Selfie by the pond (I would have asked the forest elves but they were busy!)
So last week I went off into the woods for a self-styled writing retreat, where I had a lovely, private facility all to myself. Some might say, “weren’t you lonely, or afraid, bored, or distracted by the maddening silence?” I would say, none of the above. I was very aware of being alone, but never lonely; I was surprised momentarily by animal or other sounds unfamiliar to me, but confident my immediate surroundings were safe; I had slack moments, but never once felt bored; and the sounds of silence enabled a floodgate of work on my WIP.
Last week I mentioned that every writing retreat has takeaways. For me, the biggest realization was how hard it is to write this second book. I think Crazy was easier because it is semi-autobiographical and flowed from a well deep inside me. I am having to work harder on the WIP (not directly based on personal experience) which is not a bad thing, just a new-and-different thing. So as part of my frequent breaks, I compiled a little photo-journal. At least, I told myself, if I come down with a bad case of writer’s block, I will have something to show for it.
Every day you can count on a sunrise and a sunset, even if you can’t count a single word you wrote.
Sometimes the sunshine doesn’t produce as much
as the clouds.
Writing can be as complex as a labyrinth,
as free-wheeling as a liana,
as meandering as a stream,
as gnarly as tree knots,
or just downright messy.
It can be enough to drive you into a hole,
cause you to talk to trees,
or seek shelter in unlikely places.
Savor the new life that springs out of dead leaves.
A great idea, your writing retreat. Life is in the moment, so such a retreat is a great way to live it!
Thanks for leaving a comment, Cindy. Life certainly IS in the moment, and I’m looking at the little “Forty-three years later” photos you sent me, and reminded that you and I do a pretty fair job of embracing those moments. If only life would slow down a bit to accommodate our slower pace, ha!
Lucky you! What a wonderful experience and a wonderful way to share it with all of us.
Hi Sandra,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I was lucky to be able to set aside time to do this, and I was pleased with what I got done, although it is still slow going. But not quite as slow as home with all its daily distractions (like helpful hubby, for one, ha!)
Fun post. Thanks for sharing! Yeah…I’m one of the ones who would be lonely…
Yes, I think you probably would be. So next time I go, you just need to come along!!
Linda,
I enjoyed the photo journal and your take on the experience. You found an awesome get-away/retreat. I also love a time away to work without internet and other home distractions. I usually spend them with my husband, but I have a few days alone in the past.