DIY Writing Retreats

Newsletter #21

Jul 03, 2024

5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Precious Getaway

When I started writing, my children were young and busy. Coordinating schedules took up my mental energy, preparing lunches and driving them took up my physical energy, and there simply wasn’t much left in me for creative energy. So the idea of a writing retreat felt like a luxury. Of course many of them were across the country and when you added up travel plus registration, the costs were out of reach at that time.

Instead, I created my own DIY writing retreats, either right at home or at a relative’s home like a staycation; during the day at a local place outside my home; or overnight at a reasonably-priced hotel. Over the years I have planned several DIY retreats, and I’d love to share some tips that help me be productive and stay refreshed.

1. MAKE AN AGENDA

I create a schedule for myself and include where I’ll be eating each meal, locations to work, and writing tasks with materials needed. This is to reduce decision making during the retreat—everything can be researched and chosen ahead of time. That way, all I need to do is look at my plan and do the next thing. My thinking needs to be reserved for writing.

2. TIME TO READ

To write well, you have to read. I usually have one craft-related book or articles plus something for pleasure. I also visit book stores and/or a library so I have access to many picture books for inspiration.

3. TIME TO RELAX

My DIY retreats are usually near a serene outdoor setting. I’ve gone to parks, a Monarch butterfly sanctuary, walk into the woods, strolls around a farmhouse, and most frequently to the beach, one of my favorite places to be. This time away from my work is where rejuvenation takes place and creativity awakens.

4. REALISTIC GOALS

As I plan my retreat, I think about what I can best accomplish with this sacred time and schedule specific writing tasks during 2-3 hour chunks of time. Types of goals: watch a webinar, revise a story, make a dummy, quick draft something new, create a character sketch, re-write a scene, research a topic, etc. As much as I try to give the tasks the right amount of time, I inevitably need to adjust my agenda by extending time or shifting tasks around. This flexibility I take in stride.

5. NEXT STEPS

After wrapping up each working session, I jot down my next steps so that I can easily pick up where I left off. Frequently this includes reflection notes about the work I completed and questions I am wondering about that manuscript.

My writing retreats often include beaches, books, and baked goods.

Every time I’ve done a writing retreat, I feel very accomplished, productive, relaxed, and inspired to work even harder on my stories. And also want to schedule my next one! This summer I’m focused on several local, day-long writing times with friends, which we call mini-retreats since they are not overnight. Dedicating this time for focused work is one way I prioritize my writing and my dreams.

How do you make time for the things most important to you?

Book Report: NANA, NENEK & NINA

Written and illustrated by Liza Ferneyhough

From the first time I read this book and with every re-read I fall in love with the seamless way Liza shows two worlds that a child experiences when visiting her Nana in England and Nenek in Malaysia. Each spread has backgrounds that connect and so many glorious details that bring each location alive with specificity. Nina packs, plays games, and goes to the beach with both grandmothers, and the artwork illustrates how different yet so similar these experiences are. At both homes, Nina is showered with love from the time she wakes up and gets dressed, until dinner and bath time. I really enjoyed the way two languages are shared through some labels of clothing as well as authentic dialogue in context throughout the story. From the airport to shopping to bedtime, we are treated to learning about two distinct cultures that Nina is lucky to be a part of.

Themes: love and acceptance, culture, family, intergenerational, joy, identity

Discussion Ideas: