⭐️ What actually HAPPENS on a writing retreat?
Hello, dear writer,
I’m hosting a writing retreat this weekend, and I’ve had a couple of people ask me, “What actually occurs on writing retreat?” Do you write via prompts or on your own project? Does anyone else read your work? Can you work on your own project? Do you have to talk to people? (gasp)
Oh, I’m SO happy to be asked! Let’s go through the different kinds of retreats:
The Online Writing Retreat
These are usually held on Zoom. They can be huge (I’ve been to some with hundreds of participants) or tiny (three or four people).
There’s usually a teacher who guides you through things like:
Planning your next project, or the next step of it
Identifying your problem areas and figuring out how to work with them (in real life, not just in your mind)
Meeting other like-minded people (but most of us are introverts, so this is kept to a minimum)
WRITING together. Shoulder to shoulder. Doing the work at the same time as other writers is magical and somehow, so much easier than writing alone.
No sharing of work, no critique. What happens during retreat is usually early drafting, and that kind of writing is too tender to share. Plus, the time spent on retreat should be for YOU, not spent on other people. It’s not selfish—it’s smart time management.
These retreats are ideal for busy people who want to fit some extra writing time and bonus inspiration into their lives but still have to run the dishwasher and get the kids to bed.
$ (out of $$$$) - this will usually be the cheapest way to go on retreat.
I’d love to have you at Writing in the Junkyard. It’s 9 hours over 3 days, the majority of the time is on Saturday. We’re focusing on learning how to get your writing done in a realistic, less-than-ideal (yet still perfect) artistic life. All the details are here. (And it’s recorded, in case you can’t make all the sessions live.)
The Personal Writing Retreat
I do these as often as I can. It’s like throwing yourself a writing residency without all the pesky forms. I go someplace beautiful, preferably with a view of the sea. Or, if I can’t afford that, I get a garage-unit Airbnb with a view of a trash can. The biggest thing is to be alone.
Everyone does them differently, but since one of the things in life I struggle most with is the word “Should,” my main goal is to be rid of it for the duration of the retreat. I don’t look at social media, but I can read anything I want, for as long as I want. I bring my laptop and I write only when I’m moved to. I journal on and off all day long (this usually, but not always, leads to writing).
Personally, I don’t go on writing retreats (as many do) to get words on the page, as that isn’t my problem. I have TOO many words on the page, which is why I’m always in revision. I go on retreat to plan and dream and rest, without the Shoulds.
$$ - $$$ - This will cost more than the online retreat (but can be done on the cheap). It will range in expense according to your lodging tastes and penchant for delivered sushi.
Group Writing Retreat, Fancy
I’ve led these, and I’ll lead them again in the future (though none planned at the moment). On these, you go on an adventure, often to a fantastic locale like Bali or Venice. Often, you write in the mornings and the rest of the day is yours to explore. These are an expensive splurge, and worth it, I think, for the richness you walk away with.
$$$$ - Most expensive, most posh, great to fill the well.
Group Writing Retreat, Friends Version
This is SO fun, and it’s where you and 2 - 12 writing friends rent a big place and spend a few days writing all day and talking all night. Pool your funds for groceries, assign everyone a lunch or a dinner (just make your own breakfasts). You leave with a ton of work done, and also, all your personal problems solved. This lasts until you pull into your driveway, but hey, it’s a start.
$$ - $$$ Like the personal retreat, you’re in charge, so you can bring the cost down if you need to by cooking and renting a cheaper place. The price’ll go up if you want the lake house and private dock. It’ll go down again if it’s your cousin’s house (clever you) that you’re borrowing.
Protip - You know I love a budget (I use You Need a Budget and love it), and I’m always saving for my next writing retreat. Even when times are tight, I try to throw $10/month in, if only to hold the space for my next trip.
You, my writer friend, are worth it.
Onward!
Rachael
PS - If you’re interested in this weekend’s retreat and have any questions, just email back! Or grab your spot here! I can’t WAIT to write with this amazing group.