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2026 Spring-on-the-Farm Creative Writing Retreat
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Maryland Resident? Click here to apply for a grant to help cover costs! Process takes 6-8 weeks.
Also, you can ask your employer for professional development support.
What to expect:
- Relaxing in cozy writing nooks and on comfy sofas, or outside in the gardens
- Gathering each morning for generative writing exercises to help you move your project forward
- Afternoon craft instruction to help further your project
- Blessed time to work on your creative projects throughout the day
- Delicious homemade meals prepared with produce from ZigBone and area farms
- Coming together at dinner to discuss your day´s work and share your writing
- Developing a support community of writers.
Scenes & testimonials from our 2023 writing retreats
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"I loved Zigbone. I'm writing a credit to this lovely retreat in my book's acknowledgments. All of my needs were met so that I could relax and focus on my creative work in an inspiring setting. I got a lot of writing done. I will come back as soon as I can.
The writing sessions, both instructional and generative, were exactly perfect. Diana Freidman is an excellent instructor and literary guide. The food was amazing. The meals prepared by Dena and Brenda were delicious and fresh--and there was plenty to eat and enjoy. I loved hearing where the ingredients came from, local farms and Maryland wineries. I also appreciated the special attention they gave to my nutrition needs. And I'll say again that everything tasted amazing!" - R. Zimlich My room was beautiful and comfortable. The natural light was perfect for my morning and afternoon writing sessions. The curtains (handmade and gorgeous) were dark enough so that I could sleep in. The bed was so cozy (and I loved the sheets!) And the entire building was beautiful inside and out; I could not stop taking pictures. The colors gave such a warm and relaxed feel. Each room was nicely appointed. |
"The Zigbone Writing Retreat was an amazing experience and I couldn’t be more happy that I had the opportunity to go. ...The place itself is nestled in the middle of a beautiful landscape which made for peaceful walks or reflective moments on the porch watching the sunrise. ... Zigbone is clearly a labor of love that shows in its character and charm. It was a wonderful escape that provided plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in your own writer’s bubble if you wanted, or engage with other writers whether in classes, over meals (the food was another bonus-delicious, healthy, fresh and aplenty), or in a nook somewhere while drinking mulled wine or hot chocolate!
...The classes, taught/facilitated by author Diana Friedman, were impressive. I admired not only Diana’s knowledge of the craft, but her ability to create a captivating space of comfort & safety for everyone, despite different participant experiences and levels. It was clear that the classes were structured and well thought through (even down to the very last writing prompt) yet flexible enough to allow for deviation when necessary. Diana was also gracious enough to speak to us alone, if we wanted, about our projects & it was incredibly helpful - yet another chance to witness her passion and expertise. ... Zigbone was a wonderful experience; one that gave me the inspiration, validation and nudge that I truly needed!" - L. Boone |
"Think of the most lovely getaway - charming rooms, fabulous meals, gorgeous views - within 90 minutes of DC. That’s Zigbone Farm." - M. Tindall
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"Zigbone is heavenly and down-to-earth at the same time. I just revelled in a superlative writing retreat there, where our host and Zigbone co-owner, Dena Leibman, made us all feel at home. The accommodations are perfect and comfy, the setting is splendid, and every detail was attended to. Food was out-of-this-world and Diana Friedman, our brilliant writing instructor/muse, taught us craft and more with kindness and warmth. I can't wait to go back to Zigbone." - P. Steckler
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Tentative Schedule
Sunday
Arrive between 4pm-5pm
5:30pm Welcome Reception & Dinner: hot cocoa, mulled wine, dinner from the wood-fired oven
Monday-Thursday (all sessions optional)
Coffee & breakfast
Generative writing exercises
Lunch
Free writing time and one-on-one meetings with instructor
Craft writing instruction
Community dinner and evening readings
Friday
Breakfast wrap-up
11am Departure
Arrive between 4pm-5pm
5:30pm Welcome Reception & Dinner: hot cocoa, mulled wine, dinner from the wood-fired oven
Monday-Thursday (all sessions optional)
Coffee & breakfast
Generative writing exercises
Lunch
Free writing time and one-on-one meetings with instructor
Craft writing instruction
Community dinner and evening readings
Friday
Breakfast wrap-up
11am Departure
About Diana
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dianafriedmanwriter.com/about/dianafriedmanwriter.com/Diana Friedman has taught creative writing for more than a decade and enjoys working with writers at all stages of their writing journey. She has taught writing at the University of Maryland, the Writopia lab, the New Directions program, and facilitated numerous writing workshops in both the US and abroad. As a 'midwife' for emerging artists, she especially enjoys helping those new to the artistic process find their voice. She currently leads creative writing retreats in the Basque Pyrenees of Northern Spain and is delighted to share her expertise with Zigbone Farm Retreat to offer instruction, guidance, and support to new and experienced writers alike.
Diana’s work has appeared in numerous publications including New Letters, Huffington Post, Newsweek, and the Baltimore Sun. She is a current co-editor of the anthology, Ole Blue Claw: Tales from Maryland's Crustier Side, and the recipient of the Alexander Patterson Cappon Fiction Prize and a Pushcart Prize nomination and has received funding from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County and the Maryland State Arts Council. Her work has been selected as a finalist and short-listed at multiple presses. She holds an MA in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. For an additional fee, Diana will provide feedback on individual manuscripts received before the workshop. Contact Diana. |
What Diana's Students Have to Say:
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"I've been to three writing retreats and this one was the most nurturing, personalized and rich experience I've had. This is many thanks to our writing coach, Diana Friedman, whose expertise, teaching skills, intuition and caring nature fostered a safe creative environment in which all five of us writers could open up, write and share. I am certain that I will remain in touch with this community because of the strong bond we formed. Besides sharing our writing though, we shared so many laughs and deep conversations. I will take this with me on my writing journey."- Amy H.
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""There are some weeks you know will stay with you forever - this was one such week. ...What made it truly special for me was the supportive & collaborative writing environment. Although we varied in age, background and experience, Diana managed to create a learning space in which everyone felt catered for, stimulated and encouraged. The sense of community we created together, through sharing our thoughts, our work & a good dose of ourselves is one that I continue to hold very dear."- Rebecca M.
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"Although I deal in words, it's hard to find the right ones for this amazing experience but I'll do my best.
First and foremost the morning workshops were an excellent launchpad for a day of writing. Each day we considered a different aspect of the writing process, then wrote and shared pieces based on a writing prompt. It was fascinating to hear how the other 4 participants had interpreted the same prompt. Then an afternoon of writing..." -Lilly R |
"Diana offers a unique combination of encouraging support and constructive criticism that will make any writer improve their skills. Her feedback is spot-on. She knows how to keep a group on task, paying close attention, prodding us to revise and go deeper. I always come away from her workshops fortified by new insights and clear recommendations on how to continue my writing projects." - Sylvia F.
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