along with her wife Marijke Torfs, is co-owner/operator of ZigBone Farm Retreat. As a long-time communications professional and former nonprofit executive, Dena has always dreamt of holding retreats for writers (including herself) at ZigBone. The ZigBone Writer’s Retreat series is that dream come to life! Dena, who is writing her first novel, will be  the retreat, will be gleaning wisdom from the group and instructors, while working behind the scenes to ensure guests are well cared for. 
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Your Place
ZigBone Farm Retreat provides naturally built, light-filled, artistic spaces for people to gather, celebrate, teach, and learn. The complex consists of the main ZigBone Eco-Lodge, the Springhouse Cabin, the Caretaker's House, and the Event Hall. The 100-acre farm – a series of mountainside pastures bordered by old stone hedgerows – grows sheep, goats, and vegetables sustainably. Learn more at www.zigbonefarmretreat.com. 

Pricing: The total price you will pay depends on the type of accommodation you choose. Prices are listed by the pictures of each room type below, and include dinner on arrival night, 3 full meals/full day, breakfast on departure day. Participants are required to stay at ZigBone Farm Retreat, and will have a first-come-first-serve choice of accommodations (see below).
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Springhouse​
Stand-alone cozy cabin to yourself, near Lodge, with king plush bed, coffee bar, large outdoor deck with meadow view,  walk-in shower, writing alcove.  $1500 ​

ZIGBONE LODGE
 A three-story, eco-building with hardwood floors throughout and light-filled spaces for gathering and writing. Participants can choose from a variety room options (see photos to right).

Springhouse plush king bed. 

PRIVATE EN SUITE ROOM: spacious rooms with bathroom. $1500
BED IN VERY LARGE, SEMI-PRIVATE SHARED ROOM W/ SHARED BATH: Room shared by 2 people. Privacy screens provided. $1200/bed

Springhouse view toward writing alcove and walk-in bathroom

PRIVATE ROOMS W/SHARED BATH (6 available): with queen or king bed, shared bath.  Five private rooms available.  $1400