Rainforest Writers Retreat 2023

Last week, I joined the Rainforest Writers at Retreat 2023 out on the Olympic Peninsula.  Like before, I found the retreat experience productive and rejuvenating. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to gift yourself with several days devoted to nothing but writing, read on.

Retreat 2023, A Novel Experience

For those of you unfamiliar with the Rainforest Writers, they are a co-ed group of (mostly) speculative fiction writers from all over the US and Canada. The three consecutive sessions are each gather roughly 35 writers, although there can be a handful more or less, depending on how many writers choose to share housing.

While they held Retreat 2023 in the same location over roughly the same dates, and with many of the same people attending, I did not have a repeat experience.

Location

This year, the on-site restaurant and lounge were open for in-person dining between 3pm and 8pm. This meant we needed to be more thoughtful about when we wanted to eat (when choosing to eat in the restaurant). It also meant we weren’t the only people at the resort and needed to comport ourselves accordingly.

Having non-writers around changed the energy enough that I wrote in my room every afternoon and evening. Not that doing so was a hardship, given my view!

However, the lounge was still my favorite morning writing spot. Because only a few of us were morning writers, the vibe was chill and the coffee hot and plentiful.

One pleasant surprise was that the resort has vastly improved their internet strength and availability. I’d already downloaded the music, maps, and resources I thought I’d want, but since the resort’s internet was quick and robust, it was easy to research any factoid my story needed.

March on the Olympic Peninsula

Another gigantic difference between 2022 and 2023 was the weather.

Last year, we enjoyed a typical Pacific Northwest March which is usually a chilly mix of sun and rain. The weather was mild enough that we gathered outside for meals, part of the Saturday night party, and a large group of us went for a hike.

This year I enjoyed a little sun, a little rain, and a lot of snow.

Snow! It was pretty to look at but kept me off the trails and roads. The weather also meant we didn’t congregate outdoors very often… or for long.

People

From the beginning, Retreat 2023 had a different feel for me. Not only did I know what to expect from the resort and the organizer, I was more prepared to meet other writers. It was also great fun to renew and deepen connections I’d made in 2022.

This year, we enjoyed three terrific craft talks given by authors Fran Wilde, Sara Mueller, and Luke Elliott.

Rainforest Writing Retreat Word Counts

One thing that didn’t change during Retreat 2023 was my writing productivity. Even the improved internet access didn’t negatively impact my overall productivity.

Did the improved internet mean I took breaks to watch videos? Yes.

Did these breaks keep me from writing? No. Emphatically, no.

However, I could have written more if I’d shown up on Wednesday with a definite goal. Not only did I arrive unsure of what I wanted to work on, I hadn’t taken the time to map out either of my possible projects. As a result, I spent Wednesday picking my project and wrote less than 500 words. On Thursday, I struggled to get words down until I took the time to think through my fourth act. Afterward, the story poured out.

It’s All About Books

Unlike last year, I managed a little more self-control at the book table and only came home with five new books to enjoy.

Writing Retreats are Special

A writing retreat provides us with time to focus on our words. You’re away from home, which means you can let go of your normal chores and responsibilities. Many retreats provide some, if not all, of your meals, so you don’t need to worry about grocery shopping, food prep, or cooking. All are filled with writers who understand the creative process.

If you’ve ever considered joining a writing retreat, I’d encourage you to try one. However, your mileage may vary, depending on which retreat you choose, and what your goals for the retreat are. But for a writer wishing to step back from the hustle of daily life to focus, or refocus on a specific project, retreats can provide many much needed and precious hours filled with words, imagination, and creative energy.

Although it’s not practical for me right now, if I could, I’d join a writing retreat every quarter. But alas, life gets in the way. So, for the rest of the year, I’ll steal a few minutes here and there between work and the chores and tasks I have on my plate. But I’ll channel the vibe of dripping trees and a silent, mysterious lake until it’s time to drive to Lake Quinault next March.

What writing retreat(s) have you attended?

Header photo of a double rainbow over Lake Quinault taken by me!