I’ve been trying to get some book writing in, and it’s been tough. I’ve been busy with my business, being a mom, and life in general. So, I decided I needed to get away for my own writer’s retreat.
My son’s soccer team is sponsored by the Samoset Resort, and we were given a voucher for a special off-season rate. I took advantage and was able to get an oceanside hotel room for 24 hours dirt cheap.
Though I had a ton of work-related items on my to-do list, I decided I needed to ignore everything and just get away. And write.
I drove an hour and a half and headed to a coffee shop in Rockland first. I drank a cafe mocha, organized my thoughts and chapters, ate lunch and wrote.
I have a thing with taking photos of cool ceilings.
Then, I headed to the hotel to check in. The resort was quiet and peaceful. I was greeted by the sound of the wind thrashing the ocean waves against the rocky coastline. The nice lady at the desk made sure I had a room with an ocean view and handed me my key.
I wondered if I wanted to stay in my room or find a quiet spot in the hotel to write. I spotted some comfy looking rocking chairs overlooking the water and a cozy fireplace, also with a water view. Would I want to stay in my room the whole time? It helps when you have a view like this.
The view from my hotel room.
I ended up taking my laptop to a little glass room over looking the pool ice rink and ocean. (It was hard to go anywhere without a good water view.)
And I wrote. And wrote. And wrote. And researched. And focused myself on the task at hand. I eventually made it back to my room and wrote some more. I ate a wonderful dinner of gnocchi with mushrooms, spinach and bacon and had a glass of wine in the hotel lounge. I talked to my kids and husband before they went to bed. And I wrote and researched some more.
My brain was full after a day of writing and focusing on my book. But then I woke up to this view of the sun rising over the ocean.
How could you not be inspired by this sunrise?
I have to admit that I was feeling a bit tired of writing by the next morning, but that view gave me some new inspiration. I would have loved to have gone to the spa that morning to relax and get back to writing later, but I had to check out by 11:00am.
So I started another chapter and wrote until it was time to leave. While I didn’t necessarily get as much completed as I intended (I never do, because I set my expectations too high), I did get a good chunk done. And I feel better about where I am at with the book and my proposal.
I really needed to get away and concentrate on writing. It was helpful and rejuvenating. Now that I’m back to reality, I hope I can still get in the necessary writing.
Have you ever gone on a writer’s retreat? Did it help your writing and focus?
This sounds heavenly! Good for you for taking time to do this. Heck, even if you didn’t get any writing done, the photos alone are worth it. Hehe. No really, though, I hope you did get a lot done and I wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors! 🙂
Cyndi recently posted..Lake Junaluska Tree Painting – Picto Project Week 3
Thanks, Cyndi. I wish I had more time, but I got a good amount done. And, yes, the pics were pretty good too!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Zelda’s Mission
Stopping by from SITS! I find that I write best when I’ve got complete quiet…something I don’t get often in this house, with 3 busy kids and 7 furry family members. Late nights work great for me! Glad you were able to get away from it all and get some writing done!
Michelle recently posted..Giddu’s Caesar Salad Dressing {From Giddu’s Kitchen}
7 furry family members? I thought it was bad with 3! Late nights work for me as a catch up time. It was nice to have several hours to devote to one thing.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Favorite Line from a Love Song
Great trip and can’t wait to read the fruit of your labor!
BRB
Can’t wait to hear what you think. I’m getting there…
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: King of the Snow Mountain
How nice does a one day retreat sound? I’m so glad that you were able to take some time away and get some of your work done. I’m not quite sure how you got anything done with those ocean views, however.
Michelle recently posted..Portfolio Building Sessions Are Over – So, Now What?
I couldn’t go outside, due to the cold, so it wasn’t that bad. The view was inspiring!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Sign a Petition for a National Commission on Children
It’s so nice to get out of your own environment and get away from all of those things that have to get done at home. I am so glad you got to write for 24 hours without distraction!
ilene recently posted..Me and JT
It was really great. I want to do it again!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Blizzard 2013 Photos from Brunswick, Maine
Oh how I long for a retreat to WRITE!!! GOOD for you for doing it!!! I can’t wait to read your book when it comes out! Keep on writing my friend!! 🙂
Chris Carter recently posted..February Friend #5
Thanks for your encouragement, Chris! I can’t wait to send you my book. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Battle wounds and tests of motherhood (post from the past)
It looks like a wonderful place to relax and write Jennifer.
I can’t wait to read the finished product.
jen recently posted..Oh how contrary she can be!
Thanks, Jen. It was really great. Wish I could do it more often!