Going On a Writer's Retreat

I’ve had several writing friends that have gone on writing retreats. Usually, it involves getting away to a hotel or bed and breakfast and writing, writing, writing without any interruptions or distractions.

It sounds like bliss to me. And I always wished I could go on one. But hotels are expensive, and, honestly, I’m not someone who can write for eight hours straight. My mind and creativity turn to drivel after a three hour maximum.

But then, I got my writer’s retreat. In an unusual way. My 16 year old son was looking for a job. My mother was looking for a house cleaner. And they got together. The only problem was that my son doesn’t drive. (He has a permit, but do you know how much money is costs to insure a teenage boy? He just keeps renewing his permit.)

As supportive as I was about the job, I saw it as another time suck, stealing writing time. And then, I decided to reimagine it. What if it was an opportunity to write? I could write while my son worked. I turned an unused bedroom suite in my parents’ second story into my writing retreat. When we arrive, I head upstairs and I stretch out on a daybed covered with silk pillows. I’m surrounded by silence. The French door opens onto a second story balcony overlooking a pond and a golf course. My only disturbance is snowy egrets that fly by.

It’s perfect for me. And all it took was a little imagination. (And my parents' house.)

Here are some photos.

I can't wait for the weather to warm up and I can sit outside on the balcony.

n.b. Yesterday on my Merry Heart blog, poet and author Laurel Garver guest-blogged about writing poetry and gave helpful suggestions for beginners. Check it out.