Summer-on-the-Farm Novel Writing Retreat ​at
​ZigBone Farm

​Just one hour from DC/Baltimore areas
With Award-Winning Author of 15 Novels and Veteran Writing Instructor Tammy Greenwood 

July 24-29, 2025
​Writers at ​all stages of their writing journey are welcome at our summer writing retreat

​
​

@taylorsmithphotovideo

​What to expect:

• Practical guidance and inspiration to jumpstart your novel writing
• Writing workshops coupled with plenty of free time to work on your projects
• A small-group writing community, limited to 10 participants
• Excellent meals, made with produce grown on the farm or nearby
• Rustic luxury, unparalleled views, gorgeous gardens, space to walk and create!​

Tentative Schedule for Summer Novel Writing Retreat

Thursday
4-5pm: Arrival:
5:30 pm: Welcome reception on the terrace and dinner from the wood-fired oven 

Friday-Monday
8am-9am: Breakfast
9am-11am: Themed session (see below for themes)
11am-4pm: Lunch and Free Writing Time
4pm-6pm: Generative Writing Exercises
6pm-7:pm: Community Dinner
7pm-10pm: Optional Evening readings


Tuesday: 
11am Departure: Wrap-Up Exercise & Debrief 
​
Daily Themes (focused on the 8 Cs of Novel Writing)
Day 1: Concept and Character
Day 2: Circumstances and Conflict
Day 3: Complications and Crisis
Day 4: Climax and Conclusion

About Tammy

T. Greenwood is the author of fifteen novels. She has received grants from the Sherwood Anderson Foundation, the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Maryland State Arts Council. She has won four San Diego Book Awards. Six of her novels have been Indie Next picks. BODIES OF WATER was finalist for a Lambda Foundation award, and KEEPING LUCY was a 2021 Target Book Club selection. Her next novel, THE STILL POINT, is now available.

She teaches creative writing for San Diego Writers, Ink and for The Writer's Center. She and her family split their time between San Diego, CA and Vermont.

More information on T. Greenwood can be found at her website: http://www.tgreenwood.com

---

What Tammy's Students Have to Say:

"T. Greenwood taught me the essentials of fiction writing—character development and arc, plotting, narrative drive and much more—in a year-long novel writing certificate program. Since then, in read and critiques classes she celebrates what I do well and carefully and supportively advises what could be improved upon. Her 14 well-received novels provide an expertise that’s hard to beat." 

-- Ruth Roberts, 3 chapters from Anarchy and the Freemason anthologized in A Year In Ink, vols 10,
11, 12

"Tammy is a superb writing instructor! I have learned much about the craft as she has helped me take my writing to the next level." 

-- Patricia Santana, author of Motorcycle Ride on the Sea of Tranquility and Ghosts of El Grullo

“Tammy’s instruction and mentoring were instrumental in getting me to the finish line on both of my novels. She taught me how to create deep, engaging characters and properly pace my book’s action to fully engage my readers. I am indebted to Tammy for providing the tools I needed to become a published novelist.” 

-- R. D. Kardon, author of Flygirl and Angel Flight

"Tammy's  incisive feedback and thoughtful encouragement helped guide me through the arduous process of crafting my first historical novel. I couldn't have finished the novel without her guidance." 

-- Marivi Soliven, author of The Mango Bride, Spooky Mo, and Suddenly Stateside

"Tammy Greenwood, writing instructor extraordinaire, is an inspirational role model on how to be a successful author. Her informative workshops help aspiring writers hone their craft. She expertly facilitates novels through read and critique groups with positive constructive energy and encouraging heart. I am grateful to have been mentored by her and attribute much of my success to her guidance."

-- Jill G. Hall, author of the award-winning Anne McFarland Series

The Dream of ZigBone Farm Retreat & Pricing

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 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 attending the retreat in full, gleaning wisdom from the group and instructor and working behind the scenes to ensure guests are well cared for. 
​

---

---

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, 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 retreat base price is $1500, which includes professional instruction, 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, which have varying prices (see below).

Maryland Resident? Click here to apply for a grant to help cover costs!
Check your state's arts programs for grants.
O

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.  Add a one-time fee of $900 to the retreat  base price.​

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 LOG CABIN ROOM: spacious room in ZigBone  Lodge,  w/ writer's nook, bathroom w/ bath, in original log cabin part of lodge. Add one-time $900 fee to the retreat base price.

VERY LARGE, SEMI-PRIVATE SHARED ROOM W/ SHARED BATH: in ZigBone Lodge, shared by 2 people. Privacy screens provided. Add a one-time $350 fee to the retreat base price.

Springhouse view toward writing alcove and walk-in bathroom

PRIVATE ROOMS W/SHARED BATH: in ZigBone Lodge, with queen or king bed, shared bath.  Six private rooms available. Add a one-time $600 fee to retreat base price.

Email [email protected] to book your spot!