A Writer’s Retreat

With NaNoWriMo right around the corner and thousands working to get ready for the big event, it’s only logical that you would get your writing area(s) ready as well. So today we will talk about creating a writer’s retreat.

What is a Writer’s Retreat?

A writer’s retreat is time and space you give yourself to accomplish the goals, get ahead, and gain results for your creative endeavors.

A writer’s retreat gives you, the writer, time and space to do what you need to get ready to write, or to sit down and writer your story. You can work on fleshing out your story, it’s characters, outlines, world-building, government/world rules, plot and so much more. Or if you have the story fleshed out already, you can use the retreat to write all the words.

You can make it as extravagant or simple as you want, it doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. It depends on your taste and your financial set up. If you have the money to create a more luxurious or well-planned, away from home retreat, then by all means go for it. If not, you can definitely create a simple retreat at home with little work done.

Why Writers Need a Retreat

Daily life, with the same routine is wonderful, but can sometime provide a gateway for writer’s block to set it. You’ve lost your muse, your writing prowess, your will to continue on with the story or your characters have completely gone sideways and you have to steer them back on the path you’ve set them (or completely change the path altogether). Trust me, it happens and it can be a pain to get back on track.

Daily frustrations and distractions can get in the way of accomplishing even the smallest of tasks. Taking a retreat, whether at home or away can set you up for success, and relieve the stress of your approaching deadline by allowing you to complete those small or large tasks in a creative environment.

Set Up Your Retreat

The first thing you need to do is decide if you will be able (and have the finances) to take a retreat away from home or if you will be creating one in your home. Trust me, it can be done.

Away from Home

If you have the finances to take your retreat away from home, I highly recommend it. There is less chance of anything getting in the way or interrupting you during your retreat. You can go to a hotel or rent an air bnb for a couple nights to really maximize the time you have for your creative work or if you know someone with an en suite you can use for a few days without distraction to the family, that would be a great way to save some money and get some much needed work done.

This may be tricky as you will need to plan a bit before leaving to make sure things at home will run smoothly while you are gone. Let others know what you are doing and keep the phone distractions to a minimum. Once you are there and set up, you are ready to get started and create something others will love.

In the Home

It may be a bit tougher to take a retreat within the home. Household and family distractions can filter into your space at any moment, but there are some ways to combat this. If your children are old enough and can spend the night at a friends house, that may make things a bit easier.

Then you just have to convince your spouse to give your the time you need for your work. Maybe they need a retreat of their own, or can go out with the guys. Either way, this is a discussion that needs to happen if you are looking to set up your writer’s retreat at home. Of course, if you are not married or have children, then this is quite a bit easier for you to set up.

The Space

The space you choose is important to your work and comfort levels. You could spend your retreat in a hotel room, in your office, in your bedroom, or out near the fire pit enjoying your favorite warm beverage. Yes, I know that most would say that moving around while writing isn’t a good idea, but I disagree. Sometimes you need a different surrounding to help you with being authentic with your descriptions or finding new inspirations.

Make the space comfortable, encouraging, and welcoming for your creative mind. You know you best and can provide the little touches you need to get your mind working toward your goals even when you are in an area that could be more distracting than others, like a park. You can learn a lot from a park, environmental aspects, people watching, interactions and more.

If you are stuck we have a great guide on building your creative atmosphere as well as articles on creating one anywhere you may be, along with some creative areas you may not have thought of. You can check them out HERE!

What to Take/Gather For a Retreat

Really the most important is whatever makes you comfortable, relaxed, and prepared within the space. Keep in mind your senses as you set up and gather what you wish for your retreat. What things would you like to see? You can take a binder or create a pinterest board with inspirational pieces, list places to go to get inspiration, and more.

Get the Senses Involved

Your senses are an important part of creating the atmosphere you want or need. Not only can they be useful for the book you are writing if you have the right items, but for your own comfort and self-care.

What smells and tastes do you want or need? You can bring your favorite candle or incense to get the aroma you’re looking for. Or bring your favorite backed goods ready to just place and bake. Yes, you should be taking care of yourself during this time, but if the scent of freshly baked cookies is going to help relax, bring enjoyment and help with your writing, why not? Just don’t go overboard. Make sure you have healthy foods and plenty of water with you to keep you hydrated and healthy.

Then there is touch… well, unless you have a catalog of things to feel for your research, you’ll have to get creative with this. In terms of comfort, your favorite fuzzy socks and a blanket, your favorite sweater, or other comfy items should make it to the list.

Items to Consider:

• Inspirational pieces
• Music
• Books
• Prompts
• Podcasts
• Walking shoes (For those much needed breaks and exercise)
• Comfortable clothes
• Work/Project Items
• Power Pack/Batteries
• Senses Items

Keep in Mind

Here are some tips to help you along as you plan and perform your creative retreat.

• Print everything out, save to flash drive or external hard drive.
• Gather notes/images for inspiration.
• Create draft version for everything you want to write, outline, notes, plans. (If that’s something you want to do)
• Activate auto responders (email) and tell loved ones you’ll be mostly unreachable.
• Don’t ask for the WiFi password at check in, you don’t want to get distracted by social media or other online applications.
• Work, write, plan, etc. Do what it is that you came to this retreat to do.
• Take breaks when feel burned out, you’ll be back at square one if you don’t.
• Plan your meals, snacks, and drinks
• Self care – Spa/bath/lounge/read.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to create something expensive or elaborate to have a successful writer’s retreat. With a bit of planning, preparing and gumption, you can create the perfect retreat for yourself and your writing endeavors.

How do you take a writer’s retreat? Do you spend a little more for a hotel room? Do you have a special place at home? Or do you lock yourself away in your office until inspiration hits? We would love to hear from you. Comment or contact us with your writer’s retreat stories!