Writer Retreats
Writer Retreats
What does an ideal writing retreat look like for you?
Today I would love for you to share what you would bring to a writer retreat.
When I imagine a retreat I think of myself in close proximity to other writers tucked away in our own cabins. Maybe there is a forest and beautiful flowers and perfect temperatures. It is always nice to sit around and chat with other writers at some point in the day to talk about process, what ideas we are wrestling with, and works in progress.
Here's what I would bring.
Writing tools - I always need my notebook and a variety of pens. I have been using metal barrel Sharpie pens lately.
I also use my Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen with various colored inks. I also need to have my laptop for drafting and revising. Some pieces lend themselves to typing rather than handwriting.
Collage supplies - I have been dabbling with some collage lately and want to use some of the visuals to do some drafting. So I will bring my bag with all my magazine and paper supplies plus some adhesive. I have been creating the collages in an old cookbook so I don't have to chase them down later. I like the texture and the feel of the pages from the glue and layers of paper.
Poems - Poems are incredibly inspiring to me so I would take several of my poetry books. When I was getting ready to pack I would just pull the ones off the shelves that love in that moment.
Food/beverage - To sustain my writing time I need coffee, coffee, and coffee. Did I mention coffee? I also need water and some wine for the evenings. Food has been fairly simple for me lately so some rice or simple sandwiches will do. I also tend to like some sort of crunchy snack with my evening beverage.
Fire - I love to write and read in front of a fire. It can be inside if the temperatures are cool. I can be outside in a fire pit as well. There is something about fire that inspires me.
Animals - When I walk I love to visit the animals!
Movement - I am inspired by walks if the weather cooperates! If it is rainy outside [also good for writing] then I am content to just get up every hour to refill my coffee or water for my movement break!
Natural Silence - I do not like to write with music. Being out in the woods would be lovely to just listen to the natural sounds and silence that comes with the area. I love the sound of a fire. At home, I use Youtube for the white noise of a fire. In real life, you get the smell too!
Quote -
Neil Gaiman: “Whatever it takes to finish things, finish. You will learn more from a glorious failure than you ever will from something you never finished.”
Dr. Maya Angelou “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
also from her, “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.”
These are three quotes I come back to over and over.