Happy New Year, everyone! Suze here.
Have you ever been on a writing retreat? That’s what I’m doing for the next few days with a couple of my Sister Scribes—J Monkeys and Katy Lee. We’re in a time share out in the very cold and snowy Berkshires, complete with comfy living quarters and a fully stocked kitchen. Plenty of snacks, hot tea, and wine, and no Wi-Fi!
I’ve got two short projects I want to finish while I’m here (synopses for two to-be-written books), and one longer one that I don’t expect to finish, but will make huge progress on (revisions on a story I’ve had gathering dust for a long time). What a great way to start the New Year!
So here are the top three reasons a writer should go on a retreat:
You get to work in your pajamas. Check out these Betty Boop fuzzy lounge pants my mom got me for Christmas. Trust me: I could live in these things, and I will be doing so pretty much for the duration.
Distractions can be kept to a minimum. Without Wi-Fi, there’s no ability to waste time surfing the web. We’re keeping the television off, and our e-readers holstered. There’s nothing to do but write! Unless, that is, I decide to pop out to a Redbox later–wouldn’t a viewing of Magic Mike be the perfect reward for three writers who’ve been working hard all day?
You can spend quality time with other like-minded peeps. This one is priceless. I get that not everyone can work with other people nearby. Personally, I love it. Just hearing someone else’s keys a-clacking and knowing that stories are being created around me motivates me to press on with my own work. Stuck on a plot point or can’t think of the perfect word? You’ve got other writers at your beck and call, ready to assist you. Or to force-feed you Reese’s Pieces and/or mini pizzas when you’ve been writing long enough and need to take a break.
What about you? Have you ever been on a retreat, either a formal, organized one, or a casual one like I’m on now? How did it work out?
Oh, I love a writing retreat. I go with several authors right around the time of the Washington Romance Writers retreat. It rocks! Also, I’m at home and still in my PJs. Does that count as a one woman retreat?
It definitely counts, Avery! Do you have a copy of Magic Mike kicking around? I could let you know when we’re about to start the movie tonight and we can watch virtually together!
First synopsis is complete! Moving on to the second right now.
I love retreats–even though living in the Berkshires feels like I’m always on retreat, LOL. Welcome to the hood, ladies. Give me a call if that Magic Mike movie pans out or if you run out of wine and chocolate. I’ll strap on my snow shoes and be right over:-)
Getting tons of work done — I’ve completed 4 things on my To-Do list, and I’m just about to start the big project now that the more time-sensitive things are out of the way. Forgot to look for Magic Mike while we were out yesterday — maybe I can find it today!
Have fun!!
I had so much fun at our CTRWA writer’s retreat. Although I never get much done when I’m around other people.
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Sounds like a great way to start off the year! I do retreats by myself a few times a year. It really helps! I haven’t had the pleasure of having other writers with me yet, but I’m sure that makes it all the better. Please let us know how it goes!
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