How to Create an Awesome Writers' Retreat

November 11, 2018

DIY Writers’ Retreat

Every writer knows the importance of writing time! Focus and creative inspiration are just as important. Not everyone has the free space to think, much less write, when normal everyday life gets too overwhelming to put the butt in the chair and crank out words!

So why not reset your creative flow by planning your very own mini-writers retreat!

Step 1:

Find some writer friends that want to retreat with you … 1 extra person is plenty!!

Note:

Larger groups will need more planning! Be careful not to create a mini-conference (unless that’s what you intended!)

Step 2:

Find a place within 2-4 hours of your house that inspires creativity! (search Airbnb, you may be surprised at what is near you!)

Notes:

Things to consider when booking:
Do they have onsite parking?
It may be a 3 bed unit, but that could be one double and two twins (in the same room). Check the layout (and number of bathrooms) before booking your retreat.
If you’re renting anything “interesting”, make sure you consider available seating. If you can’t tell from the pictures, ask the host. Also, consider the separation factor … not everyone can write in a big room together.
Regardless of planning, you could still pick an undesirable place (for writing). Consider your options if the location is too noisy or some other undesirable situation. Definitely read the reviews!

Step 3:

Find at least 1 non-writer thing to do in your new city

Note:

To get those creative juices flowing, consider some fun activities that you don’t normally do … I mean you’ve left the kids, pets, husbands, and daily distractions at home, right? So do something fun … try an escape room or painting with a twist (or wine) or a girl’s night out kind of movie!

You have to fill the well back up to be creative!

Step 4:

Plan your daily agenda!

Notes:

Once you are at your location (or before), think about what you want to accomplish.
You’re at the retreat to get words on the page, so plan your writing time!
Also consider planning activities to get creativity moving or maybe a research session where you and your retreat buddies brainstorm or investigate a story element (like how long a body takes to decompose when buried in concrete or what is the most advanced prosthetic available today?).
You should also consider accountability (if you need that) … make note of everyone’s starting word count, have sprints, talk about publishing scheduling, set goals for the year.
Also, if you’ve planned for a large group, you could also consider doing mini discussion panels or have someone present a topic they are an expert in (or bring someone in) — or just a have discussions on topics of interest, like social media or dictation or career goals.

Step 5: