In part 1, I spoke about writer’s groups. In part 2, I covered some of the the pros and cons of workshops. So today we have retreats. Actually, I wish I was going to a retreat today. Quiet, solitude, beverage of choice, inspirational scenery, uninterrupted time to write, what’s not to like? Whether it’s a full-blown professionally run retreat at a luxury resort with twelve other writers that costs a bunch of money, or heading up to the cabin for a week by yourself, or renting a room at the local motel with your writing partner and ordering pizza for a weekend, a writing retreat can be just the ticket.

Like the other groups we talked about retreats vary greatly in size and scope so be sure you know what you are getting into before you spend your hard-earned money. Some retreats focus entirely on the act of writing, putting words on the page/screen as fast as you can. Others include mini workshops with the other attendees to provide some instant feedback and to talk through rough patches or potential ideas. Still others are structured affairs resembling multi-day workshops where editing is the name of the game.

I believe that the key to any style of retreat is to be prepared. Yes, that’s the Eagle Scout in me coming out. But nevertheless, being prepared can make or break your retreat. Make a list of what you think you will need, not just for the act of writing. Food, beverages, a good place to sleep are all important. Clean clothes are optional if it’s just you, but I would recommend regular bathing as it helps the mental aspects of writing as well. And, if you’re with a larger retreat it’s down right mandatory if you want a return invitation next year.

With regards to the act of writing, I recommend you have a backup method with you. Power grids can go down in a storm, laptop batteries can fail, and power cords can break. A good old-fashioned spiral-bound notebook or legal pads and several pencils and pens can be your most important items in your writing bag. Frankly,  anyone who doesn’t carry a writer’s notebook and pen with them wherever they go should question whether or not they are a serious writer. If you insist on writing on a computer, do not leave home without an external backup source. Save your work often. I prefer an mini external hard drive but I never travel without at least a new, formatted, usb drive. You just spent 3 days of vacation banging out 30,000 brilliant words to finish off your novel, your hard drive suddenly crashes, and you realize that not once during the writing marathon did you hit SAVE! It is not something you ever want to experience.

Along with food and water, you may find that you hit a wall, mentally or physically. Retreats are supposed to be fun, so take a break, go for a walk, go fishing or shopping, perhaps a swim. Let your mind and body recover/recharge. This is where the structured retreats can be helpful. Usually they have planned events to provide those down-time opportunities. Often an informal gathering around the fireplace/campfire or dinner table can result in inspiration that takes your story to a new level.

Like the other types of groups, do your research and determine if the format is what you are looking for. If it is, I highly recommend this form of writing event. Have fun and good writing!