by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn
Ten years ago, in 2015, I went on my first-ever solo writing retreat. (You can read about it here, Is a Writing Retreat Right for You!)
My first book hadn’t come out yet, my children were still very young, and taking time away to write was still a novel concept.
Fast forward to 2025 and how things have changed! My children are significantly more self-sufficient, my writing career has grown in ways I never dared to dream, and taking time away to write has gone from being a rare treat to a crucial part of my process.
And y’all, the writing retreat I just returned from was so different from that first night away, mainly because I’ve learned what works and doesn’t, and I have a solid handle on what I need to make a writing retreat successful.
If you’re facing a deadline or want to see what might happen if you concentrated on your writing for a few days, allow me to make a few suggestions for a successful writing retreat.
Consider These Questions when Deciding on a Writing Retreat:
1. Words or Ideas?
Are you on a deadline? Do you need words? Or are you working on a proposal, and the need is for time and space for creativity to blossom? Are you in mid-project and need to dedicate a few days to falling in love with the story again? Or maybe you know what the story is about, but if you can’t take the time to research, you’ll never write another word.
The purpose of your trip—held in open hands and with a prayerful spirit—will dictate how you make the rest of the decisions we’ll discuss below.
2. Solo or Group?
Your gut reaction might be to say, “Solo for sure - introverts unite!” or it might be, “Why on earth would I ever want to go alone anywhere - that would be torture.”
I would argue that regardless of your wiring, there’s a time and place for both. As an extrovert, you might want to go with a group, but that might be too distracting for you to accomplish your goals. As an introvert, you might think time alone is the way to go, but you might need to be with a group that will give you space when you need it and who will also be available for brainstorming, encouragement, and fellowship.
There’s no right or wrong answer. I’ve done both. I love both. I’ve learned that early on in a manuscript, going with a few friends to write is encouraging and exhilarating. But when I get to the crunch of a deadline, I need to be by myself to power through. At that stage, my desperation makes the time alone a sacred thing I share only with my Creator.
3. Near or Far?
As writers, we often dream of stealing away to a secluded cabin in the mountains or a quaint beach cottage to write our next masterpiece. But some of the most productive retreats happen close to home.
Again, there are no wrong answers here, and again, I’ve found in my own writing life that it’s all about how close I am to the deadline.
When the deadline is months away, taking the time to travel for a retreat is a gift. But when my deadline is chomping at my heels, I don’t want to drive more than an hour. My most recent trip was to a hotel twenty minutes from home in a place I know well.
You may not realize how much mental energy goes into choosing restaurants or finding your way around a new place. Staying close to home eliminates those worries and frees your brain to focus on the story.
After you’ve decided on the framework for your retreat, here are a few more things to consider for how you’ll structure your time.
4. Success or survival?
While it's tempting to burn the midnight oil when inspiration strikes, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule has proven crucial to my success. Those late-night writing sessions often lead to exhausted, less productive days. Your creativity will thank you for those full nights of rest. The same applies to meals, snacks, and indulgences. While it's perfectly fine to include some special treats – after all, this is a retreat – avoid the trap of surviving on coffee and chocolate alone. Your focus and energy levels will benefit from balanced meals.
5. Words or walks?
It isn’t either/or! It’s both/and! Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your word count will suffer if you take time away from the computer. On my last writing adventure, I made it a point to walk at least two miles daily, and my word count did not suffer. Morning walks or gentle stretching will help clear your mind and prepare you for the day's writing. Movement later in the day can clear the cobwebs and help you push through.
6. Your will or God’s will?
Before your retreat begins and immediately after you arrive, consecrate the time to God in prayer. Ask for His guidance, wisdom, and creativity. Remember that while we make our plans, ultimately, we want to remain open to His direction. Sometimes, what we think will be a productive plotting session becomes a powerful time of spiritual reflection that enriches our writing.
Above all, hold your plans loosely. God often uses these set-apart times to speak to us in unexpected ways. What begins as a mission to finish your manuscript might transform into a deeper understanding of your calling as a writer or a renewed love for your Creator.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's progress, both in your writing and in your walk with God.
Have you gone on a writing retreat? Why or why not?
If you have, what have you found that makes your time away successful?
I’d love to hear what you do!
Grace and peace,
Lynn
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