2025 Summer Novel Writing

Join us for our annual

Summer-on-the-Farm Novel Writing Retreat
with award-winning author of 15 novels and veteran writing instructor Tammy Greenwood

Just one hour from DC/Baltimore areas, in Maryland's scenic Catoctin Mtns.
July 24-29, 2025

Writers at all stages of their writing journey are welcome

TWO DISCOUNTS!
EARLY BIRD:
Sign up by April 15 and we'll take $100 off your booking price.

WRITER'S CENTER MEMBERS
in good standing receive an additional $75 discount.

Price ranges from $1800 to $2400, depending on accommodations (see below)

to book contact [email protected]

What to expect:

Practical guidance and inspiration to jumpstart your novel writing
One-on-one consultation with author Tammy Greenwood
Writing workshops to inspire 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
Artistic luxury, unparalleled views, gorgeous gardens, space to walk and create!
Option to have your manuscript's first 15 pages read by and discussed with the instructor ($100 fee, paid to the instructor)

Tentative Schedule for Summer Novel Writing Retreat

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

Friday-Monday
8am-9am: Breakfast
9am-11am: Themed Craft Session (see below for themes)
11am-4pm: Lunch and Free Writing Time (optional hikes on the property and in nearby parks)
4pm-6pm: Writing Exercises for Inspiration
6:30pm-7:30pm: Communal Farm Dinner
7:30pm-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 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 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 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

Scenes from ZigBone's 2024 Summer Novel Writing Retreat:

Rooms & Pricing

The Springhouse (private, en suite): $2400. Stand-alone English-style cottage with deck with meadow views, timber-beamed, cathedral ceilings, roomy bathroom with walk-in shower, writing alcove. Just steps from the ZigBone Lodge.

The Log Cabin Room (private, en suite): $2400. Spacious room in original log cabin portion of ZigBone Lodge, with full, moroccan-tiled bathroom.

The Parlor (private w/ private bathroom): $2400. Queen bed in very spacious room with sitting area and French doors opening onto a large stone, wisteria-covered terrace with meadow views.