Writing Retreat

Many of you who know me know I have been away at a writer's retreat all week. I'm at LRWA's famous Hermit Week and I have had a fabulous time. What is Hermit Week? It is pretty much just like it sounds--you go away to write and kinda become a hermit for a week. This retreat is just outside Charleston, SC and we are in a very large house right on the beach. I am on the third floor and I have a little balcony--and I can hear the waves right now as I type (and the door is closed).

We are quiet all day so all the writers can work (there are 10 of us--each has a private bedroom/bath) and then around 5:30 or so we gather for a shared dinner, wine, and lots of chat!

I came here with a word count goal. I would forge ahead and get lots of words down. Well, I did get lots of words down but many other cool things happened that I did not expect.

• I made friends
• I thought
• I walked on the beach
• I watched dolphins
• I looked at the stars
• I tried new wines
• I listened to the waves
• I walked in the water

Perhaps the biggest thing I did (that I didn't even know I still had the capacity to do) was sit and think without multi-tasking. Just think. Not move, do laundry, *anything* but sit and think. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it felt. I know I am pretty wound up most of the time with a billion things going on--but I am going to find a way to just sit quietly and think every day. Even if I can steal a few minutes--it helps so much.

Have you been to a writing retreat? If not, why not? I think you could make your own--just get out of the house/office. Even a day retreat at the park to write. Go somewhere you haven't ever been--or been in a long while. Try it! You might be surprised at what you learn about yourself. I know I was. And now I have a plan!

Kerry