Have any of you ever gone on a writer's retreat?

scullars · Mar 22, 2005

I've pondered doing so, but wonder if it would be worth the expense. Could some of you relate your experiences, positive or negative? Did the time allow you to write more productively...or were you distracted by the camaraderie of fellow writers and the beauty of the surrounding vista? Would you do it again?

Just curious.

Julie Worth · Mar 22, 2005

Try Wildacres. I highly recommend it.

scullars · Mar 22, 2005

Thanks Julie. I'll check out the website.

Betty W01 · Mar 22, 2005

Yep, I went on my first one last year. It was with about 8 other writers from our local Christian writing group, and we stayed at a convent nearby. (Only one of us is Catholic, but the nuns didn't care. We paid, they hosted. Done deal.) Food was great, nuns were very sweet and helpful, and the private rooms were small but comfy (and no phone, TV, radio, or Internet distraction!). The surroundings were gorgeous and inspired several walks (and our gathering room overlooked a beautiful stand of trees). The time for writing was productive, the get-togethers were fun, the critique sessions were helpful, and I'm doing it again in about three weeks. I can't wait!

(And because we got bumped from our original date in favor of another group, we got the stay at half-price this year. So, I'm taking the rest of the money I'd saved for it and I'm getting a massage while I'm there, from a woman who comes in on-call for retreat participants.)

The only down part of it is this retreat is only from Friday morning to Sat. afternoon. I'd love to go to a longer one sometime.

Denise Fleming (a well-known children's picture book author/illustrator) once told me that when she gets down to the wire on a book deadline, she packs up her computer and goes on a personal retreat until she's done. She used to stay at a hotel, but they own a lovely lakefront cottage now, so she goes there. Someday, maybe I'll be able to do that, too.

Jamesaritchie · Mar 22, 2005

Writer's retreat

scullars said:
I've pondered doing so, but wonder if it would be worth the expense. Could some of you relate your experiences, positive or negative? Did the time allow you to write more productively...or were you distracted by the camaraderie of fellow writers and the beauty of the surrounding vista? Would you do it again?

Just curious.

I was at a writer's retreat a long time ago, and I didn't think enough of it to go badk to it, or to any other. It was everything it was advertised to be, and from talking with other writers, most of the ones they've gone to were also as advertised.

But for me, at least, my sole reason for getting away was to write, not to socialize, and I found I could do this more efficiently, more pleasantly, and more happily, and considerably cheaper, simply by renting a place out in the country.

I suspect you would enjoy a writer's retreat, though how much so will probably largely depend on why you go, and on what other writers happen to be there during your stay.

arrowqueen · Mar 22, 2005

I'd love to go on a writers' retreat. Unfortunately the closest I've ever got its locking myself in the bathroom.

CACTUSWENDY · Mar 22, 2005

I think Uncle Jim has a writers workshop. Is that right? On his web site I read several of the articals that were written by a gal that went to one. It was a riot. The gal was from Texas.

Jamesaritchie · Mar 22, 2005

Workshop

CACTUSWENDY said:
I think Uncle Jim has a writers workshop. Is that right? On his web site I read several of the articals that were written by a gal that went to one. It was a riot. The gal was from Texas.

I think so, but there's a huge difference between a writer's workshop and a writer's retreat.

brokenfingers · Mar 22, 2005

It's funny how things change.

Once upon a time, I was a happy-go-lucky extraverted individual who was hardly ever home, unless it was to shower and sleep.

When I first began displaying symptoms of my writing sickness and then started checking out writing forums, I remember hearing writers talk about writing retreats and discovering that they were where you would get away from the world for awhile and just write.

My first reaction was: UGH!!! That sounds horrible! B-O-R-I-N-G!! Why would somebody want to do something like that?!

I just couldn't imagine being locked away from all the lights and action (born and raised in NYC) and just sitting there writing!

Now, a year later and more firmly in the grip of my writing disease, I would LOVE to be able to go to a writer's retreat.

GASP! O Lord, what have I become!?!?!?

mommie4a · Mar 22, 2005

Great posts about retreats. I'd LOVE to go to one, or two, or three. There are some fabulous locations. If you're browsing for one, try www.shawguides.com and click on the writer's resources or writer's conferences button. You can then search by month, location, time of year, etc. Shaw Guides is a great resource for conferences and workshops too. Good luck!

sgtsdaughter · Mar 22, 2005

I've done a few retreat type things over the years. One was a month long creative writing class. We met twice a week, came in with our essays, and critiqued away. The group of people really made it. And I think that that alone is what makes a retreat a "bomb or bust."

Someone earlier posted that they didn't enjoy their retreat--that can happen. I would say that they are the kind of thing that you need to try once, and then make up your mind if you want/need to do it again. Retreats and workshops have generally been beneficial to me because I've been lucky enough to find ones that focused on writing and skill over socializing. Granted, much of the latter was done, but after five days of writing non-stop a few hours of socializing every night seemed pretty sparse in comparison. Also, find one that suits your genre.

If you are reluctant to go to a traditional retreat, then I would suggest looking at local colleges and universities in your area. See if any of them have J-term classes (three to four week classes in January). Quite frequently you can find writing workshops here, for reasonable prices, and non-matriculating students and non-students are usually permitted to enroll. These mini-seminars can then give you feel for a writer's community, and they might even connect you to other outlets in your region.

Just a few thoughts . . .

scullars · Mar 23, 2005

I've seriously considered in the last two years about doing so, but wimped out and went on "regular" vacations. I think that I feel that since I haven't been published (although I have a short story coming out later this year), I am not truly a "writer." And there are probably places that would agree with me.

But what I would love to find is some extended time with writers. I think it would be stimulating and also would force me to give up my procrastinating ways and be more productive. Although, I can see myself getting distracted also. It would obviously be a balancing act.

Thunder · Mar 24, 2005

I've been to a couple of writer's retreats. I found that with the coaching and structured schedule of the workshops that were provided I was able to hash out several rough spots in my ongoing work.

If anyone is in the KC area, there is a great writer/ professor that does workshop and private coaching.

If anyone wants her info just message me.

Thunder

sharon · Mar 24, 2005

Several years ago, I spent three days at a writer's retreat/workshop in Sechelt, B.C. (which is along the 'Sunshine' coast, just outside Vancouver,B.C. and accessible by ferry). It was a spur of the moment decision to attend. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The food was delicious. The rooms were sparsly furnished (a bed, small table and chair) but clean and comfortable. We were seldom in our rooms, anyway, using them mostly just for sleep. It was more important to attend workshops and network.

Sharing experiences and working with other writers (beginning and professional) was an experience I still cherish. The camaraderie and friendships made were priceless. So was the information. The critique was honest and to the point and I loved it. I learned more about writing in those three days than I had in the three years of belonging to a writer's group. It was interesting taking my experiences back to the writer's group and sharing what I had learned. I'm so glad that I acted on my impulse and signed up for it. I would love the opportunity to attend another one. It was a fabulous experience! :banana:

One that I highly recommend...

mommie4a · Mar 24, 2005

Sharon - that really sounds wonderful. Does it still exist? I'd love to learn more about it.

sharon · Mar 26, 2005

mommie4a,

Sorry, I haven't paid much attention as to whether that retreat/workshop is still going on. I haven't had an opportunity to attend one for quite awhile. I know it was a yearly event, with classes, critiques, etc. My weekend consisted of 15 'students' and three 'teachers'. We broke into groups of five for the classes/critiques and got together for meals and evening get-togethers. I hope it's still active. I'll try to find out and will let you know as soon as I can.

Jamesaritchie · Mar 27, 2005

sharon said:
We were seldom in our rooms, anyway, using them mostly just for sleep. It was more important to attend workshops and network.

! QUOTE]

This is the exact opposite of the retreat I attended. At mine, we were in our rooms at least eight hours per day. Breakfast was left on the doorstep at 7 A.M., lunch was left there at noon, and only supper was communal, from six to eight. There was also a cummunal affair Sunday afternoon, but that was it.

There were no workshops and no networking. The sole purpose of the retreat was to get the writing done. Knocking on someone's door through the middle of the day would draw a stern warning, and doing so twice could get you kicked out.

Perhaps because of this, nearly all the writers there were published writers, and several were full-time professionals. The others were new writers who simply wanted to finish their first novel at all costs, and the retreat gave them the chance.

Dru · Mar 28, 2005

Retreat vs. workshop

I think we might have two different creatures being discussed here. One sounds like a way to allow writers to produce large amounts of material while at the shindig. The other sounds like something for skill building and feedback on a current or past projects.

I'd call one a 'retreat' and the other a 'workshop' but your mileage may vary on the terms.

Jamesaritchie · Mar 28, 2005

Retreats

Dru said:
I think we might have two different creatures being discussed here. One sounds like a way to allow writers to produce large amounts of material while at the shindig. The other sounds like something for skill building and feedback on a current or past projects.

I'd call one a 'retreat' and the other a 'workshop' but your mileage may vary on the terms.

There are two distinctive types. Generally, I consider a "retreat" a place you go to get the work done, and the other is a workshop, or series of workshops, held at a remote location.

Just for my own druthers, I prefer retreats, and I think workshops can be found much cheaper if you skip teh exotic location aspect. But there are certainly workshops held at remote locations that sound awfully appealing, such as the Maui deal every year. Though I doubt much I'd spend any time at a workshop if I spent a week on Maui.

Ella · Mar 28, 2005

A friend and I 'retreated' to her basement dungeon with two computers and a locked door. We put in about eight hours and got a lot done. If you can't make it away for days at a time, this worked well for us!

Alphabeter · Mar 29, 2005

CACTUSWENDY said:
I think Uncle Jim has a writers workshop. Is that right?

Viable Paradise Workshop
A week with working writers and acquiring editors

Dru · Mar 29, 2005

*swoon*

Alphabeter said:
Viable Paradise Workshop
A week with working writers and acquiring editors

I wish I could pull it off. Maybe in a year or two. The day job has me stapled to the floor at the moment (killing my BIC time/energy)

or dream-of-dreams, either of the Clarions. Six weeks away from a salary won't work though.

A retreat would be nice too. Might be able to pull off a few four day retreats if I plan sneakily.

Alphabet · Mar 30, 2005

I've been on a retreat/workshop once, it was for poetry, it was when I was 17 and it was as a result of winning a competition.. great prize!

Here is what I would say. It was a fantastic experience, not just about the writing or the socialising, but at that time of my life it was character and confidence building too. I think it very much depends not just on the hosts and the guests but on yourself too in terms of how much effort and professionalism is put in by all concerned.

But that isn't the comment I posted to make.

Don't stress about whether or not the retreat/workshop is value from a writer's growth or turn-a-buck viewpoint. Compare it to a holiday. What do holidays do? Allow you to switch off from the normal concerns, have fun, get great memories. You'll get all that at any sort of retreat.

If you have the chance to take a solo holiday, then why not try a retreat? You'll love it if you go for that reason, you'll not need to worry about whether a local course could have been cheaper... that isn't a holiday.

Have any of you ever gone on a writer's retreat?

scullars

Writer/Bibliophile

Julie Worth

What? I have a title?

scullars

Writer/Bibliophile

Betty W01

Empress of Cyberworld

Jamesaritchie

arrowqueen

RIP, our sarky besom

CACTUSWENDY

An old, sappy, and happy one.

Jamesaritchie

brokenfingers

Walkin' That Road

mommie4a

Mother of All Addictions

sgtsdaughter

Nearing the end of an era

scullars

Writer/Bibliophile

Thunder

sharon

mommie4a

Mother of All Addictions

sharon

Jamesaritchie

Dru

Professionally Paranoid

Jamesaritchie

Ella

Alphabeter

Player of the Letters

Dru

Professionally Paranoid

Alphabet

Aspiring Inspirer