10. Setting a daily goal keeps you sane. Sometimes, it's a word count, sometimes it's reaching a certain place in editing - but you need a goal.
9. Concentration is key. This can be harder than it seems when the view out your window is worthy of a postcard.
8. You can't win a staring contest with a deer.
7. It's best to restrict your muttering to when you're alone - not walking around town.
6. Coffee is always good.
5. However, having someone else preparing your meals is even better.
4. My brain fries after hitting 5,000 words. Seriously. You could smell the smoke. It wasn't pretty.
3. The feeling of accomplishment each evening was enormous. In fact, it was knowing I would get that feeling of accomplishment that carried me through each morning.
2. Rainy weather is good for writing.
1. I need to schedule this type of retreat again. It forced me to take my writing seriously.
Here are a few pictures of where I was - Bowen Island, BC.
The approach on the ferry.
This is the deck where I stayed.
This was my view.
I'm glad your retreat was so successful. That is not to say I am totally jealous of your surroundings!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it would be hard to get any writing done in such a beautiful area. I'm glad you were so successful.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to tell you how jealous I am. Seriously. But I'm still happy you had such an amazing opportunity.
ReplyDeleteMary; It was beautiful and yes, it took serious concentration!
ReplyDeleteJane; Thanks! I'm feeling rather proud.
Carol; I live in a beautiful part of the world, don't I? I'm very lucky this place is only 1 1/2 hours away.
Beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteI love coffee and I love daily goals. That way I don't get down when I miss some.
CD
It would be hard to concentrate with a gorgeous view like that!
ReplyDeleteElspeth - I'm so happy for you that you took the time for yourself to write. You are so wise to pace yourself, take pride in your daily successes and recharge your batteries. I must take a lesson from you! Oh, and the coffee is a good idea, too.
ReplyDeleteClarissa; Daily goals take self-discipline, but the pay-off is that smile on your face!
ReplyDeleteLaura; It WAS hard!
Margot; Coffee is always a good idea! I think the few days were important because I showed myself my writing was worth special, dedicated time - not just snatched minutes here and there. Of course, that isn't something I can do all the time!
What a beautiful spot.
ReplyDeleteHope your brain gets over its frying.
Try more coffee it might help, chocolate may work as well :-)
oh Bowen Island is such a gorgeous spot! Is this a resort or a special spot only you know about? I'm glad you did this. I've done it now and then and it really advances the work. Wish I could do it again but not possible for awhile. Ah well. I'm green with envy and happy for you, dear person!
ReplyDelete