What is a Writing Retreat? Can You Create Your Own?

We traveled by plane, by car, by boat to an island off the coast of Maine. It was just the four of us, MFA classmates from Stonecoast re-connecting with one intention- to write and offer support in what can be a daunting profession. We call ourselves writers and some of us have published, but all of us rely on other forms of income to survive.

At one time in my life, I actually did generate enough income as a writer to pay the household bills, but it wasn’t the kind of writing I wanted to be doing. Informational articles, columns and books about antiques, old lighting fixtures, art, and people can be interesting, but repetitive. Editing and managing a lifestyle magazine, supported by advertising revenue, constricted.

Writing with the goal of communicating a sense of interconnectedness through our unique experiences, provides me with satisfaction and joy. My definition of success is writing a piece I’m proud of. Secondary success is getting it published-a lengthy and laborious process.

Publishing is not for the weak. That’s why we have writing retreats, to work independently but alongside a few other writers. It’s a comfort to know, we are not alone, writing our way towards our dreams.

No steady source of electricity at our cottage, we did our writing, sitting on the back porch facing the ocean inlet, warmed by the rays of the rising sun. My scribbles and cross-outs were hard to read, sharing poetry and prose with my friends, but we all had that same problem, trying to find sentences that pleased us. Writing is a process of throat clearing, free association, emotional release, and that longed for ah-ha moment. It can take years to take an essay, story, or poem to where you want it to go. Patience, I think, is the most important skill for a writer.

Crouched over our notepads, when we needed to stretch our legs, we took walks along the shore scrambling over rocks and seaweed, and some of us swam in the icy sea. A field trip lunch to procure a lobster roll (a reward for swimming). Before bedtime, roasted marshmallows with chocolate pressed between two graham crackers. Dinner at the one prestigious restaurant on North Haven. A bottle of wine. Laughter.

I began my day with a walk past red barns, tractors, green meadows and along the winding shore road before breakfast. I finished the retreat, alone in a Portland hotel, writing. My flight to BWI was later in the day.

Yes, you can have a solo writing retreat. Rent a room or a cottage away from the distractions of your daily life, and commit to writing so many hours a day or completing a set number of pages. Or you can organize a retreat with other likeminded writers. If you are lucky, someone has a house or a relative with a house, that can accommodate the group.

Lots of literary magazines and programs that offer classes, coaching and support also host writing workshops and writing retreats. Check them out. Sometimes fellowships are available. Established writers will often offer a workshop/retreat in a beautiful setting such as Italy, Ireland or Mexico. These can be wonderful experiences that combine travel with honing your writing skills, but they can be expensive.

What kind of retreat is right for you? Any excuse to write is a good excuse. Taking at least 20 minutes during the day to write whatever comes into your head is a start. If you just need writing prompts, visit my website and check out some of my previous posts containing prompts.

And it’s not too early, if you have some sort of book idea, to check out NaNoWriMo National Novel Writing Month begins November first. It is a way to make yourself accountable, by tracking the number of words you write towards your goal and rewarding yourself at the end of the month with a certificate and maybe a T-shirt. I’ve bought myself two T-shirts. Sounds silly, but it works.

I always hear about other writers who spend an hour a day sitting inside a coffee shop. I’m not one of them. I have a tendency to eavesdrop. But writing on your break time is another way to be productive. Write on and thank you for reading. Don’t forget to sign up to follow me on WordPress or Medium. Nadjamaril.com (It’s free).

Originally published at http://nadjamaril.com on August 23, 2023.