If you're a reader, it's a great way to peek behind the curtain of a writing life.
The awesome co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG are Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantiner!
And the question: If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?
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Over the years, I have learned to write anywhere. I've written in moving cars (not while driving), on the Mom couch at krav maga lessons, standing in the kitchen, sitting in bed, and hiding in a bathroom, among other more comfortable places. I'm good at blocking at distraction, too--which matters when you're trying to fit your writing life in the edges of an already full life.
That's not to say that's what I prefer. It's just what I've adapted to.
A few times, though, I got spoiled by getting to go on a writing retreat. I've been to the mountains and the sea, with other writers I knew and with strangers. The most valuable part for me has always been the temporary dropping of all other responsibilities and being *only* a writer for a few days in a row. The location is secondary. I feel as though a retreat almost anywhere would work for me, though it does help if there's easy access to good walking and scenic views.
The very best such experience I ever had was the Week of Quiet and Writing through RCWMS, an experience my husband found for me as a gift one year that still ranks as one of the most wonderful gifts I have ever received: basically you pay around $100 a night for a place to stay with walking distance beach and wetland access inclusive of meals! It may sound "churchy" but I'm not an outwardly religious person, and I felt comfortable and welcomed.
It's not fancy…in fact it feels a bit monastic: a small, plain room with only basic furnishings (bed, desk chair, dresser) and simple dining hall meals at prescribed hours. Myself, I liked that, I found it focusing, narrowing my non-writing world for a few days. The very plain simplicity of it really helped shield me from distraction.
Pelican House is a wonderful place for focus, and sitting in the cupola there, up the spiral staircase, with the window open so I could feel the sea air and hear the waves crashing while I wrote is my writing-related happy place. I'd write there every year if I could arrange it!
How about you, readers and visitors to my blog? Where would you go to invoke your muse for your own endeavors, given your druthers?
Hi, Samantha. A week away sounds marvelous, as long as the retreat facility has internet access. I'm not so good at blocking out distractions, and I feel guilty when ignoring my retired husband for hours at a time--a necessary condition for writing.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I went to Pelican House, there was no wifi. Sometimes I think that was better because I couldn't wander off into research every time the wordsmithing got difficult. I had to just keep a list of things to look up when I was back online.
DeleteI've never gone on a writer's retreat and can only imagine what it's like.
ReplyDeleteSmart to point out that you aren't driving when you write in moving cars. ;)
Yes, I'm a danger to my characters, but I try not to be a danger to myself and others. :-)
DeleteI've never been on a writer's retreat. I'd probably get too self conscious to write around all the other writers if I did. I'm neurotic like that.
ReplyDeleteI don't do well with write-ins and the like for just that reason. I listen to the rhythm of everyone else's typing and get intimidated! But, at these retreats, we've all gone off to our separate corners for the actual composing part of things.
DeleteI write around my house too. Your husband's gift to you was so sweet!
ReplyDeleteHe's a keeper, that one. :-)
DeleteI've never been on a retreat. It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Highly recommended. Even if you don't go far. Just time that is scheduled to be ONLY for your writing.
DeleteA retreat sounds wonderful, but it would take me a day or two to get acclimated so that I could write without being distracted. Your husband's gift was so neat.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that they've all felt too short--just when I get a groove going, it's time to go back to "regular life."
DeleteI would love to go on a writer's retreat. I'm really too easily distracted so just being able to focus on writing would be great.
ReplyDeleteThat monastic feel at Pelican House was perfect for me.
DeleteA monastic feel would be fantastic!
ReplyDeleteNever been to a writing treat. There's one where they cruise around the Caribbean I'd like to go on one day. But my ultimate place(s) would be places that were used for settings from the Harry Potter books.
ReplyDeleteOooh. That sounds lovely (both of those, actually).
DeleteI've never been to a writing retreat, but that one sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI’d Love to go on a writing retreat. What a sweet hubby you have!
ReplyDelete