Beating a Retreat by Wendy H. Jones

As a writer I am fast finding out how busy life can be. Life, and everything involved in it, can take us away from writing. As a Christian, I am fast discovering, the same applies. I am sure most writers would identify with this. Before we know it, we are exhausted and both writing, and spending time with God has been squeezed out. Now I am not saying we should ignore life and retreat into our own little world. That is not a healthy attitude to have either. We were born to be social creatures, and we need to spend time with other people. However, sometimes it is good to step off the conveyor belt and take stock of what is going on in our lives. 

This has got me thinking about retreats, both writing and spiritual. There are many excellent organisations which arrange these and a quick google search will bring up many. In fact, Christian author and speaker Amy Boucher Pye is leading one at El Palmeral, Spain as I type. Unfortunately I was not able to attend this, but I am sure all those who are there are enjoying the experience. I am equally sure that their writing will benefit. You can find out ore on the link below.

http://www.palmgrovecommunity.com/

However, I am fortunate in that I have been offered a retreat closer to home. A friend of mine has a writers cottage about an hour away from where I live. This is called a cottage but is actually a huge house with every bedroom set out as a writer's haven. It sits on a cliff, with the most spectacular views in Scotland. She is very kindly allowing me to spend five days there in June. 

Whilst I am there, I intend to write every day, and to spend time praying and reading God's word. It will be a time for me to recharge and take stock of what is important. It will also allow me to get a head start on book number three. I am excited about the opportunity. I am also praying for sun so I can write outside, looking out over the cliffs and the sea. Maybe, I'm being a bit greedy here, but hey, I might as well push the boat out as far as answer to prayer is concerned. 

Hence the picture of the notebook. Although my notebook is more like the picture below than the picture above.

I intend to write with abandon. I intend to drag my muse up kicking and screaming at a reasonable time of day. I, and my muse will follow my characters on a wild ride through the pages of the book. I am going to enjoy every minute.

However, I am also going to take time to, rest, reflect and read. This is an opportunity which doesn't come along very often and I intend to make the most of it. I will keep you posted as to how it goes. 

About the Author

Wendy H. Jones lives in, Scotland, and her police procedural series featuring Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie, is set in the beautiful city of Dundee, Scotland. Wendy has led a varied and adventurous life. Her love for adventure led to her joining the Royal Navy to undertake nurse training. After six years in the Navy she joined the Army where she served as an Officer for a further 17 years. This took her all over the world including Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Much of her spare time is now spent travelling around the UK, and lands much further afield. As well as nursing Wendy also worked for many years in Academia. This led to publication in academic textbooks and journals. Killer's Countdown is her first novel and the first book in the Shona McKenzie Mystery series. Her second book, Killer's Craft, will be released on 20th July, 2015.

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