Travel Tuesdays: Writing Retreat, Part 2

Arriving at When Words Count Retreat

Last month, I was fortunate to win a three night writing retreat from When Words Count Retreat. I admit, had I not won it, I probably wouldn't have taken such a retreat. Taking time away from my family to pursue a writing project is not something that comes easily to me. I'm also fortunate to be married to a man who supports me and basically told me I should go, and I should go alone so I could focus on my work (According to the sweepstakes rules, I was allowed to bring a guest).

So last Wednesday, I made the four hour drive to Rochester, Vermont. Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, "When Words Count" was the perfect place to dig into my project. I didn't write as many words as I had hoped, but I accomplished more than I thought I would. I know that sounds weird, so I'll try to explain.

I often hear of other writers going on a retreat and coming out with 5,000 words (Or in the case of one very prolific writer who was there with me- at least 3800 each day!). Wow, I thought, that would be amazing. But I'm not that kind of a writer. My work tends to come out in random bits and pieces- images and phrases that I need to lasso into a cohesive narrative. As I mentioned in last Tuesday's post, I also wondered if I would be able to hunker down and do the work when faced with large chunks of open time.  In essence, did I have the chops to focus and dig deep? And that's one thing I learned about myself. I did, in fact, manage to focus on my work- to avoid the pitfalls of socializing with other writers more than working on my writing. So while I did not come home with 5,000 words written, I was able to do lots of big picture planning and draft some opening pages that set the stage for the rest of my book. I got my mind into the setting and spent time digging around in my character's mind.

I still have lots to do. And I'm still not certain where this project will take me, but I'm happy I had the time and space to live with my idea, get to know my characters, and plan for their future.

Related Posts:
Travel Tuesdays: Writing Retreat
Travel Tuesdays: Top 10 Reasons Why You (Yes, YOU) Should Go On a Retreat