What are your 2023 resolutions—particularly when it comes to your writing life?
If one of your goals for this year is to find more time to write, I have a mission for you, should you choose to accept it: plan and execute your own writing retreat. Unlike retreats arranged by another party, there’s no fee to participate, and it’s a completely customizable experience.
Why do I so highly recommend this? Because I’ve done it myself! While I worked for The Mouse, I used to take myself on mini writing retreats around Disney Parks and Disney Springs. I always had a lovely time when I went on these mini writing retreats, and I plan to go on another before the spring, with my goal being to go on one mini writing retreat in each season.
Your writing deserves your attention. Dedicate a day to writing by following the steps below.
Select a Date
This, of course, is the most difficult part, isn’t it? We lead busy lives in the twenty-first century. It’s hard to find time for anything fun, let alone a whole day to sacrifice.
But it is so worth it to be safe in the knowledge that you planned for a writing day. You’re not “getting nothing done” outside of writing because you’re lazy—you chose to take this time. That choice has power. Own it.
Scheduling a full day—or even a weekend, if you have the luxury—on your calendar also makes the day immovable. If things come up, that’s one thing, but everyday distractions and responsibilities on this day can be set aside or delegated to the best of your abilities. Treat it as you would any other appointment.
Determine a Budget
Just like you might for a vacation, it’s a smart idea to make a budget because we all know that money adds up fast. Below are a few categories that you may want to consider when creating a budget.
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Food and drink
- Souvenir or “fun” money (if desired)
- Emergency fund
If you have a tendency to feel guilt when you take time for yourself or your craft, setting and sticking to a budget may help alleviate that. You can rest assured that not only have you set aside the time, but also the money.
Choose a Venue
This will be largely determined by three factors: how much time you set aside for this retreat, your budget, and where you live. Luckily, you’re coming into this decision process with all three of those things known!
Only you know all the factors at play for your situation. However, if the transportation and accommodation categories of your budget have to be zero and you cannot easily leave your home, I have a few ideas you can try to make your space different enough to still feel like a writing retreat.
- Write in a place you don’t normally write within your home if it won’t disrupt others. I’ve laid down blankets and written in my bathtub before!
- If you can’t do that, make your usual space unusual. Move your desk to the opposite wall or use Command velcro strips to hang up a cheap blanket for a makeshift “accent wall.”
- Give your space a theme. For example, if you love the beach, light a candle that smells like a sea breeze, play YouTube videos of ocean waves in a separate tab, and use washi tape to tape up pictures of the ocean from Unsplash you can have delivered via FreePrints. You could even choose to take it further—like wearing an outfit and preparing snacks that fit the theme!
Pick a Partner
If a writing buddy is able, you might consider inviting them to come along. You can keep each other on track, make sure the other person isn’t tempted to check in on their day-to-day life, bounce ideas off of each other, and bond. You might even have writing sprint wars if your goal is to get a larger than average number of words on the page.
Don’t have a writing buddy? Feel free to post in our free online community‘s chatroom that you’re looking for an accountability partner for the day/weekend, and someone is bound to get back to you!
Plan an Itinerary
If you’re not staying overnight somewhere or if you’re going on this little adventure alone, it might feel a little silly to map out what your day is going to look like. You probably have plans to play it by ear. But I encourage you to make at least a loose outline for the day(s). It’s part of taking this retreat—and your writing—more seriously.
Such an outline will also help you stay mindful of the time you have. You’ll be less tempted to go off track and do other, non-writing-related activities your future self wouldn’t thank you for doing. Breaking down the time you have into chunks can help you set realistic goals and manage your expectations.
Make a Packing List
Forgetting things is part of the universal human experience. How many of us have nearly walked out the door without our keys, wallet, or some other required item for leaving our home?
That’s why creating a packing list is essential—perhaps even more so if you’re planning to stick close to home. The last thing you want is to settle down, open up your laptop, realize the battery only has half an hour of charge left, and smack your head could’ve-had-a-V8 style because your charger is at home. Not only would that sour anyone’s mood, but it could also cut into your writing time if you choose to go back to retrieve it.
There’s also another, secret benefit you get from making a packing list (that you also get from creating an itinerary, by the by): it helps build your anticipation, and sometimes anticipation is one of the best parts of a trip. We have a go bag packing list as part of our library of free resources!
