A writer’s retreat can be a rewarding experience. It gives you a chance to get away from your everyday distractions and really get some work done. It can also give you a chance to experience a new location and meet new people. (Note the difference between a retreat and a conference: A conference will have lots of seminars, breakout sessions, critique groups, and meet and greets with publishing professionals. A retreat is pretty much you and your work, alone, for a period of time. There may be some scheduled activities, but far fewer than at a conference.) There are plenty of commercially organized retreats, or you can create your own by picking a secluded location and heading off for a few days.A retreat can be a great way to immerse yourself in your craft and it can even be a way to learn if writing is for you. (I know one person who went on a retreat and decided that he really didn’t like to write, after all. It was worth it, I guess. At least he now knows what he doesn’t want to do with his life.) The chance to spend a week or weekend just writing is very appealing, but it can be pricey. You want to get the most bang for your buck. You don’t want to waste your time or fail to gain any benefit from your retreat. Before you book your reservations, here are some things you can do to prepare so you get the most out of the retreat.
If there are publishing or writing professionals present at the retreat, take some time to meet with them. They can provide you insight into the positives of your work, or become helpful contacts when you’re ready to publish. Writing is the primary reason you’re here, but don’t forget to take advantage of networking and feedback opportunities, if offered.
You don’t want to waste precious retreat time with trips to Office Max, looking for your notes, or trying to track down that article that you really need. Double check your packing and make sure you have everything you need to begin writing as soon as you’re settled in. Also make sure your laptop is in working order and that you have all accessories like chargers, portable printers, flash drives, etc. Bring plenty of notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, page flags, index cards, or any other supplies that you use in your writing.
Having uninterrupted time to write can be startling and even upsetting. Some people just don’t know what to do with that kind of quiet time and they try to fill it with everything except writing. Resist the urge to check your Facebook page, answer email, or call your family to fill the void. Open your mind and embrace the experience. Get used to the solitude and make the most of it.
Everyone is at the retreat to work. While it’s fine to socialize at mealtimes or during other group activities, don’t be the chatterbox who’s knocking on doors late at night looking for company or who’s coaxing your new friends out to visit the city when they’re trying to work.
Be very clear in saying, “No,” if you’d rather work than go out to dinner with others. Get good at telling people (politely, if possible) to buzz off while you’re working. Some people will try to bug you to death, but you’re at the retreat to work. Most will get the hint quickly, but there may be a few that won’t get it until you’re downright rude.
Many people are most productive when they go to a retreat alone, without anyone they know. They might make a couple of new friends while there, but they aren’t tempted by the easy distractions that an established friendship offers.
On the other hand, some people are more comfortable having someone they know along on the retreat. If you do take a friend, make sure it’s a writer friend (non-writers will be bored and may unintentionally cause problems for others) and make sure it’s someone you feel comfortable saying, “Get lost,” to when you need to work.
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