How to make the most out of a Writing Retreat

 

I spent the previous weekend at the Writescape’s “Spring Thaw Writing Retreat” on Rice Lake. When I came home, I was asked what makes a great writing retreat. Choosing a well-organized retreat with inspiring instructors is part of the secret but part of the responsibility also rests with us. There’s a magic that can happen at writing retreats.

Our Writing Cabin at Rice Lake

There’s something special that  happens when you surround yourself with other writers and your creativity blooms like a flower in sunshine.  I have been to several writing retreats and here’s my list on how to make the most out of the experience.

1. Write !

Yes, this is the primary purpose of going to a writing retreat for most people.   A writing retreat is a chance to immerse yourself in your current project or get inspire (or maybe re-inspired) to write. Make sure you use your time to write and write and write.

2. Make realistic goals

When I go on a writing retreat, I usually set at least 3 or 4 goals. One of my goals is usually a number of words I want to write. This helps keep me focused on writing through out the retreat. But I also have other goals, such as fleshing out a particular character or developing a difficult scene.

3. Take nature walks

I try to take at least one inspirational walk every day when I am at a retreat. It doesn’t have to be long but getting out in the fresh air, walking and thinking about your novel or writing project is a great way to get the creative juices running again. At Rice Lake, I took nature walks every day to visit the chickens and horses and take in the beautiful view of the lake.

4. Participate only in events that will be a value to you

At many writing retreats, there are often writing exercises or other workshops or events that you can participate in. Some of these are wonderful opportunities to stretch your creativity and get your pen moving or share your work. But only participate if you need a break or need inspiration or the workshop is of interest to you. Do not feel the need to participate in all events unless you want to.

5. Watch the sunrise every morning

We don’t watch enough sunrises in our daily lives. Plus if you are up to watch the sunrise, it means you are awake to be writing!

6. Talk to the other writers

At meals and breaks, talk to other writers. Make the most of this time to meet new people. Ask what they are working on. Hear about their writing project. Learn about their writing process. I have learned some of my most valuable tips at the dinner table when someone tells me something they do in their creative process.

7. Read your draft work to other writers

This is hard for most of us to do. We want to edit our work before sharing. However, that could take years. At a writing retreat, you are amongst your own kind; be brave. You often get valuable feedback. And you might be surprised that your draft is better than you thought.

8. Brain storm with other writers

Having the opportunity to brainstorm plots or characters among other writers is invaluable. When you get a chance, take advantage of it. Make sure you give back too and help others with their brainstorming. Sharing in the creative process is like having cake and pie. This is one of my favourite aspects of a writing retreat.

9. If possible, stay at the writing retreat for as long as you can afford

For the first time, I spent five days at the writing retreat at Rice Lake. What a difference those extra two days made! Often over a long weekend (the usual time I take for a writing retreat), I feel that I’m only getting going when I have to leave. Five days was glorious and allowed me to immerse myself in my project. If you can do an extended retreat, do it!

10. Before you leave the retreat, make a “to do” list for what you’re going to work on next

I like to leave a retreat by reflecting on what I accomplished on the retreat. I review my goals and then I set new ones. Maybe it’s to complete particular scenes or research an aspect of your story. Setting new goals will help keep you focused when returning to “normal” life post retreat.