Winter Creative Writing Retreat

2026 Winter-on-the-Farm
Creative Writing Retreat

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

With award-winning writer Diana Friedman, Founder of the
Pyrenean Creative Writing Retreat

January 9-14, 2026

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

Writers at all stages of their writing journey are welcome

TWO DISCOUNTS!
$200 Holiday Sale, book before Dec. 24, 2025
WRITER'S CENTER MEMBERS
in good standing receive $75 discount

Price ranges from $1900 to $2200 to $2600, depending on accommodations (see below)

to book contact [email protected]

What to expect:

Relaxing in cozy writing nooks and on comfy sofas
Gathering each morning for generative writing exercises to help you move your project forward
Afternoon craft instruction to help further your project
Lots of sweet, sweet quiet time to work on your creative projects throughout the day
Excellent, homemade meals prepared with produce grown on the farm or nearby
Coming together at dinner to discuss your day´s work, optional evening readings to share your writing
Massages and yoga class
Five days enjoyng the Lodge's artistic elegance and unparalleled views; taking walks (or sled rides) on the farm!

Tentative Schedule

Friday
Arrive between 4pm-5pm
5:30pm Welcome Reception with mulled wine and hot chocolate and farm dinner

Saturday-Tuesday (all sessions optional)
Coffee & breakfast
Generative writing session
Lunch
Free writing time and one-on-one meetings with instructor (also yoga class and massages)
Craft writing instruction
Community dinner and evening readings

Wednesday
Breakfast & wrap-up
11am Departure

About Diana

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. Diana is also the co-founder and co-director of KindWrite Studios, a full service agency helping writers from gestation to publication. 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 past participants have to say about the winter retreat:

"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 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

“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

“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

“Think of the most lovely getaway - charming rooms, fabulous meals, gorgeous views - within 90 minutes of DC. That’s Zigbone Farm." - M. Tindall

Scenes from past winter writing retreats:

Rooms & Pricing

The Springhouse (private, en suite): $2600. 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): $2600. Spacious room in original log cabin portion of ZigBone Lodge, with full, moroccan-tiled bathroom.

The Parlor (private w/ private bathroom): $2600. Queen bed in very spacious room with sitting area and French doors opening onto a large stone, wisteria-covered terrace with meadow views.