Tuesday, April 9, 2013

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. 

7 comments:

  1. Ooh, lovely! I'm so glad you found a writing retreat that works just right for you!

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  2. What a great way to turn lemons into lemonade, this writing time will surely work in your favour. Watch out for that view though, it looks fabulously addictive.

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  3. Thanks, Louise!

    Rosemary, I'm afraid of that. Once the birds come back, it will be such a temptation to bird watch. I love birds! I'll make sure my parents hide their binoculars.

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  4. Oh, it looks lovely! I guess sometimes it just takes some thinking and creativity to make things work. Glad you got some writing done! (And yes, writing retreats w/friends sound so fun!)

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  5. That is so cool :) Looks like a gorgeous place to write.

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  6. Pretty! I would love to go on a "writer's retreat" ... but I'm also like you, 3 hours is my max... I'm sure I would find ways to waste time instead of write... but maybe not...

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  7. Looks like heaven to me. I got little kids constantly interrupting me all day. I could use a retreat like that. :)

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