The Gift of a Writing Retreat

Picture this, a dwelling in a setting that sooths and inspires you. You have four days with no plans, no demands. There are no dogs to walk, no children to feed, no chores to do. You have a story idea swirling in your brain and four empty days in which to write. Welcome to your writing retreat.

This past weekend, I met one of my 2021 goals by attending a hosted writing retreat. Even though the retreat was virtual, I treated it like an in-person retreat by taking time off of work and physically going to another location. I also left my pets at home. The retreat was fabulous; I attended ten talks on different aspects of craft, met several terrific writers, and (get this) wrote 24,253 words. In four days.

Hosted Writing Retreat

Based on my (limited) experience, the benefits of a hosted writing retreat are many. Hosted retreats typically provide lectures or workshops intended to inspire creativity or hone your craft. They also provide an opportunity for socializing or networking. While you may think the company of other writers would diminish your productivity, I’ve found the opposite to be true. For me, writing in the company of other writers helps me stay focused.

I first learned this during NaNoWriMo, when I attended virtual write ins via Zoom meetings and Discord channels. We typically turned on cameras, but muted sound, so each writer could see other writers working, but couldn’t hear them.

At last weekend’s retreat, we used a Discord channel as a collaborative writing space. I’d pop in, turn on my camera, and get to work. Knowing others could drop in and work kept me focused on my writing. Many of the writers with the highest word count over the weekend were frequently on the Discord channel.

Hosted writing retreats are held all over the world. I’ve even seen writing retreats held on cruise ships. Once we can travel, the idea of writing in a remote, exotic location will again tempt me. Here’s a link to several 2021 writing retreats.

Solitary Writing Retreat

Solitary retreats can be as simple as holing up in hotel, campground, AirBnB, or any other accommodation that works for you. This is a great option for writers with limited funds or mobility issues. Again, the key is to leave your home and stay some place where you don’t have a pile of laundry to fold, a garden to weed, or a dog to walk. While solitary retreats provide you the space to write, you’ll have to muster the discipline to do so.

One benefit of a solitary retreat is you can schedule them when it suits your schedule and your writing project. You don’t have to step out of the writing flow to attend a social function, and there are no obligations or expectations to meet. Solo writing retreats can also be more budget friendly.

Though I haven’t scheduled a solo retreat for myself in a few years, I plan to take a week in June while working on Book Three of my fantasy series.

Writing Retreat Do’s and Don’ts

A writing retreat can provide you the space to explore your story in the most creative state possible. Here are tips I used to make the most of my retreat time.

• Make writing your priority, but don’t overlook opportunities to explore or expand your craft.
• Take advantage of your time. If you have an hour between lectures or workshops, use it to jot down a few sentences.
• Take the time to go outside and enjoy the location.
• Do your best to put aside past regrets and future worries. This is your time, so take advantage of it.

Have you attended a writing retreat? Are you planning to do so in the future?

Header Photo by Rob Mulally and snow cabin by Ian Keefe on Unsplash.