Writers' retreats

These days I tend to think I don't need them. I've had a daily writing habit now for many years and I mainly manage to stick to it. I've retired from the day job now and although I've somehow managed to fill my time, I've doubled my writing output and have an even stricter regime now that I still manage mainly to keep to. 

So, why would I need to go on a writers' retreat? 

I used to bookmark any I came across and dream of going to them. The contact with other writers they offered was very tempting. What about that one in France where you all meet on the patio in the evening for an aperitif before dining out in a local restaurant? Or that one where a resident writer gives you daily feedback on your work? Or the one way up in the Spanish mountains? Surely the views would inspire? 

When I first started writing seriously I was a Head of Modern Languages in a demanding secondary school and I was also studying for a Masters in Writing for Children. My writing mainly happened after 10.00 p.m. when I managed to get a second wind, at weekends, in the school holidays and when I was actually away on holiday. A retreat then would have been very handy.       

I've actually enjoyed four retreats and they have all been quite surprising.

 

In the Austrian Alps 

 

This was a home-made retreat. I took a week-long bargain holiday in a very well-appointed hotel and chose the half-board package. I didn't need to worry then about where I would eat.  Cafés were easy enough to find for lunch. 

I used this mainly to edit a young adult book.  The book had been placed second in a writing competition and the publisher who judged it thought it was worth working on more. It did become published and is in fact out now in second edition. 

I certainly got more work done that I would have at home. I also managed to do quite a lot of other things: swim and go for walks every day, meet up with some German friends, visit a German publisher and break a bone in my hand, thoroughly testing out the Austrian healthcare system with which I was most impressed.     

SCBWI  - near Taunton

 

This was off the beaten track, difficult to find, in the middle of nowhere, yet once we arrived, we were surprised by how many other buildings were nearby.  We had lovely weather and it did have and open air pool which we were able to enjoy. It also had a glorious, lush sloping lawn that we all longed to roll down but didn't quite dare to.

Yes, we did a lot of writing. It was good also to be connected with other writers. The bar opened before dinner and after dinner we shared work. We also had talks by a published picture book writer and an editor from a children's imprint. On the whole it was a very productive few days.

Retreats for You 

 

I attended this with two colleagues, the mum of one of them and with my friend and business partner, Debz Hobbs-Wyatt.  There was only one other guest and she fitted in with us very well. The superb home cooking made this one a delight. Six o'clock is wine o' clock and the hostess delivers a glass of wine to your desk.  

There is plenty of time to chat over meals and around the log fire in the evening. Debz and I even went to the pub one evening – it is conveniently right opposite the retreat. 

Again we went for walks and runs as well as spending a lot of time writing. 

I was pleased to note as well that some other writers I knew had been there the week before.  

Interestingly one project I worked on whilst there gained a gold award form my publisher. This means I get 15% royalties. 

Maybe being on retreat helps me to write better, if not more, so might be worth it even for hardened writers like me.            

Gladstone'sLibrary with SCBWI North West 

 

I attended this retreat immediately after I retired from the University of Salford. So yes, I provided the cava.

You can book into Gladstone's as an individual. This includes meals and snacks and there are tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms. There are no televisions in the rooms but digital radios. Some people like to have music on in the background when they're writing. 

There are many delightful places to write – in your room, in the library, or, if the weather is fine, in the grounds. 

Our writing sessions were punctuated by activities together, meals and walks, of which there are many nearby. In the evenings we gathered in the cosy lounge which has an honesty-box bar and a log fire.

It did kick start me into my new regime. Despite the breaks I completed a lot of writing and found a sharper pace.  

An old dream

I used to dream of owning a big house and offering writing retreats.  Now, I'm not so sure I have the energy. However, I have been invited to act as a tutor on a fully-catered retreat and I'm looking forward to that.

On balance, I would say that even for established writers there is much merit in occasionally going on retreat.        

Getting the habit, losing the habit and getting it back again

Once I started taking myself seriously as a writer and gave up the day job to become freelance I gave myself a regime of writing 1,000 words a day and writing for an hour. That worked. It was a matter of turning up at the page, not worrying about whether the muse popped along or not, and just getting on with it.

My first publications were educational materials. The royalties on them were quite generous and in fact I’m still earning from them now even though they were published in 2001. However, although I was sent copies of the books and they’re on my book shelf, I’m never going to see one of these in a bookshop. They’re sold directly to schools.

Then came my first contract for a “proper” book – one that would and has appeared in book shops. In order to complete that – another non-fiction one so it was sold on a proposal rather than a speculative complete script - I had to up my game to 2,000 words a day and two hours. I’m now a little kinder – I’m still on two hours a day but I only expect 1,500 words.

I now have a day job again but one that is very much connected to writing – I’m a senior lecturer in creative writing – and no one would say a word if I wrote my novel on the employer’s’ computer on the employer’s time. In fact, I’m writing this during office hours.  

Turning up for those words and hours was never a problem. I mainly tried to do this in the morning, even if it meant that some university work had to wait until the evening. Two hours of dedication to my writing.  Bliss! If I didn’t always quite fit in my two hours I would catch up at the weekend or even on holiday

All went well for the six years I free-lanced and for the last seven I’ve spent working at the university. Then all of a suddenly this year there was a massive amount of admin to do.  The only time I could fit it in was in the time when I would normally write. When I did get a few minutes to write there seemed to be no brain space.

The view from my window

I was also invited this year to go on a writers’ retreat.  I normally believe I don’t need this. I usually don’t have a problem with getting down to work. I’m now glad I did. Although I’m still behind, at least I got some solid chunks of work done whilst I was in Devon. Interestingly, the quality of the work was better than normal so I’m now considering trying to programme one of these retreats in each year. Perhaps it’s the concentrated time that helps.  No doubt also being with other writers has its influence. And perhaps even being in a place where s much writing has taken place before.  I’m somehow picking up on the energy.

I’m pleased to say that since just before Christmas life has returned to normal. I’m back into the rhythm of writing first of all each day. My work is progressing and I’m optimistic about the future again.