November 12–15, 2026 · Manor Mill & Oldfields School
SPECIAL EVENT ON SATURDAY WITH NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING NOVELIST STEPHANIE DRAY
Thursday, November 12 – Sunday, November 15
Join the writing community for a country retreat dedicated to the art of working with words!
Held at two picturesque historic locations in rural Baltimore County—Manor Mill and Oldfields School—this event-filled weekend is a superb opportunity for writers of all levels and genres—fiction, non-fiction, screenwriting, memoir, poetry—to explore a rich variety of writing topics: craft, technique, querying and submissions, marketing, promotion, and more.
Join us for a single day, two days…or treat yourself to a restorative Thursday–Sunday overnight retreat.
Each day will offer a different lineup of sessions. Whether you join us for a single day, two days, or the entire retreat, you'll experience a rich blend of group presentations, personal writing time, critique sessions, networking and community building...the kind of genuine connection that stays with you long after you leave.
Sessions will be announced as we get closer to the date. Let us know you're interested by filling out the I Might Attend form to get updates for tickets and information!
What best suits your schedule? Choose day tickets for Friday and/or Saturday, or our three-night package with lodging, meals, and extra activities.
Let us know you're interested and we'll keep you updated as the program develops.
photo: Kelsey Edwards
In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. A stunning historical novel with modern-day implications from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton.
“The research shines, the prose gleams, the characterization is a delight, and the themes are timelier than ever—on the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary, I can think of no book more necessary than A Founding Mother.”
—KATE QUINN, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club
Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into many languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives in Maryland with her husband, cats and history books.
(Tentative Session Descriptions TBA This Summer)
12:00 – 5:00
Check-in and room assignments
12:00 – 5:00
Optional Activities
Campus walk, historic Immanuel cemetery walk, NCR trail walk, and other ways to enjoy the idyllic countryside at Oldfields
5:00 – 6:00
Transport to Manor Mill
6:00 – 9:00
An Evening At Manor Mill
7:00 – 8:00
Drop-in Yoga
8:00 – 9:00
Breakfast
8:30
Welcome & Orientation
9:00 – 10:20
Morning Sessions A
10:30 – 11:50
Morning Sessions B
12:00 – 1:00
Lunch
Two options to enjoy the retreat!
Enjoy comfortable dormitory accommodations at Oldfields School. Double and single rooms available.
1:00 – 2:20
Afternoon Sessions C
2:30 – 3:50
Afternoon Sessions D
4:00 – 5:00
Free Time
6:00
Dinner
7:30
Evening: Music & The Muse
7:00 – 8:00
Drop-in Yoga
8:00 – 9:00
Breakfast
8:30
Welcome & Orientation
9:00 – 10:20
Morning Sessions A
10:30 – 11:50
Morning Sessions B
12:00 – 1:00
Lunch
1:00 – 2:20
Afternoon Sessions C
2:30 – 3:50
Afternoon Sessions D
4:00 – 5:00
Free Time
6:00
Dinner
7:30
A Conversation With Stephanie Dray
7:30 – 10:30
Checkout
8:00 – 9:00
Breakfast
8:30 – 10:30
Free writing, wind down and farewells
Optional add-ons: Friday evening dinner and show · Saturday evening dinner + A Conversation with Stephanie Dray
