Writer's retreat

[allmywires]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this so feel free to move benevolent modly overlords...

Has anyone ever done a writer's retreat before? If so, was it useful? I'm thinking of doing one later in the year but weighing up whether it's worth the cost or if I should just shut myself away in a cabin in the woods instead!

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this so feel free to move benevolent modly overlords...

Has anyone ever done a writer's retreat before? If so, was it useful? I'm thinking of doing one later in the year but weighing up whether it's worth the cost or if I should just shut myself away in a cabin in the woods instead!

Never done one, although I did a summer school this year, but those I know who have done one love it.

 

[VinceK]

or if I should just shut myself away in a cabin in the woods instead!

What and run the risk of bumping into a fan with a hammer?

I've never been, and I think I'd have to have a good reason to go. That said, if you're in an environment where it's difficult to disconnect and you're on a deadline then it's probably worth it. Also, if the retreat includes tutoring, then it could be the ideal place to learn new skills.

 

[VinceK]

Never done one, although I did a summer school this year, but those I know who have done one love it.

If you don't mind me asking, what course did you take?

 

[allmywires]

What and run the risk of bumping into a fan with a hammer?

I've never been, and I think I'd have to have a good reason to go. That said, if you're in an environment where it's difficult to disconnect and you're on a deadline then it's probably worth it. Also, if the retreat includes tutoring, then it could be the ideal place to learn new skills.

I'll keep my eye out

I find it really hard to properly zone out, partly because of my day job, partly because of city living and not being able to get out and get inspired. I'm not so interested in the tutoring, more just finding somewhere quiet where I can go and switch off with like minded people. I find I just need the presence of someone else working to make me want to work...if I'm left to my own devices I'll go off an procrastinate which is a terrible waste of time!

 

[AnyaKimlin]

I've not done a solo one (which I would love). I can't afford the usual ones but my writer's group did one at Loch Tay last year and this year we're going to Cromarty on the Black Isle.

To be honest I think I drunk too much, sang too much and had too much of a ball to get much writing done I did however come back able to write the occasional poem and I taught those skills to my middle child who has proved exceptionally talented in that area. Now a solo one on LochTay sounds perfect.

 

[VinceK]

I'll keep my eye out

I find it really hard to properly zone out, partly because of my day job, partly because of city living and not being able to get out and get inspired. I'm not so interested in the tutoring, more just finding somewhere quiet where I can go and switch off with like minded people. I find I just need the presence of someone else working to make me want to work...if I'm left to my own devices I'll go off an procrastinate which is a terrible waste of time!

@AnyaKimlin does touch on the possible side-effects of too much socialising.

If I remember correctly, John Jarrold (literary agent) did have a writing retreat in Brittany, but I'm not sure if it's still available.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

If you don't mind me asking, what course did you take?

I went to the John Hewitt Summer School in Northern Ireland. Was fab - I had a bursary and went to so much stuff.

 

[HareBrain]

I'm not so interested in the tutoring, more just finding somewhere quiet where I can go and switch off with like minded people.

I don't know how much these retreats are, but from having looked at an Arvon course many years ago, I think it's a lot, and much of that will be to cover the element you don't want anyway. Do you know any other writers or artists personally you could rent a cottage with, which might give you the benefits you're after and be a lot cheaper?

Having said that, you might really get a lot out of the tuition.

 

[Juliana]

Do you know any other writers or artists personally you could rent a cottage with, which might give you the benefits you're after and be a lot cheaper?

This works well... I had an informal weekend retreat once at the house of a local critique partner. Her kids and husband were away, so three of us came over for the whole weekend. We wrote a lot, broke off at meal times for conversation, and it was very nice.

I wouldn't pay to stay somewhere on my own, personally, because I'm very good at blocking out the world (meaning, ignoring the kids and the blaring TV) and getting to work. But the group one was nice due to having nice interactions at break time.

 

[Steven Sorrels]

Years ago, my wife and I were lucky enough to enjoy a non-credit summer class at the local community college taught by Elizabeth Massie, a Bram Stoker Award-winning horror author and someone whom I share a hometown with.

While it was only a summer course and therefor fairly short-lived (I think we only had maybe 10 or 12 classes with her), I still find it was a fun and interesting experience. I learned a lot about the craft and even got complimented by her for one of our little writing prompts she gave us. Talk about feeling fuzzy all over!

If you have the chance, I highly recommend looking into the colleges and such in your areas to see if there are any classes or seminars like that. It was definitely one of the coolest experiences I've had the pleasure to experience.

 

[allmywires]

Cool. Thanks guys!

Sadly I don't have any RL writer friends well I do have one but we live on opposite sides of the world and she is notoriously hard to get in contact with! Maybe I'll have a look into some classes or something. Someone really does need to teach me some writing discipline...

 

[AnyaKimlin]

Cool. Thanks guys!

Sadly I don't have any RL writer friends well I do have one but we live on opposite sides of the world and she is notoriously hard to get in contact with! Maybe I'll have a look into some classes or something. Someone really does need to teach me some writing discipline...

Have you tried YouTube meditations? I find it's a case of finding one that doesn't annoy me with their voice. Every so often I do a "retreat" at home with a hot bath, essential oils, crystals etc listen to a meditation, sleep and then write the next morning. I particularly like these four for writing: