Writer Unboxed

Therese and I are starting to get it together again after returning from our annual writer’s retreat. For the fifth year in a row, we–along with fellow writer-buddy Elena Greene–rented a cottage in a beautiful setting, left instructions for spousal units to feed and care for offspring, and gave ourselves permission to immerse in writing. (Here are Therese and me . . . me looking a little worse for wear due to a couple of glasses of the Fingerlakes’ finest vintages.)

This year we added two other writers to our trio to make us a quintet. I was a little worried that we were going to get in each other’s way scrapping for electrical outlets for our laptops and fighting over the comfy couch. But we spread out to the corners that suited us best, and dug in.

Last year, I posted tips on how to plan a writer’s retreat. The number one rule for success is essential: pick people who are as serious as you are about writing for this indulgence. You’ll throw away time, money, and opportunity if you saddle yourself with folks who want to chit-chat while you want to go roaring through a scene, or worse, view the whole enterprise as a lark. You and your writing buds can be at various stages of publishing, but they must understand that the prime objective of the retreat is to write.

Because we had two extra people to share the expenses, we splurged on a lakehouse that had been built less that two years ago. We worried a bit about losing the rustic ambiance that had characterized past retreats. For about five seconds. Lemme tell you, it’s really great to keep the outside world at bay in theory, but the wi-fi access was an immense perk for me this year because I had research to do. The gourmet kitchen was also an amenity that I’m not so sure we can live without again. Elena was still able to get her canoeing in, and long thinking walks were taken. But we took advantage of the DVD player and full-screen t.v. in the evening, and the limitless hot water for showers in the morning.

Last night I downloaded my weekend efforts and was pleased as all get out over the amount of work that I’d gotten done. I know my companions made several important breakthroughs during the weekend as well.

A writer’s retreat is a luxury, especially for those of us juggling day jobs, families, and other responsibilities. But a weekend like that can make all the difference.

We’re already planning next year’s retreat. It’s something we just won’t do without.

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