A few weeks ago, I got to escape reality. Okay, I do that on a regular basis, being a writer and all, but this escape didn’t just happen in my head. I stayed with five of my writer friends in a lovely house on the shore of San Juan Island, and it was pretty idyllic. Not only did we get to spend a week looking at this incredible view, but we even managed to get some writing done.
Most writers who have other responsibilities in life (and face it, that would be the majority of us) would have no problem coming up with a list of reasons not to go on a retreat. That’s easy. Here are just a few:
1. I can’t afford it. This is my number one favorite reason for absolutely everything. We attacked this one head-on by doing some fundraising. We hosted three garage sales, which can be a lot of work, but we earned a good percentage of our costs for the retreat.
2. I haven’t been invited. Why not plan your own? See my post on Planning the Perfect Writers’ Retreat for tips and resources.
3. I can write just as well at home. While that might be true, consider the benefits of having a chunk of time free from all of your regular distractions. Even if your house is kid-free and pet-free, there are always dust bunnies calling your name.
4. I can’t take time off from my job. If you don’t want to use your vacation time, consider a two or three day weekend retreat.
5. My family needs me. I get a lot of mileage out of this one. The truth is, they can probably manage for a few days. If you start off small, with just a weekend retreat, they’ll adjust, and so will you.
If you’re a writer, I highly recommend you go on a retreat at least once in a while. The kick-start your writing will receive will be well-worth the effort!
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