How to Create a Productive DIY Writing Retreat

I recently returned from a self-designed writing retreat during which I finally finished my latest novel. Hooray! I love writing retreats, because they are focused chunks of time when I can work on specific writing goals. I don’t schedule them often enough, actually, but when I do them I find they jump-start my enthusiasm for a project, give a flagging project momentum, or provide a spurt of energy for the final push, as in this time.

We all dream of going on a retreat, sabbatical, or residency, ideally an all-expenses paid one where we don’t have to even prepare meals, but they are brought to us in a cute basket and left by the door. However, the reality is that precious few of us will get into the likes of the MacDowell Colony. That doesn’t mean we have to give up the idea of a retreat. You don’t have to wait for acceptance from the retreat gods in order to create one of your very own, designed around your goals and best writing practices. 

The trick for a productive writing retreat is to be intentional and strategic about it. Below are some things to keep in mind as you plan a DIY retreat:

The Logistics:

1.     Location: will you do it at home but simply create a particular retreat schedule? Will you sleep at home but go somewhere during the day to write? Will you travel? Get a hotel room? Rent a cabin? One thing I’ve learned is that since I love to explore new places, they are always a draw – however, it can be hard to focus on my writing when I’m itching to be out exploring! 

2.     Solo or group: will you do it alone or with others? There are pros and cons of each: solitude can allow you to go deep, but can be challenging; one or more other people can provide community and support but also distraction.

3.     How long will it be? 

4.     Cost: what’s your budget? This is obviously related to location. You have to think about sleeping accommodation, meals, travel expenses, and incidentals.

5.     You may want to start with something short – a day, or a weekend. Giving yourself a week may sound lovely, but it may also paralyze you! Go with how you feel you will be most productive.    

The Preparation:

1.     It is advisable to have a concrete goal to work toward. What is your goal for the retreat? To finish a draft of your novel? Generate new ideas and not feel pressured to create a perfect “product”? (i.e., PLAY). Hammer out an outline? Make sure it is something you think is achievable in the time frame you have.

2.     What will you need to do your best work? Computer, notebook, special pens, special pillow… music, candles, good luck totem… books! (What books will inspire you? Craft books? Works in your genre? Books that are completely different from what you are writing?)

3.     What will your schedule be each day? It usually works best if you have a consistent schedule, where writing fits in at your optimal creative time. Be sure to plan breaks! When confronted with hours of free time for writing, your brain may rebel. Suddenly, a paragraph takes an hour. Try bursts of writing followed by time to walk or some other activity. I like to do my retreats somewhere close to nature, where I can get out and explore easily.

 The Retreat Experience:

1.     At first being on retreat you may feel pressure – to make it worthwhile, to perform, to make it perfect. Take a deep breath. Tell yourself you don’t need to be perfect, in your writing or anything else. Recommit to your goals and try not to feel spooked (or over-excited) by the sudden swath of time you have to dedicate to your writing.

2.     You may want to start your retreat with some sort of ritual, using candles, incense, a meditation, an affirmation… whatever speaks to you. This signals your mind that you are entering a form of sacred space.

3.     Keep to your schedule, unless there is a very good reason not to. 

4.     Intersperse writing time with something more physical – walking or hiking, or biking, or canoeing/kayaking… whatever presents itself. Some of your best ideas will come when you are not writing!

5.     If you are with someone, fellow writer or not, make sure your schedule includes time with them but also plenty of time to do what you came to do – write. 

6.     Enjoy! 

7.     You may want to do a closing ritual to help close this time and transition to the “real world.”

Post Retreat:

1.     After your retreat (or during) it can be helpful to journal about what you liked about the experience, what went well, what was challenging, what you would do differently next time. 

2.     Did you accomplish your writing goal(s)? Why or why not? 

3.     Is this something you would like to do regularly? If so, start planning the next one while this one is fresh in your mind. 

Have you done a writing retreat? Do you have any tips to add to the ones above? Let me know in the comments!