Join me for a very special retreat: Sanctuary: A Retreat for Jewish Women Writers, at Zigbone Farm Retreat Center in Sabillasville, Md, Dec. 11-14. My community here is beautifully diverse, and I am so grateful for every single one of you. While most of my work is for everyone, I am hosting a specialized, intimate micro-retreat this winter. This particular space is crafted specifically for Jewish women writers of all genres. Our focus is entirely on the craft of writing, not the politics or content. In this space, feedback is supportive, dedicated to structure, voice, and creative execution—free from judgment, criticism, or political commentary. We are here solely to elevate each other's art, protect our creative energy, and foster creativity. The workshops are designed to elevate your art, not critique your worldview. If this speaks to you, I’d love to have you join us. Space is limited to ten to ensure an intimate experience.
For the rest of my amazing writing family here, stay tuned—I have some wonderful universal workshops coming up in 2027.
Our three-night retreat will be at the beautiful Zigbone Farm in Maryland’s gorgeous Catoctin Mountains, from Friday afternoon, December 11 through Monday morning, 14, 2026. The retreat includes time to write, share, and offer feedback on our new work and works in progress. Our time will include guided meditation, writing to prompts, sharing our work (always optional), and specific exercises to unwind and loosen our minds and bodies, allowing creativity to flow. There will be quiet time to work on your writing, as well as plenty of group time to support and encourage each other in our work. In the work and writing we do, the group will use a method of feedback (Gateless Writers) that is strictly based and focused on the writing, not the writer -- what we love, what's working, highlights, etc. We never comment on the content -- whether we like it or not is not part of the conversation-- that's not what we do. This is a nonjudgmental atmosphere. No judging, no criticism. Only support and encouragement. Ideology is not open for debate.
This retreat is open to all people who identify as Jewish and as women. Writing experience is helpful but not required. Writers at all levels will benefit from the gathering. These sessions are nonpolitical, secular and not Kosher.
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 9, 2026.
Cost: Between $1489 and $1689 depending on room type. Room choices and prices will be listed soon. Price includes all meals. Please see Write & Roam page for more details.
A deposit of $500 ($250 nonrefundable) must be received by September 1, 2026. Full tuition must be paid by Monday, November 9, 2026.
RSVP to susan@susanweisbohlen.com; Zelle to 4109792096; Venmo: @susan-weis-bohlen (last 4 of cell are 2096); Credit card add 4%; Checks to Breathe Books, 20 Clarks Lane, Reisterstown, Md 21136
Accommodations:
Rooms & Pricing: Prices below include all meals, and retreat activities
The Springhouse (private, en suite): $1300. 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): $1689. Spacious room in original log cabin portion of ZigBone Lodge, with full, Moroccan-tiled bathroom.
The Parlor (private w/ private bathroom): $1689 Queen bed in very spacious room with sitting area and French doors opening onto a large stone, wisteria-covered terrace with meadow views.
Private Rooms/Shared Bathrooms (six available): $1489. $1289 each if sharing room. Spacious private rooms in ZigBone Lodge, Moroccan-tiled bathrooms shared with one-two other people. Either sinks in room or shower in separate room from toilet and sink.