by ARHuelsenbeck

 

Have you ever found yourself stranded in Creative Badlands? You know, that parched place where you are just so dry that nothing trickles from your pen? Or what you write is so uninspired that it puts you to sleep?

Sometimes it helps to get away. A writers’ retreat could be just the boost you needed to refresh your writing.

 

Why have a writers’ retreat?

A retreat is a block of time you set aside for a specific purpose—without the distractions and routines of everyday life. It’s a time to get away from your usual surroundings, a time of refreshment, a time to refine your focus.

At a writers’ retreat, you might work on your work-in-progress, brainstorm ideas, learn a new technology, or just share information. The retreat could be strictly centered on the process of writing, or it may also involve the care of body and soul as well (or maybe even some tourism).

 

How is a retreat structured?

The retreat should be structured to serve the attendees. You can have a writers’ retreat all by yourself, or you can go to a group retreat. Some retreats are led by organizations, with speakers and a pre-planned agenda, almost like a mini-conference or workshop; some are just a cluster of writing friends who decide to go away together for mutual support.

 

How should a retreat be planned?

If you are responsible for planning a retreat, consider these questions:

  • Where and when will you hold the retreat?
  • What are the participants hoping to accomplish through the retreat? Writing many pages, free from distractions and interruptions? Learning a new skill? Expanding presence on social media? Resting and relaxing? Enjoying the scenery? Connecting with other writers? Exploring a new location? Eating gourmet food?
  • What are the financial parameters?
  • What will attendees be expected to contribute toward the retreat?
  • How will you schedule activities so that goals are met, while allowing for downtime?
  • Who will lead presentations?

I’ve  participated in retreats with some of the ladies of Tuesday’s Children, my critique group. One of our members hosted us in her home in the forested mountains of central Arizona, a couple hours northeast of Phoenix.

 

What we did on our most recent retreat

In the weeks leading up to our retreat, we determined what we wanted to accomplish: strengthening and expanding our platforms. Each of us considered what we could share with the group. One week in advance, we decided what groceries each of us would bring, so that there would be plenty of healthy food and snacks. I also picked some CDs from my collection for background music.

We arrived at Judy’s house around 4:00 on Sunday. As we unloaded our suitcases and groceries, the keys to our only car somehow got locked inside. (Note: be mentally prepared for unexpected mishaps. Flexibility and a sense of humor go a long way to diffusing minor setbacks.) We called AAA; an hour later, the keys were liberated, and we went to a local restaurant for dinner, separate checks. Afterward, we enjoyed each other’s company by socializing in our pajamas, sort of a grown-up slumber party.

The next morning (Monday), we took a two-mile walk around the neighborhood, which involved scaling hills and enjoying the gorgeous wooded surroundings. Then back to the house for breakfast and devotions. Because all of us are Christians, we each spent some time reading Scripture, then shared what touched us in our reading, and prayed together.

Then we set to work. The four women who went on our retreat have totally different professional backgrounds and publication histories. Three have published books, all have published articles, three write fiction, all also write nonfiction. We all contribute to a group blog, and some of us have personal blogs as well.

Our platform-building sessions concentrated on internet opportunities, such as spiffing up personal websites and blogs, Facebook pages, and author pages on Amazon. I shared some of what I’d learned from WordPress Blogging U’s blogging courses.

We broke for lunch and dinner, made from what Judy had on hand and the food we’d each contributed. At some point, we went for another walk, off the beaten path and into the woods. After a simple dinner, we drove to a neighborhood where apple trees grow and saw elk. (Who knew elk eat apples straight from the tree?) We spent the evening talking and checking email and social media on our laptops while listening to music.

 Tuesday morning we repeated the pattern—walk (saw more elk!), breakfast, and devotions–and continued our platform building. Then we did a quick clean-up and loaded all our stuff, including the remaining food, into the car, and drove to the Mogollon Rim, a high ridge overlooking a wooded canyon. Judy showed us a spot that holds special meaning for her and her late husband, and then we drove to a picnic area to eat our lunch before returning to the metro Phoenix area.

 

Tuesday’s Children have held three retreats to date, and we’ve figured out a process that works for us. Friends for decades, we relate well to each other, recognize our individual strengths and deficiencies, and help each other navigate new territory. Other than a restaurant dinner the first night, whatever groceries we brought along, and a few bucks to our driver (Peggy) toward gas, we didn’t spend any money. We each pitched in our labor doing whatever had to be done. Thanks to Judy for opening her beautiful house to us.

Our retreat was a great success: we all learned something that we didn’t know before and went home with a new idea for an article, post, or book.

Have you had a great experience at a writers’ retreat? What made it especially worthwhile for you? Please share in the comments below.

 

 

 

Guest post contributed by ARHuelsenbeck. Former elementary general music teacher ARHuelsenbeck blogs about the arts and the creative process at ARHtistic License. She is currently writing a YA mystical fantasy and a Bible study guide, and submitting a poetry chapbook, with mystery and MG drafts waiting in the wings.