Writing Retreats – what can they do for us?

Writers all work in different ways. I started writing when my children were young so I was soon expert at grabbing small pieces of time whenever I could. I was forever scribbling ideas and scraps of dialogue or thoughts in a notebook – whether I was in a doctor’s surgery waiting room with the children or in the kitchen at home while supper was in the oven. I didn’t have the luxury of sitting at a desk from nine to five (luxury? What did I know..?)

It’s the same for many other writers, especially women. We slot writing into our lives wherever there’s a small gap, and we all know that’s not ideal. A small gap just isn’t always big enough. A writing retreat can give us something that we don’t usually have – the time and space to focus on our writing. It can make us prioritise it.

Having led creative writing workshops for many years I’m aware that the two most common reasons for writers not writing are lack of time and lack of motivation. And so in my retreats I aim to provide the time to write, the ‘right’ kind of space in which to write, and the motivation to get on with it.

So, what is the right kind of space? I like warm and tranquil and somewhere different can add extra flavour. It’s important to have quiet, comfort, and of course an amazing view for conducive daydreaming… My favourite venue is finca el cerrillo – a 200 year old farmhouse close to the traditional Andalucian village of Canillas de Albaida, in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara, Southern Spain. The Finca was a working olive mill until the mid 1960s and has been carefully restored to preserve the charm and character of old Andalucia whilst providing the modern comforts and excellent cuisine of a small and charming hotel (see www.hotelfinca.com).

Nothing is too much trouble for the owners Gordon and Sue, there is an honesty bar, plenty of gorgeous ensuite rooms with air-con, and a fabulous pool with mountain views when you want to take a break and relax. The size of the finca means that the writing group (10-12 writers max) can occupy the entire hotel so we can create a peaceful venue during the day with a friendly small-group atmosphere in the evenings. And the finca is a retreat in the true sense of the word; the rest of the world seems a long way away…

But in this paradise setting some motivation doesn’t go amiss. So before you jump in that pool… After breakfast we have a group workshop of writing exercises and writing practice to get the creative juices flowing. There’s a different theme every day and I mix up the exercises. For example, in a ‘characterisation’ day pictures might introduce a new character to us. We might develop this character through writing prompts, questions and free writing. We might write a list of what he/she is carrying in his bag/ suitcase/ rucksack and choose one item to fill in more of his/ her story. We might write some dialogue and/ or practise writing in his/her point of view about his/her deepest secret for example. The list is endless really… And although I am happy to start my students off on the road, the direction they choose to take is completely up to them.

This is the kind of exercise I often do myself before I start writing a novel. It’s vital to get to know your characters really well – not just what they look like or what they do for a living, but also their background and childhood experiences, how they might respond to certain situations and people, and their innermost dreams and fears. To do this, I often freewrite in first person to find their voice. What I write may never get into the finished novel, but it helps me get to know them, believe in them and write freely from their point of view.

There’s lots of individual writing time in a retreat – of course – but I always tell groups that the amount of time they spend on their own writing is entirely their decision; a retreat isn’t the place for hassling people to write – it’s far too chilled for that. I do provide suggestions in case anyone is feeling blocked, but experience shows that the morning sessions usually provide the ideas. I also like to be available for 1 to 1 chats during the rest of the morning and we have a late afternoon group feedback session to bring everyone together (in the shade of the carob tree on the terrace!) to share writing, thoughts and ideas.

It always surprises me how many ideas are generated and how much everyone writes. There are a few obvious reasons. A writing retreat enables writers to escape the day job/ domestic duties/ procrastination/ possibly even the demands of their family (although partners are welcome to come along for some quiet chill out time too!).

It provides justification for writing because that is what each writer is there for. And it provides the kind of space in which ideas will appear, grow and flourish and in which a project is given the time and focus it deserves. Being with other writers is inspirational. We can listen, help, encourage and understand. Writing can be a lonely business. But not in a writing retreat. That’s never a lonely place.

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Rosanna Ley has been a creative writing tutor for 25 years and runs writing courses in the UK and abroad. She has worked with community groups in therapeutic settings and also mentors and appraises the work of new writers. Rosanna is the author of ‘The Saffron Trail’ her fourth novel published by Quercus. Her books have also been published in 12 other countries.

She has had numerous articles and short stories appear in UK magazines, and 12 other novels of contemporary fiction published in the U.K and abroad under a pseudonym. Rosanna enjoys travelling and her favourite writing place is anywhere with a sea view. She lives with her husband in West Dorset.

Find out more about her on her website: www.rosannaley.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: featured, inspiration, women writers, writing excercises, writing retreats

Category: On Writing