In a different thread, some of us were discussing Amtrak's offering residencies for writers. It turns out writers have to sign a contract and some of the wording of that contract gives Amtrak rights to the writer's work. As much of a scam as that is, it's NOT the point of this thread.
It got me thinking. I desperately need a vacation. I haven't been anywhere in almost 15 years! Funds are especially tight, too. So, I thought I'd see if I could find any day (or overnight) trips that would give me time to write.
The idea of writing on a train trip sounds like heaven to me. I checked Amtrak's website to see if there were any affordable trips I could take. Nothing. Most every train leaves my area around midnight so I wouldn't get any writing done. I did, however, check Greyhound. For $100 ($120 if I splurge a little!) I can get an eight hour ride to Chicago, stay overnight in what was rated a 4 out of 5 star hotel and leave the next day for another eight hour ride back. $18 bus ticket, $51 hotel. Add taxes and one meal out and I'm looking at $100 for a two day writing adventure (planned one month in advance).
I'm seriously considering this. Has anyone else ever done this or considered it?
And, as long as we're on the topic of writing vacations, if you have any other ideas, let's hear them! You never know, your idea might resonate with someone. What's your dream writer's vacation? Is it a specific conference or writer's retreat? I'd love to hear about it.
Personally, my dream writing vacation is to go on a cruise. Beauty, time, writing, and ports of call are the only things on the agenda. Add to that having your food prepared for you and available 24/7 and it's perfect! A nice seven day Canadian/Alaskan cruise would be great. A four to six month around the world cruise, however, would get me to marry someone!
How about you?
It got me thinking. I desperately need a vacation. I haven't been anywhere in almost 15 years! Funds are especially tight, too. So, I thought I'd see if I could find any day (or overnight) trips that would give me time to write.
The idea of writing on a train trip sounds like heaven to me. I checked Amtrak's website to see if there were any affordable trips I could take. Nothing. Most every train leaves my area around midnight so I wouldn't get any writing done. I did, however, check Greyhound. For $100 ($120 if I splurge a little!) I can get an eight hour ride to Chicago, stay overnight in what was rated a 4 out of 5 star hotel and leave the next day for another eight hour ride back. $18 bus ticket, $51 hotel. Add taxes and one meal out and I'm looking at $100 for a two day writing adventure (planned one month in advance).
I'm seriously considering this. Has anyone else ever done this or considered it?
And, as long as we're on the topic of writing vacations, if you have any other ideas, let's hear them! You never know, your idea might resonate with someone. What's your dream writer's vacation? Is it a specific conference or writer's retreat? I'd love to hear about it.
Personally, my dream writing vacation is to go on a cruise. Beauty, time, writing, and ports of call are the only things on the agenda. Add to that having your food prepared for you and available 24/7 and it's perfect! A nice seven day Canadian/Alaskan cruise would be great. A four to six month around the world cruise, however, would get me to marry someone!
How about you?