Finding Focus at Write on the Ranch Retreat 2024

Last weekend, I attended a writing retreat called “Write on the Ranch” at the K Diamond K guest ranch. First, let me tell you, the guest ranch experience was terrific. They provided great food (served family style), tons of animals, and a picturesque setting. You can hike, ride horses, play with or pet the animals, even milk a cow. The ranch is located south of Republic, Washington and was about a five and a half hour drive from the Seattle area.

Unlike my previous experiences with the Rainforest Writing retreat, my focus during this retreat was revision.

As you know, I struggle with the revision stage of writing. Unfortunately, I also recognize how crucial this work is to crafting a story.

The revision process allows you to assess the overall structure of your story. Through revision, you can ensure that your plot flows smoothly, that the pacing feels natural, and that no scenes drag or feel unnecessary. Revision helps you identify plot holes, resolve them, and enhance the narrative arc, making your story tighter and more coherent.

First drafts are often full of inconsistencies in plot, character behavior, or world-building. Revision ensures that everything lines up, from character motivations to story rules. It also lets you correct smaller continuity errors that readers might otherwise catch.

While I find revision a daunting part of the writing process, watching your story improve is incredibly rewarding.

Revisions Are Hard

Revising involves juggling multiple elements at once—plot, character arcs, pacing, and language. The sheer volume of work needed to fix a manuscript can be utterly overwhelming. Remember, a revision is not just about fixing typos. Instead, it’s about shaping (or reshaping) the entire story, which can feel like starting from scratch.

Here’s the ugly truth: if you’re doing it right, the revision process forces you to confront the weaknesses in your draft.

Ugh. Hello, discouragement.

While your early drafts might be full of potential, the process of revision reveals all the places where the story doesn’t work. It can make us feel like we’ve somehow failed to meet our goal.

Last, I find revision requires significant mental effort, focus, and time. If you’ve already invested a lot of creative energy in your story, you may feel drained or reluctant to commit more time to revision, especially when you’re juggling other responsibilities.

The Write on the Ranch retreat provided me with an escape from daily distractions, allowing me to fully commit to my work. For me, the quiet, open spaces, and focused environment were a game-changer. With the stunning scenery as a backdrop, the Write on the Ranch retreat provided me with the mental space I needed to dive deep into revisions for Ink and Waves. The peaceful surroundings and dedicated writing time also helped me focus on refining my manuscript without intrusions from the usual chaos of life.

Beyond the work itself, retreats foster connections with other writers, adding camaraderie and inspiration to the experience. We support each other’s projects, swap advice, and share triumphs—transforming solitary work into a shared journey. I returned home with a clearer sense of direction and motivation, ready to continue grappling with my project.

If you’ve never attended a writing retreat, I highly recommend it. It’s a powerful way to recharge your creative energy and make significant progress on your writing project. Have you attended one? If so, what was your experience like?