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A DIY Writer’s Retreat
By Courtney L. Mroch
I love dreaming about getting accepted for one of the writer’s
retreats Hope often includes in her newsletters. She recently
listed one that was particularly tempting for a residency at
the Chateau de Lavigny in Switzerland, described as “situated
in a small village between Geneva and Lausanne, overlooking Lake
Geneva and the Alps. It is able to host a maximum of eight
writers per three-week session.”
Oh, what it’d be like to be one of those eight! I’ve always
wanted to travel to that part of Europe, and to do so with
the intent of devoting hour upon glorious hour to my craft?
The shivers that race through me at the very prospect such an
opportunity exists!
Except…it doesn’t take long before I snap back to reality. My
husband’s job requires long hours and frequent travel. Who would
care for our animals? I wouldn’t want to risk traumatizing my
three fur kids, who I’m a full-time stay-at-home mom to, with an
extended absence.
But what if I created my own writer’s retreat right here at home?
Or at least in my hometown.
I did, and here’s how you can too.
* Find a place that stirs your muse. Consider libraries, coffee
shops, parks, or cafés.
For me, it’s the Brentwood Public Library situated smack dab in
Concord Park. Floor-to-ceiling stained glass panels and intricate
quilts hung on the wall greet visitors in the entry, lending a
homey air. Books galore are nestled within row upon row of wooden
bookshelves. Green glass-topped banker’s lamps grace every desk.
Most desks sit right next to a window, each of which has a view.
It might not be as spectacular as a Lake Geneva or the Alps, but
the rolling green hills blooming with daffodils in spring, or the
trees on fire with reds and golds in autumn are breathtaking in
their own right.
My favorite desks are the ones at the back, which glimpse the
library’s courtyard garden and Bunny Hill beyond. (In the mornings
and early evening, in addition to foraging squirrels, there are also
plenty of rabbits hopping about. It always makes me think of Beatrix
Potter. I’m sure it would inspire new friends and adventures for
Peter.)
* Opt for a retreat that’s far enough you’ll feel “away from it all,”
but near enough it’s not a chore to get there.
Any longer than a 25-minute commute might have you finding excuses
why you can’t go. (Especially if gas prices keep rising as they’re
expected to.)
* Make sure your surroundings inspire, not distract, you.
I often see people with their laptops at Starbucks and Panera’s,
but I’d be too distracted. I prefer the library because for the
most part people are quiet and inconspicuous.
* Block out two hours for your first “retreat” and commit to it on
your calendar.
If you’re like me, bogged down by demands (I’m a freelance writer in
addition to being a full-time stay-at-home animal mom), time is
precious –and rare. It’s easy to find excuses not to do something.
But if you allot yourself the two hours the same as you would to an
away retreat (i.e. committing to X amount of days on your calendar),
you’ll stick with it.
Then you can adjust as need be. For example, increase it to four
hours one day each month, or two hours every other week.
* Be prepared for the consequences.
Once you find your retreat, going becomes addictive. A relaxed,
inspired, and motivated muse is such a productive one --and that
means you’re going to be one busy writer.
---
COURTNEY L. MROCH
http://members.families.com/petscribe/blog
http://www.courtneymroch.com
http://www.myspace.com/courtneymroch
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