Distraction. Procrastination. Muse on strike.
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If you're unfocused and time-poor one way to boost your creativity is a writers' retreat set in serene, inspiring surroundings. Imagine spending hours in your own room focused on your writing and getting the words out. I could. And after that time of uninterrupted writing you can take breaks for meals to replenish your energy and go for walks through the forest or along the meandering creek to inspire your muse. Spending time with other writers and learning about various aspects of the craft from each other is an added bonus.
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There are many different types of retreat:
You can get away alone - the Solo Retreat. You and a few writer friends can allocate time together - the Do-it-Yourself Group Retreat. You can connect with a small group of other writers - the Communal Retreat. Choices to suit every writer, that's a plus.
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If you are able to travel far from life's distractions and obligations, then there are houses, lodges or country hotels offering rooms, desks, bathrooms, all set within idyllic scenery and available worldwide.
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If you can take a day away and treat yourself to a place where you can let your creativity loose, do so. I would. If you can steal a weekend, a week or a month away, even better. However long the time you take a writers' retreat will motivate you to write. Wether you take it alone, with writer friends or writers you will connect with for the first time, a writers' retreat will inspire you. Whatever your goal, a writers' retreat will help you reach it.
And that, for writers, is priceless.
Have you attended a writers' retreat? Did you find it beneficial for your writing?
Love to love that I'm going on a writers' retreat in Wales in December.
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Love to learn: Connecting with other like-minded writers is always a plus.
Enisa, I *love* the idea of a writer's retreat! All that creativity swirling around, it has to lead to good things. I also cherish the idea of a solo retreat, to finish off a work in progress, without outside interruptions. Where would I go? Somewhere quiet, somewhere lovely, with good food and comfort, and where I could go for walks but not want to go 'sightseeing' and interrupt my train of thought. I love the idea of your winter retreat in Wales in a December...but take your thermals!
ReplyDeleteHi Malvina. Having time to write undisturbed by distractions is every writer's dream. Creativity would flow. And a winter retreat...imagine the atmosphere. So inspiring, even with the cold weather. I am looking forward to the experience.
DeleteA writers retreat sounds like bliss. Somewhere peaceful to write yet you can still be looked after and work with other writers. So jealous of your trip to Wales. I hope you get a lot of writing down and make some new friends along the way.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassandra. Bliss is the right description. And, yes, I aim to immerse myself in writing and write lots of words. I'm already in contact with the other writers going and we're getting on like we've known each other for ages! It'll be great.
DeleteHi Enisa. A writers' retreat sounds fabulous. I would go somewhere peaceful and scenic. A place with deep pools, pounding waterfalls, winding paths and tall trees. Somewhere where I could relax. A place to fire the imagination and inspire me to write.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon. You're like every other writer. Somewhere peaceful for writers to flourish. They're a great opportunity not to be missed.
DeleteHi Enisa! The last writers' retreat I attended was several years ago and from it came my characters for The Farmer's Perfect Match so I am a huge fan of getting away for a few days to do nothing but write, surrounded by like-minded people. Your Wales retreat sounds simply wonderful and I'm sure you'll get a lot from it (especially with Tess Woods as co ordinator).
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn. I think writers' retreats are something to be cherished. Time to write. Gorgeous surroundings for your creativity to simply absorb and relax in. All those words...I am looking forward to my retreat.
DeleteEnisa, what an inspiring post. It makes me want to head out to a retreat right away. I've done this a few times, once with a group of writers, which was fabulous fun, and several times with just one other author and it was great too. In each case yes, the retreat was good for my writing. It's a great way to re-energise and to brainstorm plot problems. It's wonderful sharing with other writers and getting inspired by them. I also like the opportunity for quiet work time in a new location which often gives me a different focus.
ReplyDeleteHi Annie. Lovely to chat with you on the blog. Writers' retreats have intrigued me ever since I heard about them. So inspiring. I'm very glad an opportunity came and I could take it. Writing in the midst of snowy mountains in Wales. So looking forward to it
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