I've never done a writing retreat. (I have been on other retreats.) We'll see if someday I can make a writing retreat happen. It sounds lovely! Thanks for the resources you share in here.
Even a morning of focused time is enough for me to feel like I've had a retreat! I'm working on a piece right now that I'm going to submit to Spiritual Direction for Writers about how I use writing retreats to move forward with revision.
I guess that's the idea, huh? A pocket of time that one can focus on writing. For instance, when one of our daughters had therapy appointments, I would sit in the waiting room and write for that hour.
These are great tips! I haven’t done a writing retreat in a while, but when I do, I like to schedule non-writing activities - like short hikes - to give myself some different inputs. I once rented an Airbnb near Big Bend in August. It was of course 100+ during the day, so I’d get out for an early morning hike then hide in the shade the rest of the day and write.
A writing retreat in France--talk about life goals!
It's so good to have you reading along, Margaret. My son recently started studying French in earnest. With the goal of "moving to France and making art." We can't wait to read more about your adventures and to learn with Yann.
There's a lovely state park near my town with picnic tables that look out over a lake. You've inspired me to spend a whole day there alone with my notebook, a thermos and a cooler in my car. It would be so nice to have a writing day retreat this summer.
In my second year of college, there was a park with a seasonal creek lined with eucalyptus across the street from a church where an ancient priest said mass at 7 am. I’d bring a thermos and a stack of books and spend the morning reading + praying. I still hear his voice when I pray.
Such beautiful memories of retreating at your place. That weekend I shared poems that became a part of Elemental! Thank you for creating such a nourishing weekend.
The one time I did it, I got a hotel room for myself the week of New Year’s Eve. I was only about ten minutes away from my family (my first kiddo was still just a toddler, and I didn’t feel like I could go out of town). I spent the evening brainstorming goals for my creative life, my health, my reading, etc., followed by Chinese takeout and a “Friends” marathon, lol. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself, and I definitely need to do something like it again.
I watched a Friends marathon in early labor with my first! 😂 Another sort of retreat! I would love to hear about your retreat when you take it. When, not if.
I've never done a writing retreat. (I have been on other retreats.) We'll see if someday I can make a writing retreat happen. It sounds lovely! Thanks for the resources you share in here.
Even a morning of focused time is enough for me to feel like I've had a retreat! I'm working on a piece right now that I'm going to submit to Spiritual Direction for Writers about how I use writing retreats to move forward with revision.
I guess that's the idea, huh? A pocket of time that one can focus on writing. For instance, when one of our daughters had therapy appointments, I would sit in the waiting room and write for that hour.
These are great tips! I haven’t done a writing retreat in a while, but when I do, I like to schedule non-writing activities - like short hikes - to give myself some different inputs. I once rented an Airbnb near Big Bend in August. It was of course 100+ during the day, so I’d get out for an early morning hike then hide in the shade the rest of the day and write.
A writing retreat in France--talk about life goals!
It's so good to have you reading along, Margaret. My son recently started studying French in earnest. With the goal of "moving to France and making art." We can't wait to read more about your adventures and to learn with Yann.
Oui! I’ve already got my eye on a gite in the Pyrenees for a retreat someday!
Good luck to your son! That’s a great goal 😀. Thanks for reading as well!
There's a lovely state park near my town with picnic tables that look out over a lake. You've inspired me to spend a whole day there alone with my notebook, a thermos and a cooler in my car. It would be so nice to have a writing day retreat this summer.
In my second year of college, there was a park with a seasonal creek lined with eucalyptus across the street from a church where an ancient priest said mass at 7 am. I’d bring a thermos and a stack of books and spend the morning reading + praying. I still hear his voice when I pray.
Bliss!
This is inspiring, Kortney! Making plans.
Such beautiful memories of retreating at your place. That weekend I shared poems that became a part of Elemental! Thank you for creating such a nourishing weekend.
I have only done this once, and this was a beautiful, gentle nudge to plan another retreat for myself. Thank you for that! <3
I'd love to hear about your retreat, Robin!
The one time I did it, I got a hotel room for myself the week of New Year’s Eve. I was only about ten minutes away from my family (my first kiddo was still just a toddler, and I didn’t feel like I could go out of town). I spent the evening brainstorming goals for my creative life, my health, my reading, etc., followed by Chinese takeout and a “Friends” marathon, lol. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself, and I definitely need to do something like it again.
I watched a Friends marathon in early labor with my first! 😂 Another sort of retreat! I would love to hear about your retreat when you take it. When, not if.
I look forward to doing this. Thanks for your great suggestions.
A beach retreat would be extra special!
Well worth reading. Thanks.
Thanks for reading, James.
This sounds like such a good idea! I am glad you make this happen.
Thank you, Amy 💙