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Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Solo Writing Retreats
Something I've been considering for a while is doing a solo writing retreat. No noise, no people, no distractions - just me and a laptop, if only for the weekend.
I've got some extra vacation days this year and I want to put them to good use, instead of lying on a beach or sitting around stuffing my face (although, let's be honest, I am saving time for that...).
Because you know what I've realized?
I never put my writing first. Ever.
I put it aside in college to study something I didn't love. I put it aside when I started working because it was "just fun to do on the side." I put it aside now whenever I have other weekend plans, which is often.
The reality is that if I want this to ever become a full-time job - pipe dream or not - I need to start letting it take some precedence in my life. Reading over that timeline I made for PPP has made it clear to me that if I ever want to become a real, live, WRITER, I cannot take 2+ years to write one book. Random spurts of productivity are not gonna help me get to my goal - at least not as quickly as I'd like.
I mean, this is the time to do it, right? One day I'll be juggling my writing with my husband, our children, a house, the bills, the grocery shopping, etc. It's totally possible to do, but it'll be tougher.
So, in 2013, I'm going to prioritize my writing a bit more and my first step will be a solo retreat.
I have no idea when and where. Google turned up a bunch of ideas, but most people mention group getaways with other writers. I have to say... that doesn't really appeal to me at all. Is that weird? I don't like writing my stories when other people are around, even if they're just typing away too.
I would LOVE to go to Europe, but 1) I've never traveled alone internationally and it makes me nervous, and 2) I would be way too distracted by wanting to sight-see and eat everything within reach.
So the States it is. Maybe some cozy quiet bed-and-breakfast somewhere?
Have you ever taken a solo writing retreat? Where did you go? Did it help your productivity? Any tips?
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41 comments:
This is something I've dreamed of as well. I never put my writing first either, and I'm trying to change that but it's difficult.
Oh, solo writing retreats are a great idea! I've never been away on my own specifically for that purpose BUT when I have been away on my own, my productivity increases a LOT. :D
Unless you count locking myself in my office every night during NaNo and BuNo a solo retreat, then no!
How about a bed and breakfast in the mountains for a couple days? The view would be great but it wouldn't change and you could focus on writing.
Now if you went off hiking and exploring, well that's your own fault, right?
It probably won't happen (because we're moving in July or August), but my dream is to take a long weekend this June and sneak away to a B&B in the Adirondacks all alone for some writing time. Mountains AND lakes = perfect writing retreat. The black flies might be a small problem, though ...
I kind of feel you on the writing retreat with other writers thing. It appeals to me, but only because I think it'd be fun to hang out and talk things out to people...but then I don't know if I'd actually get any writing done? LOL. We should get together, lock ourselves away in separate rooms, and only emerge at meal times to update and eat.
Speaking of, we should do a Tiger Tea Tent hangout in the future some time. Not necessarily a writing retreat - just a hangout! :)
I've heard people just put themselves up at a hotel for a weekend for solo writing retreats. The B&B sounds more cozy, so maybe do that?
I have never done the writing retreat thing--unless you count sequestering myself in my office to write! :) I totally hear what you're saying about making writing a priority if you actually want to get anywhere with it. And I need to do something about that too.
Have you thought about going somewhere familiar--perhaps even a hotel on the other side of town? That way you won't be tempted to sight-see, but you'll be away from your usual distractions. Just a thought.
Funny, I'm thinking of doing the same thing :) My family has a rustic cabin on the west coast, on a lake. There's no internet connection and you have to drive 10 minutes into town to find a wi-fi signal.
I'm thinking of taking off there for a week, maybe longer. It's too cold to swim at this time of year, so I might wait until April... but I suppose I might get more work done if I went in February ;)
Good luck! I hope you have a great success finding a suitable place, and get some excellent work done :)
Random spurts of productivity...that's me to a T. The writer's group I belong to does an annual weekend retreat at a nearby ranch owned by one of our members. It looks amazing, but I've never attended. Maybe 2013 will be my year!
I've never taken a solo writing retreat, but I love the idea of it. And I'd love to take a writing retreat on my own someday. I totally understand what you mean about not being able to put writing first. I was thinking the other day about how I should have finished my manuscripts by now; then I realized that the main reason I hadn't finished them was because I always did all my other work first. By the time I got to my fiction writing I was usually too tired or out of time.
I'd love to take a solo writing retreat, but I don't think I'm disciplined enough (yet) to make sure I didn't spend the time surfing the web or something else online related.
They do have cabins down in the Keys, though, with no Internet access....hmmmm..
Best of luck to you!
A bed and breakfast sounds heavenly :) I haven't taken any writing retreats since I'm usually pretty good about forcing myself to write - but it is an appealing idea!
This is a great idea! I would love to take a writing retreat, to get away from everything. The only good thing I can see about going with a group would be to get ideas flowing from group discussions, but you might be able to do without that.
A bed and breakfast would be amazing. If you're thinking international, Anam Cara Retreat in Ireland is supposed to be amazing. Here is the link: http://anamcararetreat.com/
I think even going to your favorite cafe, etc. alone, and turning off your phone and internet for a while would help...and be less expensive.
Keep writing!
Best,
Alexandra~
I've never done this before, but I would absolutely LOVE to someday. Like you, I've very much the type of person who needs quiet and solitude to write, and the idea of going away somewhere for some continuous time to work sounds lovely.
Wishing you the best of luck with yours! :)
I've taken off from work for a couple days to write from home...but I've never traveled away. Actually I would be better off if I shipped off the wife and kid on a mini-vacation and I had the house to myself for 3-4 days. Man, I could write half a book in that time!! :)
I'd love to do a solo writing retreat even it was just a weekend. And a B&B sounds perfect, imo.
I've done a solo writing "retreat" once. I didn't have the time or money to go anywhere as amazing as Europe or as quiet as a B&B, so I just checked into a hotel two towns over. I turned off my phone, never turned on my wi-fi, and wrote for HOURS. While I might have been more inspired or relaxed elsewhere, I probably would have been more distracted, too.
I've also heard of writers taking personal days, reserving a study room at the library, and having a "mini-retreat," too.
As for Europe - don't be afraid to travel internationally alone. Most people are very happy to help you. I've done it a couple of times, and it's always a BLAST!
Whatever you decide, congrats on making time for your writing! You can do it!
You know, I've actually thought about this. I either travel alone as a tourist or for a conference, or I travel with others. I've been thinking about a weekend getaway, somewhere that faces the ocean or a mountain, so that I unplug from the internet and just write, with no distractions.
I've taken a writing retreat with my wife to a cabin int he mountains. The key is, make sure you're isolated enough to have no distractions, but secondly make sure you're in the mood to write. Cool post:)
That sounds lovely! My husband and I have decided that I'm going to take one Saturday a month to work on writing stuff away from home and the kids. It's going to be so worth it!
I've always wanted to do this too but never set aside the time (and money) I always end up doing something with friends or family or once in a while a writing conference.
But you know my birthday is next week, and I think you just gave me the perfect idea for a gift for myself!
I was thinking about a cabin tucked away in the mountains, with a cozy wood burning stove or fireplace.
Bed and breakfasts tend to be very social, at least in my experience. At first I think I'm too shy to connect with total strangers, but it turns out I always enjoy the hosts and other guests.
Oh boy, that sounds amazing right about now!
Hi, there,
Have you heard of The Writing Barn in Austin, TX? We have solo and group retreaters here all the time in a converted horse barn on 7.5 acres, ten miles from downtown Austin. On our blog, we recently had a graphic novelist write about her time at The Writing Barn. Check it out...we'd love to have you. (And, I am a MG and YA author and we have tons of YA and MG books and craft books lining the Barn shelves.)
www.thewritingbarn.com
Another post about a writing retreat at The Writing Barn is:
http://www.thewritingbarn.com/2012/05/31/my-writing-barn-retreat-by-saundra-goldman/
Sorry, Laura Lee Gulledge, the graphic novelist's post is on her blog:
http://whoislauralee.blogspot.com/2013/01/adventures-in-austin.html?spref=fb
That is a cool idea. I've never though of doing anything like that.
Allison (Geek Banter)
Yes! I've done it for years. I have a timeshare my mother gave me. It has more room than a hotel room. So for one week a year, I take my laptop and I write. I take breaks for walks and staring at the sea and eating fantastic crepes or clam chowder.
I love doing this and I'm sure you would, too.
Don't go to Europe or anywhere where you'll feel guilty if you don't go sightseeing. Just some nice place with pretty scenery and walking areas is perfect.
I have a feeling that even alone in a cave you would find a distraction. You need to focus no matter what else is going on.
I haven't done a solo writing retreat before. It sounds a bit too quiet for me, and I actually prefer to work with some noise and activity going on around me.
As for solo retreat suggestions, I've heard of writers renting out hotel rooms to work on their WIPs without interruption.
Someday I'd like to do a group writing retreat.
If you end up doing a solo retreat, it'd be so neat if you could blog about it!
Karen: It is difficult when we have other priorities! But it's nice to set aside time for it now and again.
Kyra: Same here! I work best when alone. A change of scenery doesn't hurt, either!
Alex: That's a great idea! Everyone's been recommending views of nature. No one has said "find a skyscraper and write next to it"... yet.
Louise: I really hope you get to do it! For me, it's the mosquitoes. Do citronella candles keep away black flies too?
Krispy: Oh, I would NEVER get anything done if other people were around. If I wanted an excursion to bounce ideas off other people and discuss writing, then I would make sure that's what I wanted and that I didn't plan to do a lot of writing :)
Colin: I really like that idea! A place on the other side of town would definitely help keep the focus.
Monkey: I'm so jealous. That sounds ideal! I hope you go and then blog all about your experience!
Jenny: That sounds fantastic! I hope you get to go and that 2013 WILL be your year!
Workaholic: Story of my life. That's why I think it would be nice to physically take yourself away and have nothing planned BUT writing. It's symbolic!
Mark: Those cabins sound perfect, actually! The internet is a HUGE distraction for me personally :)
Tiana: That's good! Keep it up!
Alexandra: That resort looks AWESOME. I may have to save that link for a vacation as opposed to a writing trip ;) Thanks for sharing! I'd love to go.
workofheart: I wish you the best of luck, too! Hope you get some alone time to write soon!
Don: I was thinking about just doing that as well - not shipping my SO off, but just taking some time off work to write from home!
mshatch: I've never stayed at a B&B but it sounds so cozy!
Daisy: Thanks for the ideas! I think Europe is a little bit of a stretch for anything other than a major vacation. I'm really considering the hotel thing that you and others have suggested! I appreciate the encouragement :)
Medeia: Exactly! I'd love to do that. I think writing by the ocean would be such a great way to relax and let the creative juices flow.
Mark: Great tip! I feel like if I physically took myself to a location where I had nothing planned but to write, then I would be in the writing mood.
J.A.: What a great deal! I think that'll work really well!
Margo: That is such a fantastic birthday treat for yourself - happy early birthday and I hope you go!! Then blog all about it :) Thanks for the tip on B&Bs... a hotel is sounding more and more ideal.
Nicole: Sigh... I know. Haha!
Bethany: No, I've never heard of this retreat! Thank you for the information! That sounds really very cool. What a great idea.
Allison: Thanks! I'm definitely going to try it this year.
Tricia: That sounds IDEAL. I am so jealous! With a retreat like that (esp. with the clam chowder... YUM), there's no way you wouldn't get writing done!
Tony: Wow. Well, I'd like to give myself more credit than that. And for me, it's not about trouble focusing, it's about setting aside time with which to write. There's nothing wrong with wanting a change of scenery.
Cynthia: The hotel idea sounds like a winner! I'll definitely blog about my experience when I do it. And you're not alone, I know so many others who write best when there's noise and activity going on! Thanks for the tips!
This sounds like a fantastic idea. Reading this was so familiar. I want to put my writing ahead, but it is getting difficult these days. I fear that random bursts of energy show in the book; the parts where you are forcing yourself to write compared when you know what you want to say and it just flows.
A writer's retreat sounds like a great idea at the moment.
Yes! Do it Julie! And do it now!! What about a spa? A place where you can go and be totally relaxed. While receiving a massage, you could be brainstorming. I love this idea Julie!
I would absolutely love to do that, but I'm not sure the Mrs. would like me to be gone for too long. Maybe when the kidlets are a bit bigger. :)
I've never taken any kind of writing retreat either. My life is so filled with responsibilities, I try to fit my writing in whenever I can, wherever I can.
It would be nice to do something like a solo retreat. It wouldn't have to be extravagant or anything either.
I admire those who can put their writing first. I say seize the moment while you can.
That sounds WONDERFUL.
Julie, I think it's so great that you're setting aside time to really focus on your writing. From the little I've read that you've posted, I can tell that you are incredibly skilled. Your writing deserves to be put first every once in a while. Good luck planning your retreat! :)
I've never done this, mostly because I don't need to. My kids go to school and that gives me plenty of writing time. If I go somewhere cool, I'd get distracted with photography instead of writing. :)
I've never done a retreat of any kind. But a bed and breakfast somewhere quiet, maybe in the mountains, sounds wonderful.
This year I made a decision to set aside a chunk of time to write--five days a week (Saturday is a word count catch-up day. And Sunday is a total break.). And it's been amazing. My writing is going so much better. And I'm doing more reading too, which has helped keep the creativity primed.
I have gone on a solo retreat. I spent two weeks alone at my parents cabin and was able to finish a novel. It was lonely, but productive. My parents cabin was sold, so now I hide in my office with the door shut. It's not quite the same.
I hope you have great success.
Naina: I too am worried about that! But I think we can smooth out the bumps during the revision process. Still, it would be nice to have a long slot of time for writing and nothing else!
Kimberly: Ahhhh, a spa... maybe I should just go have a spa weekend :) I'll cut holes in the cucumber slices so I can see my laptop!
David: Yes, good idea! I've heard barricading yourself in a room of your house works too :)
Jay: Same... it would be nice to have a retreat away from all of those responsibilities though!
Denise: I admire them, too, and wish I could do it! And I will do it this year.
lbdiamond: I know... I'm daydreaming of it right now!
Shelley: Thanks sweet friend <3 And the same to you. I hope we can both find time to write more this year!
Stina: Perfect!! That sounds ideal. I know what you mean about the distractions, haha.
Connie: It does sound peaceful, doesn't it? That's a great goal and I'm glad your writing is going so well. And it's smart to leave one day as a complete break so you don't burn out!
Kathi: That sounds IDEAL. I'm so glad it worked out for you and that you were able to finish a whole novel! Sorry about your parents' cabin being sold... maybe you can rent one for your next novel, even if it wouldn't be quite the same!
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