The part about reading a lot and slowing down really resonated with me. I just wrote my first letter since May and during the research for it I took notes by hand — which I never do. It took about three times as long as when I type them, but connecting with my notebook cleared my mind, made the writing feel less overwhelming and helped me get over my block. Thank you for sharing this interview!
This is a great idea! "Official" retreats intimidate me and the length of time and cost are usually prohibitive. But I am very diligent about following set plans and can fool myself that my own created rules are real. I even have a friend who has repeatedly offered me corners of her house to write in but I never have bothered to make that plan. Thank you! I love hearing the details of these home retreats that have worked.
I met a woman who was offering her cabin as a 'half-hearted retreat' and committed to going there every Saturday during the dreary winter months to focus entirely on getting my first book finished. I took it very seriously and it worked! The drive was about 45 minutes - just long enough to make it like 'going away' -- a lovely drive for contemplation, too. I think making 'retreats' is the best way to take our writing seriously. Otherwise, as these ladies said, I find every excuse NOT to write -- my big distraction is COOKING.
I would love to find others in my area who would be interested in doing this! I seem to write more efficiently and intentionally if given this type of retreat atmosphere and schedule. To do that with another person would create "community" and unity. I am looking for just that!
*Anyone in the central Indiana area, feel free to contact me if interested in this sort of thing.
When I'm in writing mode, I stick to a schedule in my head that works well. I never thought of it as a retreat, but I like the idea. In the early morning, I do my morning essentials like have breakfast, take a walk, meditate, get groomed for the day. 9:30-10am I start writing and go until noon or 12:30. Then a break for lunch with my husband, walk the dog, and back to the writing from roughly 1:30-4:30. Then a leisurely evening, and repeat the next day:) This has been working well for me, usually 3-4 days/week.
Love this! This past year I’ve been doing writing retreats when I dog sit for my friends. Different house, and a great chance to lock in and get a lot of writing + reading done. I can now sit at their tables and instantly write. But love the cute printed schedule for doing it at home. 😍
I already take 1 full day a month as a writing retreat, but up to this point I've only scheduled 3-hour writing blocks in the AM and PM with a 1-hour lunch break in between. I love the idea of also scheduling breakfast, reading time, movement, and happy hour, too. I'm going to add those in for my next one!
I love this!! It's so timely for me because I have just scheduled a 2-day retreat with a friend. I live in Boston and she is in the Berkshires, so we are meeting at an inn which has a lovely parlor with a fireplace and tables. We have a general structure, but now I have all these great ideas from the K&K retreats! We built in a walk in the woods each day the last time we met. It's really helpful to me to get outside for fresh air. And time for rest and some meditation...a late afternoon power nap. I've tried to do this by myself but it is so much better with a partner...and more fun!
I'm so excited! Can't wait to do this with my novelist husband over Christmas break. Thanks for the inspiration!
The part about reading a lot and slowing down really resonated with me. I just wrote my first letter since May and during the research for it I took notes by hand — which I never do. It took about three times as long as when I type them, but connecting with my notebook cleared my mind, made the writing feel less overwhelming and helped me get over my block. Thank you for sharing this interview!
This is a wonderful idea! And thank you, Jami, for making it available to us free subscribers.
This is a great idea! "Official" retreats intimidate me and the length of time and cost are usually prohibitive. But I am very diligent about following set plans and can fool myself that my own created rules are real. I even have a friend who has repeatedly offered me corners of her house to write in but I never have bothered to make that plan. Thank you! I love hearing the details of these home retreats that have worked.
i especially appreciate the food menu
I met a woman who was offering her cabin as a 'half-hearted retreat' and committed to going there every Saturday during the dreary winter months to focus entirely on getting my first book finished. I took it very seriously and it worked! The drive was about 45 minutes - just long enough to make it like 'going away' -- a lovely drive for contemplation, too. I think making 'retreats' is the best way to take our writing seriously. Otherwise, as these ladies said, I find every excuse NOT to write -- my big distraction is COOKING.
I would love to find others in my area who would be interested in doing this! I seem to write more efficiently and intentionally if given this type of retreat atmosphere and schedule. To do that with another person would create "community" and unity. I am looking for just that!
*Anyone in the central Indiana area, feel free to contact me if interested in this sort of thing.
I love it. I'm not a schedule person but doing it every now and then would make it a novelty! My brain loves novelty and can be tricked very easily!
When I'm in writing mode, I stick to a schedule in my head that works well. I never thought of it as a retreat, but I like the idea. In the early morning, I do my morning essentials like have breakfast, take a walk, meditate, get groomed for the day. 9:30-10am I start writing and go until noon or 12:30. Then a break for lunch with my husband, walk the dog, and back to the writing from roughly 1:30-4:30. Then a leisurely evening, and repeat the next day:) This has been working well for me, usually 3-4 days/week.
Love this! This past year I’ve been doing writing retreats when I dog sit for my friends. Different house, and a great chance to lock in and get a lot of writing + reading done. I can now sit at their tables and instantly write. But love the cute printed schedule for doing it at home. 😍
I already take 1 full day a month as a writing retreat, but up to this point I've only scheduled 3-hour writing blocks in the AM and PM with a 1-hour lunch break in between. I love the idea of also scheduling breakfast, reading time, movement, and happy hour, too. I'm going to add those in for my next one!
I love this idea! I think the printed schedules make all the difference. I'm squirreling this away to try myself!
this is so so sooooo good!
I love this!! It's so timely for me because I have just scheduled a 2-day retreat with a friend. I live in Boston and she is in the Berkshires, so we are meeting at an inn which has a lovely parlor with a fireplace and tables. We have a general structure, but now I have all these great ideas from the K&K retreats! We built in a walk in the woods each day the last time we met. It's really helpful to me to get outside for fresh air. And time for rest and some meditation...a late afternoon power nap. I've tried to do this by myself but it is so much better with a partner...and more fun!
Awesome!! Hope you have a great time!
This made its way to my remote writing group and we all gave a resounding yes to making something happen next year
Excellent!!
Would really love to do this for myself!!