MARYLAND WRITING RETREAT
November 13-15
NovelBound Writing Retreats are changing the narrative.
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Ever dreamed of attending a writing retreat, but felt daunted by the price tag, competitive atmosphere, or stuffy feel? We get it. Many retreats can feel out of reach (or, let's be real, just kind of boring).
Our retreats are writing and community-focused at an accessible price, because we believe experiences like this should be for everyone.
For our next retreat, we’re heading to Baltimore, Maryland.
Trade the mundane for a long weekend of history, haunts, and writerly hangouts on the Chesapeake Bay. Tucked away in a gorgeous boutique hotel in Baltimore, this retreat will be the dark, moody creative reset you—and your manuscript—have been craving.
Between writing sprints, craft workshops, and fun community time with other writers, you'll get to experience the city in all its beauty. From a chilling haunted tour and Edgar Allen Poe's final resting place, to charming local bookshops and stunning libraries, our itinerary is packed with inspiration. Whether you're writing a chilling gothic thriller or your writing sways on the sweet side, this weekend is an evocative escape that will meet you exactly where you are.
So come on! Get swept away by the crisp coastal air and cobblestone streets, and meet us in Maryland. Your manuscript awaits.
Find your kindred spirits.
Whatever you hope to gain from a writing retreat, we can help you find it.
Our retreats are always about giving you the space and inspiration to work on your writing projects, but time after time, our attendees come away with new friends and a stronger support system to help them accomplish their goals.
Enjoy a stunning boutique hotel experience.
We'll be hosted by the charming Hotel Revival in the heart of historic Baltimore.
You are welcome to arrange your own accommodations, but if you’d like to stay where the magic happens and enjoy a discounted rate, you'll be sent a link to join NovelBound's hotel block shortly after registration.
How this retreat works
This one is structured a little differently than our past retreats, but rest assured: community will still be at the forefront.
We love our usual all-inclusive setup, but to bring the retreat to Baltimore this fall, we're changing up our typical structure. To still keep the trip as affordable as possible, meals and accommodations are separate from your ticket price. Hotel catering packages can quickly skyrocket ticket prices, and we wanted to pass those savings directly on to you instead. We’ve locked in a fantastic, discounted rate Hotel Revival so you can customize your stay while still getting the same deeply-connected writing community experience.
For meals, you’re free to explore local spots at your own pace (though we’ll definitely be organizing some casual, optional group meetups at nearby restaurants!). This structure keeps registration fees low and gives you total control over your budget.
"What do I need to do?"
Step 1: Register for the retreat
Step 2: Await an email from NovelBound with welcome information, including the hotel block info.
Step 3: Book your stay at Hotel Revival, or feel free to arrange other accommodations. You can stay anywhere, but the heart of the retreat—and many of our activities—will be at the hotel.
Pricing
General attendees: $750 per person (payment plans available)
NovelBound members: $700 per person
Members: please use the coupon shared through Discord or reach out to [email protected] for booking assistance.
Hotel block rate: $149/night
Your registration covers all curated writing events and workshops, exclusive tours, a welcome dinner, and special retreat gifts—a $1,500+ value at an accessible rate.
Want to save on accommodations? Book a room through our Hotel Revival block for a discounted rate, and book with a friend to split the cost. You'll be sent a link to join NovelBound's hotel block upon registration.
Please note: To give you ultimate flexibility during your stay, meals are independent with the exception of snacks and the welcome dinner on our first day together, which is fully included. You'll have the freedom to explore Baltimore's incredible local culinary scene for other meals.
Included in your experience:
FINE DINING EXPERIENCE (AND SNACKS!)
You'll enjoy delicious catered snacks and dinner during our welcome party in the hotel's stunning Garden Room. Plus, snackss in your gift bag!
WELCOME GIFT
You'll receive a welcome gift custom to this retreat. Past gifts have included totes, spa bags, journals, mugs, blankets, and more. Shh—it's a surprise!
CRAFT SESSIONS
We'll be joined by debut author extraordinaire, R.N. Swann, for an enticing, illuminating craft workshop.
BOOK EXCHANGE
A fan-favorite retreat activity: Bring a new or gently used book for a white elephant-style exchange and come away with a new read. This time, think horror, thrillers, dark fantasy, etc.
COMMUNITY WRITING TIME
From guided writing sprints to self-led critique circles and impromptu group discussions, there will be plenty of time to work on your writing and pick each others' brains.
GHOST TOUR
Love yourself some spooks? While this is entirely optional, your ticket price includes a ghost tour, so you can lean into the spooky season vibes and get a good chill to inspire your next great work of horror fiction (or, you know, a ghost romance).
LOCAL LIBRARY VISITS
We'll be taking a writing field trip to the stunning Enoch Pratt Free Library. You can also check out the Peabody during your visit. Every book lover's dream!
BOOK STORE VISIT
Check out a local indie bookstore with the group. Official location TBA (but trust us, we have a great spot in mind)!
EXCLUSIVE RETREAT ATTENDEE DISCORD CHANNEL
This group will start before the retreat and will be left open afterward for you to continue chatting with the new friends you make.
Here's what we have planned for your stay.
Note: some aspects and scheduling may change slightly, but a finalized schedule will be sent upon registration.
In town a day early? We'll be hosting an unofficial meetup at Ministry of Brewing so you can get to know the other attendees a little better.
12:00 PM –– Welcome & Ice Breaker
12:45 PM –– Catered Snacks
1:00 PM –– Writing Sprint
3:00 PM –– Critique Circles
6:00 PM –– Catered Dinner (Dress Code: Back in Black)
8:00 PM –– Book exchange & exquisite corpse scary story (Bring your fave thriller, horror, mystery, or dark fantasy)
Morning –– Free Time
There's so much to eat, drink, and explore within reasonable walking distance from the hotel. Expect a local guide in your gift bag. Want to stay cozy? Our host hotel has many beautiful restaurants and public seating options to curl up and write with your friends.
2:00 PM –– Writing Sprint
3:00 PM –– Craft Discussion with author R.N. Swann (Includes a signed copy of her debut novel IN CASE I GO MISSING)
4:00 PM –– Book Store Excursion
6:00 PM –– Evening Bar Meetup (Optional)
8:00 PM –– Ghost Tour (Ticket is included. Too scared? No stress, you may opt out.)
11:00 AM –– Community discussion held at Lexington Market
(Horrors from the trenches: Perseverance in Publishing)
(The hotel concierge would be happy to hold your bags for you after check-out)
12:00 PM –– Choose your own lunch at Lexington Market
1:00 PM –– Optional writing sprint
2:00 PM –– Ta-ta for now! Or feel free to stick around with a friend and explore more of what Charm City has to offer!
Photos by Kym Dehoney
WHAT OUR REPEAT ATTENDEES ARE SAYING
Every retreat is filled with valuable workshops, inspiration, and advice that has truly helped me grow as a writer. But beyond everything I've learned, my favorite part has been the amazing community and the friends I’ve made along the way. I leave every retreat feeling motivated and excited to keep writing.
Dessie S.
I loved making new friends, I loved talking to people about my book and seeing how excited people were about what I was writing—it was just such a breath of fresh air and such a nice, welcome respite from being a very solitary person in my day-to-day life.
Landry P.
The writing retreats have not only shaped my writing abilities, but my entire life as well. I’ve met industry connections, amazing critique partners, and lifelong friends- ones that even ended up coming to my wedding! I’ve grown into my skin as an author and found my voice through NovelBound, and it all started at the first writing retreat!
Taylor B.
This retreat is for every writer.
Self-publishing? Querying? Not quite sure what your plan is yet? No worries. NovelBound retreats are open to every kind of writer, whether writing is a career or a hobby.
We believe everyone deserves space to step away and lean into their creativity alongside others who understand. Consider this retreat a chance to invest in yourself and the story you want to tell.
FAQs
You can work on any genre or project you choose! Whether it's a novel, memoir, short stories, poetry, or a non-fiction work, the dedicated time and supportive environment are designed to help you make progress on your unique project.
NovelBound Retreats are designed to be community-focused and accessible. While you'll gain valuable industry knowledge and dedicated writing time, a core component is fostering real-life friendships and a supportive network, without the often lofty price tag or overly prestigious atmosphere of some other retreats.
We aim to keep our groups intimate to foster strong connections and ensure personalized attention. The exact number may vary based on the retreat, so our attendance ranges from 10-30 participants.
Our retreats are for writers of all levels—from aspiring authors just starting out to those deep into a manuscript. Some NovelBound retreats may have different focuses, but in general, our retreats are for those looking for focused writing time, valuable learning, and a supportive community.
For this retreat, your registration covers all curated writing events and workshops, exclusive tours, a welcome dinner, and special retreat gifts—a $1,500+ value at an accessible rate. Please note that accommodation is NOT covered for this retreat in the retreat price (but there is a NovelBound discounted block rate for the hotel we'll be staying at, OR you can book your own off-site accommodation). This allows us to keep retreat prices accessible while allowing you flexibility for booking within your budget.
Airfare/transportation to and from the retreat location is not included. However, depending on the location, we sometimes offer a shuttle service from the airport. Personal expenses, extra snacks or beverages outside of scheduled meals and provided snacks, and any optional excursions not listed as included would also be your responsibility.
Absolutely! We strive to accommodate all dietary needs. Please let us know about any restrictions or allergies when you register so we can make the necessary arrangements with our caterers.
We prioritize comfortable and conducive environments for writing and connection. Accommodations may vary by retreat location (e.g., private rooms, shared rooms with private baths), but will always be clean, comfortable, and designed to enhance your retreat experience. Specific details will be provided on each retreat's individual page.
Not at all! Whether you're brainstorming a new idea, working on a first draft, or polishing a manuscript, our retreats are designed to support you at any stage of your writing journey.
A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration. Generally, you'll want to bring your writing tools (laptop, notebooks, pens), comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, and any specific materials related to your writing project.
Attendees must be at least 18 years old to participate in NovelBound Retreats.
All initial deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel at least 30 days before the retreat, you'll receive a 50% refund on any additional installment payments (excluding your deposit). Cancellations made within 30 days of the event are non-refundable in full. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances.
While we encourage participation to get the most out of the community and learning experiences, all activities are optional. This is your retreat, and you are welcome to choose what best supports your writing and well-being.
Many of our attendees come solo and leave with new, lasting friendships! The community-focused nature of our retreats makes it easy to connect with others, whether you arrive alone or with a friend. But we definitely encourage you to bring a friend if you have one!
Depending on the retreat, yes! Our retreats often include industry discussions and opportunities to connect with facilitators or guest speakers who can offer valuable insights and connections.
Yes! Our schedule balances structured learning and communal activities with ample dedicated quiet time for you to focus on your writing projects without distraction.
The connections you make at a NovelBound Retreat are often just the beginning! We encourage you to stay connected through NovelBound membership, our discord, and our social media channels.
NovelBound writing retreats are changing the narrative.
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