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Why attend a writing retreat?

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

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5 Ways to Boost Your Writing Output

It happens to me every year. January 1 rolls around and I make all these promises to myself: I’ll exercise. I’ll give up sugar.  Find a work/life balance. Stop procrastinating. Finish writing that book.

Sound familiar? Well, it’s now nearly the end of February, and I don’t know about you, but I’m slip-sliding back into old habits (why are you so addictive, chocolate?). But where is it written that I have to go it alone?

Chances are, you struggle with the same things that I–and we here at Gemini Writer’s Studio–do. So, let’s struggle together.

Welcome to the first ever Gemini Writer’s Studio blog. That’s right. (Cue the drumroll!) Numero uno. No, it’s not the beginning of the year anymore. But, hey! It’s never a bad time to start something positive.

I want to get one thing straight right off the bat. I will not be bombarding your inbox every single day, or even every week. At best, I’m aiming for a nice, juicy blog once a month, filled with a plethora of writing-related tips and tricks.

What’s my first topic? Productivity.

I know. It’s the Big Kahuna of topics, so I’m sticking to the simplest, most reliable, top 5 strategies for making the most of your writing time.

  1. Think Small. You’ve probably heard the adage that goes like this: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” (Blogger’s note–This quotation is attributed to several people, but I’m going with Desmond Tutu.) No matter where you are in your current WIP, chances are you experience moments when the job feels overwhelming. No worries! Just chop it up into bite-size pieces. Instead of finishing an entire book, aim to finish a section, a chapter, a scene, a paragraph! Whatever it takes to get your blood pressure down and your fingers on the keyboard.
  2. Set a Word Count Goal and Celebrate Reaching It. (I should insert the word “realistic” in there.) Keep track of your progress—because that’s what words on the page really are, progress. And, by the way, those words don’t have to be perfect. I’ll repeat that for emphasis: Those words don’t have to be perfect. Just write! Adjust your word count goal up or down as needed, so you always feel like you are making forward motion. Reward yourself with whatever keeps you motivated, whether it’s a bite of chocolate (just a bite—remember, we’re eating healthy this year, LOL), a walk in the sunshine, or a spot of your favorite tea.
  3. Find (and Stick to) a Schedule. Find out when the most productive part of your day is and earmark that time for writing. Be protective of that time! Don’t let hair appointments or grocery runs take over. (Warning: This may mean saying “no” occasionally!) Set a timer and/or turn off your notifications during this time. Your schedule should incorporate going to a regular writing space, whether it’s a designated room, or a comfy corner chair and tray table. Before you know it, your mind will be trained to think of that time and space as your writing time.
  4. Get Physical. Incorporating regular stretching and exercise does more than help your body. Your mind also benefits, which means your writing will, too! Even standing and stretching every so often helps clear your mind and boost creativity.
  5. Reach Out to Your Gemini Writer’s Studio Community. We’re all in this writing life together. Utilize our chat groups and monthly Gem Café sessions to talk about your struggles and triumphs. Attend the Insights sessions for writing tips and creativity-boosting talk. If you need more accountability in your life, check out our Sprinter and Gemini Silver membership tiers.

Here at GWS, we mean it when we say we want to help you make your next book, your best book!

So, there you have it. The first ever GWS blog! I hope you’ve found it helpful. Look for the next installment in a month or so. Until then, happy writing!

 

–Eva Fox Mate, Gemini Writer’s Studio