The Value of Writing Retreats by Wendy H. Jones

 

Auscot Partners - Susa, Wendy and Shoma

I love writing retreats. Last year I spent two weeks in Israel writing in Eilat at the hostel run by ACW member Judy Pex and had the most productive time of writing. There's something about getting away from it all and changing one's environment which helps the creative juices flow. This year, at roughly the same time, I was running my own writing retreat in Scotland under the auspices of Auscot Publishing and Retreats, my new company, set up with my partners, Susan McVey in Scotland and Shoma Mitra in Australia. Hence the name Auscot. Anyway, I digress. I learned so much whilst running my first retreat and found there was so much value in spending time away, writing with others. 

Retreats come in many shapes and sizes but we made a conscious decision to keep this one intimate as we wanted to foster an atmosphere of friendship and support. This worked as attendees go to know each other well and discussions both in the sessions and afterwards in the bar ranged far and wide. The discussion of writing moved way beyond the sessions themselves. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere also meant that we could add sessions that helped participants further on their writing journey.

During the week we had agents, publishers and industry experts join us, either in person or via zoom. These were extremely popular. Those who had paid for different packages also had one to ones with publishers and agents. 

Of course, one cannot talk about writing retreats without addressing the actual writing. Even as an organiser and a presenter I was energised to write each afternoon. I found my brain was fired up and I was thinking about how I could move my writing forward. There is something about being with other writers which allows the brain to think in different ways. The creative juices were not os much flowing as gushing out like a fountain.

A visit to Stirling Castle not only showed our Australian and American attendees what a beautiful country Scotland is but gave them an opportunity to think of stories, articles and  social media posts they could use. A couple of us even did some writing on the throne of the King and Queen of Scotland. Now, that's something to write about.

Of course, it wasn't all work and nothing else. With a gala dinner, games nights, gathering in the bar and a gala dinner, great fun was had by all. Lasting friendships were formed and I know the support which started on the retreat will continue throughout the years. 

I can safely say writing retreats have immense value and I am very much looking forward to our next one in Perth, Australia. Yes, writing retreats are also addictive. Whether you have been on a writing retreat or not, what would you consider the value of a retreat might be for you? let me know in the comments. 

About the Author

Wendy H Jones is the multi award-winning, Amazon #1 international best-selling author of the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries. Her Young Adult Mystery, The Dagger’s Curse was a finalist in the Woman Alive Readers' Choice Award. Non-Fiction Matters the fourth book in her Writing Matters Series won the prestigious Dorothy Dunbar Cup from the Scottish Association of Writers. She is also the retired President of the Scottish Association of Writers, an international public speaker, and runs conferences and workshops on writing, motivation and marketing.  She is the Editor in Chief of Writers' Narrative a new magazine for writers.  She is also a partner in Auscot Publishing and Retreats an international publishing and writing retreat organisation. Wendy is represented by Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary Services. 

Website

Amazon Author Page

Twitter 

Facebook

Instagram