The Value of Writing Retreats

I have attended a few writing retreats, some virtual and some in-person.

I spend so much time writing on my own that when I am in a retreat, I feel as if I am part of a community. I can exchange ideas and learn from others. I improve my craft and expand my knowledge on the industry and related subjects. I get inspired by other authors, and I get motivated to continue with my writing.

Most recently, I was at a writer’s retreat in Peel Manor House, Western Australia, and Crom Castle, Northern Ireland. Both were completely different settings yet awe-inspiring environments. They are nothing like what I live through on a daily basis. That, in it of itself, was vital for me to refocus and reset.

What I value the most, however, is the opportunity to socialize and engage in loving and supportive conversations and situations. It is invaluable. I get a renewed sense of self, a confidence boost, and I am infused with the strength I see in those around me. I feel we all become stronger, yet there is also nurturing.

Personally, I feel nourished because writing retreats provide the space for me to be me. I would like to think that I provide others the same space for them to be themselves, but you’d have to ask them to know for sure. It is my intention to provide a calming presence and be there for others.

While I know that many attend retreats to find the time and space to write, for me, writing retreats provide a beautiful way to share laughter and joy, exchange stories, and collaborate in a genuine and spontaneous atmosphere. I do get some writing done, but it’s not the purpose of the retreat. What I am looking for is companionship and support, and for that, writing retreats are invaluable.