November 12–15, 2026 · Manor Mill & Oldfields School
With a 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.
Experience an abundant offering of group sessions, personal writing time, critique sessions, networking, and community building.
As a special event on Saturday evening, Manor Mill is extremely excited to present A Conversation with Stephanie Dray.
Multiple NYT and USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Dray will discuss her newest book A FOUNDING MOTHER: A Novel of Abigail Adams.
Please stay posted for ticket information.
Sessions will be announced as we get closer to the date. Please be sure to use the link to let us know you're interested!
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
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.
“A Founding Mother is a vivid and meticulously researched portrayal of one of American history’s most remarkable women. Dray and Kamoie bring Abigail Adams to life as a fierce intellect, a woman who powerfully defied limits set before her, and whose courage, wisdom, and strength helped shape the nation. This inspirational story of Abigail Adams’s incredible life is historical fiction at its absolute finest.”
—MADELINE MARTIN, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book Society
(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
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
Two options to enjoy the retreat!
Optional add-ons: Friday evening dinner and show · Saturday evening dinner + A Conversation with Stephanie Dray
Enjoy comfortable dormitory accommodations at Oldfields School. Double and single rooms available.
