Last week I went on a writer’s retreat with three writing friends.
I packed up my suitcase, my laptop, my manuscript notes, my highlighters, my sticky notes, and my good attitude and headed for Pine Knoll Shores, NC. I turned on an out of office message, cleared the decks of coaching work, and prepared to spend four and a half days on my manuscript in progress.
Best money I ever spent.
There is something about removing yourself from the day-to-day distractions and allowing yourself the room to focus on just your writing.
The beach walks don’t hurt either…
What makes writing retreats so special?
The time to explore.
(And not just the coastline)
On day one, I found myself approaching the work the way I do at home.
Goal-oriented. Time blocking engaged. Single-focused.
I had set a priority that day to dig into one of my POV characters more deeply.
But a different character called to me, which led me down a research rabbit hole. Then a secondary character had things to say which resulted in me spending time sketching out her subplot. Pretty soon, I was scribbling notes about everyone and everything but this POV character I needed to get to know.
Se every time I found my mind wandering, I tried to reign it in. Refocus. Back to character A.
But by lunch, I found it was futile and I decided to give in to the mind wandering. I let my scattered brain lead the way.
I am so glad I did.
The other characters, the subplot revelation, the random brain meandering somehow cracked open my main character as I watched him react to this new information I was presenting him.
At home, on a regular work day, I don’t always have time for that level of mind wandering. I may only have an hour or less to write and the pressure to be “productive” keeps me from staring out windows and waiting to see what my subconscious offers up.
At the beach, I let my random thoughts free and by the end of the week I had a more fleshed out POV character, a newly revised chapter in his newly found voice, a fun new subplot that created a secondary arc of change I’m super excited about, and a researched and roughed out itinerary and timeline for the trip these characters are on.
Success!
This week, I’m back at my regular desk.
No ocean views or beach walks as motivation. Just two hours to focus on writing between meetings and having to pick up the car from its service appointment.
Investing time and money in my writing in this way is so important to me. I know it works and I will spend it happily (within reason–I do have a kid to send to college next year!). But I never regret it. Honoring myself and my creativity in this way is worth every penny.
I know these kinds of retreats aren’t in everyone’s budget (although, if you can find a place off-season with a few friends to share the cost, it might be more affordable than you think!), but the outcomes don’t have to be out of reach.
Create an At Home Retreat. Designate a day where you clear the decks of your to-do list, your day job, your dinner making responsibility, send the kids out with your partner or to a relative/friend’s house, and let your mind wander through your manuscript’s big problems.
Fly High with an Airplane Retreat. Got a flight somewhere for a work commitment or family trip? The airplane can be a great place to eliminate distractions and keep you working in a new way.
Work at a Friend’s. Grab that local writing friend and do one day at her house and one day at yours. Set up space at your kitchen table together, order in lunch, grab an afternoon walk, and celebrate over dinner. Having someone else with you can keep you accountable when the temptation to vacuum instead of figuring out that thorny plot point arises.
Find a Pretty Locale. When we lived in Atlanta and I got stumped, I’d often bring my journal or laptop to the Botanical Gardens and sit in the swing overlooking the main courtyard. It was a beautiful spot and there is something to be said for looking up at a wider vista filled with color and texture and new scents when your mind is stuck.
Whatever method works for you to create a little retreat magic at home, don’t forget the chocolate.
What is the best investment you’ve made in your writing? Was it a retreat or conference? A craft book? A class? An editor?
PS – I highly recommend investing in your writing friends, too. These relationships are beyond priceless.
