Planning a Writing Getaway

The cabin (though I didn't have the snow)
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to get away. I didn't go far, but I did go alone. I spent the time at the beautiful Lodge at Elk Valley in Colorado.

I prepared for this weekend in a couple of ways. In case you can set aside some solitary time to write, here's what I did:

I started out with a shot in the arm. I met with one of my critique groups. Talking about writing always spurs me to sit down and actually write. Normally, after crit group, I go home and end up buried in household tasks. This time, I went straight to my retreat.

I stocked my supplies. Since I didn't want to be tempted to run out to the store, I planned my meals and snacks and brought everything I needed. When my husband called to see if he could bring me something, I said, "I'm all set." My supplies included my daughter's iPod (with lots of movie soundtracks for the mood of different chapters), nuts for munching, and some creme soda. Oh, and a huge cup of Sonic ice. Can't write without it.

I left some things home. Namely my Kindle. I'd be way too tempted to curl up and read if it came along. Instead, I brought some Writer's Digest magazines for those moments where I couldn't stand to write anymore. I left uncomfortable clothes and (most) junk food, too.


I used a tried and true technique. To keep myself focused, I used the Pomodoro Technique. This involves setting a timer for 50 minutes of work, then taking a ten minute break. You can do anything for 50 minutes! On my breaks, I took a brisk walk (this old ranch is beautiful!), got a snack, or checked my email.

I'll be heading home in a few hours (when I finish my next chapter).

Getting away by myself is great, but it's not perfect. In The Lonely Cabin Myth, I wrote about why I'm sometimes more productive when I'm writing in the middle of a hectic life. Maybe you experience the same thing.

Do you get more done when you go away by yourself? Or does fighting for your writing time bring better results? What else would you bring on a writing retreat?
The beautiful view I enjoyed. That's Pikes Peak in the distance.

14 comments:

  1. I'm jealous! That looks positively beautiful, Debbie. Hope you get some productive writing done, but knowing you I know you will.

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  2. What a gorgeous get-away! I need to be somewhere other than home, where no-one knows me, to get a chunk of work done. Thanks for your post, Debbie!

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  3. Okay, I want to come next time and sit in my own little corner. :)

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  4. Thanks, Les. I've got a big chunk done, which is good since the whole family is home on spring break this week!

    Jarm, I do better when I'm away, too. Though I'm a homebody at heart.

    Mary--maybe we'll have to plan something like that sometime! It would be lots of fun. :)

    ~Debbie

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  5. I think I've trained myself to do better out of the house than in. If I'm in the house, I'm in bed doing nothing. If ever fiction writing becomes my sole source of income, I would have to take my laptop out to a café or something in order to get anything done!

    I do like the idea of a retreat. Perhaps I should find a set-up like that for myself!

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  6. Except, I know that if you're "in bed doing nothing", you're really plotting, Sonia!

    ~Debbie

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  7. This sounds wonderful! I admire you for making the time to do it.

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  8. Actually, Andrea, I was kind of desperate to get some words in before the end of next month!

    ~Debbie

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  9. Debbie, what an amazing cabin! I love that you took time away for writing. I've never done anything like that and I'm not sure I could handle it. I'm the hyperactive type, and being hold up in a cabin in the woods would either make me or break me. I'd like to think that I'd find my center and write non-stop for hours. Perhaps I'll give it a shot;)
    I can't wait to read your novel!!

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  10. Leah, I hope you get to plan the perfect kind of getaway for you. And I'm hoping that my novel will find a home eventually!

    ~Debbie

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  11. Debbie, you novel will find a home...even if you have to build the house yourself. I received over 80 rejections, none of which even bothered to read the manuscript.

    I paid for a professional to assist with synopsis, and query, and with edit. Still no bites. Sooo, I became a publisher, Nonpareil Press, and signed a contract with a printer, and my novel will be available in every book store in the country. All one needs to do is request my book and they will order it.

    I have a lot of marketing work ahead of me, but as far as I can tell agents and publishers require authors to do this work anyway. I was tired of waiting for somebody else to unlock the gate for me, so I decided to make a key for myself.
    Wishing you the absolute best!

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  12. I love the way you worded it: 'build the house yourself' and 'make a key for myself'. This is the new world of publishing!

    My intent is to travel through the process of finding an agent, mainly because I know I'll learn so much through the process of rejections, and it will make me (and maybe my story) stronger. I haven't closed the door on doing it myself, so I'm trying to keep up with all the knowledge I need in that area, too.

    So excited to see your book soon!

    ~Debbie

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  13. Debbie, I paid a handsome sum of money for a list of agents who accept works in my genres: Women's fiction, literary fiction, fiction. So, if I can be any help let me know. I'm willing to share;)

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  14. Thank so much, Leah! I'll let you know what happens.

    ~Debbie

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