“I do not know of any creative soul who does not dream of calm, cool, grass-growing days in which to work without interruption.”
When I read this glorious sentence from Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, I sighed in agreement. I find it tough to switch from my ‘Business Head’ of being a copywriter to my ‘Book Head’. For me, a writing retreat away is the best solution. But where can you go? And do you have to spend a lot? Here are some options:
D.I.Y. Writing Retreat
Ask a friend if you can be their Writer-in-Residence and stay with them. But not just any friend. This friend needs to be in gainful employment from at least 9am – 5pm. Their routine will force you into one.
Pluses of D.I.Y.
- Relatively cheap apart from copious gifts of thanks. I also recommend unstacking the dishwasher and naming a character after them.
- The peace and quiet of a domestic setting without the temptation to start sorting out bills or decorating.
- If you slash your data allowance and ask them not to give you the WiFi password, you can radically cut down on internet distractions.
- You get to spend a fun evening with a normal human being, smug in the knowledge that you’ve worked all day.
Minuses of D.I.Y.
- Your friend may start to resent that you’re getting to spend more time at their house than they do.
- Your friend may be tempted to take time off to hang out with you. While undoubtedly fun, try to leave this until the weekend. You are there to write.
- You may have to deal with the fall-out of their ninja cat’s latest kill…
Many thanks to my wonderful friend and chief beta reader Kate who has volunteered to host me many times!
The Bed&Breakfast oasis
I’ve heard of writers who take themselves off to a remote holiday cottage to pound out their next book. But I imagine this one-on-one writing retreat would get rather depressing. Cut off from the world, you’d never get a break from work and, I imagine, might go slightly mad.
In 2014 I walked the 200 miles of England’s Coast to Coast walking route. The sanctuary of a cosy B&B each night was very welcome. These are gems of the British countryside, often run by amazingly knowledgeable and interesting people. Just get in touch and see if they’d be happy to offer a small desk and WiFi during the day.
Pluses of a B&B
- Most B&B owners love to chat about their area. If you’re researching a historical or geographical background, they’ll know all the local experts.
- Most have WiFi. Or perhaps pick one that doesn’t, so you aren’t distracted.
- Guest lounges are often deserted during the day, or there may be alternative nooks around to write in.
- Home-cooked breakfast and a chat guaranteed.
- Most are within walking distance of a pub or restaurant.
Minuses of a B&B
- Depending on the owners, they might want to chat a little too much.
- Sometimes the bedrooms are so comfortable it’s easy to regress into holiday mode.
- You can’t guarantee who your fellow guests will be. But there again, if you need inspiration for some secondary characters…
Adventure abroad
If you want to go the whole hog, what about a dedicated writing retreat in a beautiful spot to inspire and refresh?
Years ago, I watched an interview with Labyrinth author Kate Moss. I choked back the envy when she said:
And when I need inspiration, I just look at this…
flinging open the gnarled, wooden door in the elegantly crumbling garden wall to reveal the French medieval city of Carcassonne.
But it is achievable. I’ve been lucky enough to visit La Muse Writers’ And Artists’ Retreat in the mountains north of Carcassonne four times now. It has been crucial in turning my book into something ready to present for submission.
Pluses of La Muse
- It’s remote. There are no distractions, not even a shop unless you walk down the valley for 20 minutes.
- There are amazing walks where you can clear your head.
- You get to hang out with other authors and artists. Which makes you want to write more as you don’t want to be the one saying you messed about on the internet all day. For me, it felt like being back at university but studying Finishing My Novel instead.
- The quiet hours rule means that you socialise around meal times, but there are set hours when everyone is supposed to be working. This gives you a routine.
- There is an amazing library full of favourite books donated by past La Musers.
- You make friends with other creatives you wouldn’t have met in a million years. I’ve kept in contact with a New York lawyer, a screenwriter from San Francisco and a Welsh poet.
- The owners Kerry and John are incredibly supportive and have tons of experience and contacts to draw upon.
Minuses of La Muse
- It’s in a remote village which some people might find disconcerting.
- This is the most costly option of the ones I’ve presented. However if you are a good cook, that will help keep costs down. You don’t have to hire a car as there’s a ‘ride package’ for shopping trips and airport or railway pick-ups. And there is a barter option…
- You have to resist the temptation to just spend all your time reading in the phenomenal library.
- You really resent having to leave the La Muse bubble. I’m already plotting my return.
If you have any questions about La Muse, please get in touch.
So what’s your favourite writing retreat solution?
Please tweet me at @reynoldsauthor
About the author
H.J. Reynolds has written and historical action adventure about Royalist spies in Oliver Cromwell’s England. The manuscript is complete and she is now seeking an agent. Contact her at helen[at]hjreynolds.co.uk