Did you know that a young Agatha Christie, when faced with a publishing deadline, often finished writing her WIP from a hotel room?
That’s right. The Queen of Mystery knew the value of a good writing retreat.
Treating yourself to a getaway that’s devoted to writing can be inspirational, motivational, and tremendously productive. And, let’s face it, getting away from the pushes and pulls of our everyday worlds is also a tremendous amount of fun!
Here’s a list of five reasons why you should consider attending a writing retreat:
- It’s motivational. Even if you choose not to attend any of the inspirational writing-related discussions most retreats offer, the simple act of “getting away” will give your brain a boost of creativity. In addition, the tranquility of a vacation-esque space will enable you to look at your writing more optimistically. Pair that with the positive energy of the retreat’s hosts and other attendees, and you’ve got a serious win-win.
- It’s dedicated time. Writing, for most of us, gets wedged into tiny gaps in the near-constant hustle which makes up our everyday lives. However, a writing retreat is just that: a time where everyday life retreats and all we have on our plate is writing, writing, and more writing (with a little bit of peaceful thinking time thrown in as a bonus).
- Guidance is at hand. Most writing retreats are hosted by writing professionals, which means you have a team of folks nearby who are ready to help with brainstorming everything from character arcs and pivotal beats to that big, climactic ending. They can also provide prompts, cheerleading, and other proven writing aids if inspiration is elusive.
- It’s good for business. Writing is a business as well as an art. Networking with other authors, finding out what (or whom) has helped them professionally, is every bit as important as the words we put on the page. Surrounding yourself with others who have experience building websites, querying agents, and marketing books (just to mention a few) brings knowledge — and knowledge (we all know) is power.
- It’s fun! We all know that writing, no matter how much we love it, isn’t always fun. But a writing retreat is, for all of the reasons above (and many more). A new venue, a new town, and new friends all play into making the time spent “retreating” both memorable and enjoyable.
So, if you haven’t done so already, consider including a writing retreat in your business plan. Your career (and your attitude) will thank you!