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What do you do if you can't attend a writing conference this year?
I have a scheduling conflict with my favorite writing festival this year. It’s my yearly writing recharger: there are no editors or agents present, just local authors and poets. All the workshops are about craft and each time, I walk away renewed and reminded why I write: for the love of it.
I have a scheduling conflict with my favorite writing festival this year. It’s my yearly writing recharger: there are no editors or agents present, just local authors and poets. All the workshops are about craft and each time, I walk away renewed and reminded why I write: for the love of it.
Since I can't attend this year, I’m putting together my own writing retreat. Like
a staycation, I don’t plan on going anywhere. My kids are going to two
homeschool science days, one this month and one in May. These are roughly from
10-3, which I plan to devote to writing.
Here’s what I did last week for the April day:
(This is how I imagine I’d order my life would be if I
didn’t have to take care of kids or work):
10:00 drop kids off
10:30-12:00 write (I added 1500 words to my WIP!)
12:00-12:30 Lunch while watching a little Netflix
(it can’t all be about writing)
12:30-1:00 more writing
1:00-1:30 leisurely stroll around the park (because I get my
best ideas when I walk)
1:30-2:00 more writing (I ended up writing 1800 words for
the whole day)
2:00-2:30 reading for pleasure (because reading is just as
important as writing)
It was a wonderful day.
What I'd like to do for next month is to also read an inspirational writing book around the same time. I haven't read Bird by Bird (I know!), so that's a possibility, but if you have any other suggestions, please leave them in the comments.
What I'd like to do for next month is to also read an inspirational writing book around the same time. I haven't read Bird by Bird (I know!), so that's a possibility, but if you have any other suggestions, please leave them in the comments.
This is such a good idea! You're so right - we should create our own retreats. I'm going to go plan one for myself!
ReplyDeleteOh, you should, Liz, and I hope it rejuvenates you!
DeleteJane Yolen's TAKE JOY is my recommendation, to supplement Anne LeMott's wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteI've only ever been on the home-made-not-for-pay sort of retreats, and vouch for their value.
Thanks, Mirka! I haven't heard of TAKE JOY, but it sounds like just the thing I've been looking for and need to read right now.
DeleteI'm starting to realize I like the homemade retreats best myself--because the thing I value most is time to write.
What a lovely day! 1800 is super great. There aren't many times when I don't have the kidlet, except sometimes on Sunday. When I have to work those days, my in-laws pick him up for church, so I get an hour and a half to plunk myself down and write before I have to be in at work. Though sometimes I just read, always relaxing!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Leandra. I'm rarely alone, too, and so I'm always sneaking in writing when I can. Reading is good, too--you're getting inspired. :)
ReplyDeleteI was going to suggest Take Joy by Jane Yolen
ReplyDeleteRead/use BREAK INTO FICTION. You can watch a movie while using the templates in it to write your own novel [ the authors fill in the templates for 4 movies - CASABLANCA PRETTY WOMAN FINDING NEMO THE BOURNE IDENTITY
Thanks, Liz, for the Break into Fiction suggestion. I hadn't heard of it, but I could see how analyzing those films would be helpful for plotting Thanks for stopping by!
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