When you join a writer’s retreat, there’s a good chance that once you’ve found your idyllic and inspiring new space… you may struggle to get into gear. Typically we find places that would serve as wonderful holiday destinations, so it’s important to have a game plan… otherwise much like a book club, things may stray.
Let’s start with the essentials. Your writing tools! Nowadays we can just flip open a laptop and get to work but you’ll need power to recharge that glorified typewriter. Maybe you use a dictaphone, digital recorder or even you phone to record notes? This means packing your power cable… along with your cellphone’s charger. You don’t want to be that person who’s constantly interrupting others to borrow a charger.
Above and beyond the laptop, you’ll need a notebook. Confusing, right? We’re talking about one of those papery things. A great companion for writers, remember to include at least two pens and two pencils in order to make sure you have the tools (and a back up or two) to write.
Most guesthouses and hotels have a desk in your room. While you’ll be able to find a table in a dining room that suits your needs, it’s not the worst idea to buy one of those foldaway laptop tables just in case. The beauty of having one of those fold out tables is that you’ll have extra versatility for adventures beyond your accommodation. If you know of walks, hillsides and forests near your writer’s retreat having this can make the entire surroundings a possible work space. When indoors try to ensure you work from a well-lit, uncluttered and comfortable space.
Equally essential but not quite as important as being able to type or write, it’s important for you to have your plan devised well in advance so that you can be sure to get everything you need to do. In essence, what do you want to accomplish over the writer’s retreat. Do you have a page count goal, number of words… a daily objective? It helps to keep you on the straight and narrow. If you need to break goals down into smaller sub goals… go ahead. Trying to keep focus and get those hours in? Create little checkboxes or fill in blocks of time as you go along. Just do whatever works for you.
Stay hydrated. The classic writer’s companion is a cup of coffee but you need to balance that out with water. Make sure you fill your retreat with healthy snacks so that you can perform at optimal levels.
Be receptive to new ideas. Your writer’s retreat is important in the way that you’re immersed in a new and inspiring space. So, take full advantage of the environment all it conjures up. Stay open-minded, dream out loud and use the dynamic of the situation to breathe new life into your writing.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, remember to have fun! These breaks are designed to be a perfect blend of business and pleasure so it’s important to not lose perspective.