The Evolution of a Retreat

I started doing retreats a while back (2007?), wanting some time to myself to be alone with story. Just me, my laptop, lots of pens and sticky notes, and my story.

At first, I went to convents in Québec, where I booked a simple room with only a single bed, a chair, and a sink, with three meals a day in their communal dining area, all for an unbeatably low price.

It was always an adventure, and I met lots of fascinating people along the way. I stole coffee from priests, hung out with cloistered nuns, found secret passages, and sat in quiet sunbeams in dusty, abandoned confessionals, connecting with my story.

At my best (worst?), I drafted 30,000 words in one day, brain dripping out of every orifice in my head.

I had a system: on the first night, I would review my notes and read something on writing that would inspire me, like LeGuin or Goldberg. I’d go for a walk, talk to a Giant Jesus if one was available (seeming in the grips of religious fervor gets people to leave you alone). I’d talk through plot tangles, character arcs, and writing hopes (not so much about religion).

In the morning, I’d often wake up to Gregorian chants, grab breakfast and coffee, and get to it. Lunch, walk, back at it. Supper, more words, sleep, repeat. Eventually leave.

Heart full. Brain empty.

I did other retreats with friends and writers, and a few years ago, I schemed with my good friend Lydia M. Hawke to go on a retreat together.

Needless to say: hilarity ensued.

Lydia and I are just coming to the end of our fifth retreat (!), third time in the same spot because it really works for us.

My retreats have changed, but for the better. Lydia and I chat about stories, using each other as sounding boards. She’s an excellent listener and gets my process and stories.

We do two-hour writing sessions (with regular breaks). After a session, we go for a walk, or a reading break, or, our favourite: hot tub! (Sometimes with whiskey!)

We do two to three of those a day, or sometimes less. On “small” days, I get a couple thousand words. On “big” days, I can get between 10 to 12,000 words (in six hours of actual work). We follow our rhythm, so sometimes we’re less productive, and that’s okay (unless we have a deadline!).  Last time, I got 60,000 words. This time, I’ll get closer to 20,000.  Which is fine! Every retreat serves a purpose.

My retreats have evolved and, I imagine, will continue to do so. Just like my writing, and me as a writer and a person.

But, as I’m sitting by a fire, a fun story swirling in my brain, I’m glad I decided long ago to make time for retreats, and for stories.

Now, back to work!