A lot of writers struggle to find the time to actually write. Among other things, we have family commitments, paid work, sleep and shiny things on the internet to juggle before any writing gets done. So I couldn’t wait for this weekend – an entire weekend of writing on a retreat with my Northern Beaches Writers’ Group! Woo hoo! And I had so much fun I thought I’d share it with you…
Firstly, the cost: For AU$260 I got a shared room in a gorgeous cottage at Raffety’s Resort on Lake Macquarie, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, and tonnes of food (see below!). My extended family were kind enough to give me cash for my birthday both this year and last so I could afford to go. Thank you for my present, family!
Transport: Most writers car-pooled to get to the resort, and arrived on Friday afternoon excited and keen to spend time together.
Schedule: Below is a schedule of our weekend’s planned activities, as well as photos from the trip. The structure was fantastic, giving us all plenty of quiet time to write, relaxed settings for socialising, alone-time, networking, brainstorming and chit-chat:
Friday 5 August
2pm – Retreat check-in. Use the facilities or just relax.
The first thing I did was go for a swim!
Our cottage.
The view from our cottage.
4-6pm – Current Projects meeting in Cottage 88, lead by Zena Shapter. BYO drinks & snacks.
6pm+ – BYO dinner and wine in Cottage 88.
Time for casual conversation about publishing, writing and life!
Also, guitar playing. Thanks for the entertainment, Chris and Rodney!
Later… Flamenco Dancing!
Saturday 6 August
BYO breakfast or visit the Jetty Junction Centre.
9am – PROMPT START. DR CAMS Room in the Conference Centre. Welcome and housekeeping. ‘Ready, Steady, WRITE!’ Writing Session 1.
The Conference Centre.
I scored a great writing desk by a window.
The view outside my window.
10.30am – Morning tea of hot drinks, juice, a basket of fresh fruit and a stash of toasted banana bread with mascarpone.
Morning Tea!
10.50-11.00am – Q&A / Discussion lead by Sue Steggall (President of the Society of Women Writers NSW): The Way Forward For Emerging Writers – Feedback from the Emerging Writers Forum in Melbourne.
The lovely Sue Steggall.
11am-12.30pm – ‘Ready, Steady, WRITE!’ Writing Session 2.
Everyone writing away in beautiful silence…
…apart from Rick!
12.30-1pm – Lunch of sandwich/roll platters, fresh fruit kebabs, cheesecake, carrot cake and apple crumble.
1-1.30pm – Q&A / Discussion facilitated by Zena Shapter: When Do You Give Up On A Manuscript?
1.30-3.30pm – ‘Ready, Steady, WRITE!’ Writing Session 3.
3.30-4pm – Afternoon tea of hot drinks, lemonade, a basket of fresh fruit, samosas, spring rolls, and chicken skewers.
4-5.30pm – ‘Ready, Steady, WRITE!’ Writing Session 4.
I had half an hour after the last writing session until my next commitment. So, time for another swim!
While I did laps, Alex and Kylie cheered me on from the spa.
6-7pm – Current Projects meeting in Cottage 92, lead by Zena Shapter. BYO drinks & snacks.
Another productive meeting!
7pm – Dinner at Al Lago restaurant, two-course a la carte menu. Choose on the evening from an Entrée and a Main Course, or Main Course & Dessert.
Dinner with the NBWG crew!
I chose the Pulled Lamb Shoulder Entree.
Then, Steak & Chips!
Talking into the night…
Sunday 7 August
BYO breakfast or visit the Jetty Junction Centre.
9am – PROMPT START. DR CAMS Room in the Conference Centre. ‘Ready, Steady, WRITE!’ Writing Session 5.
10.30am – Morning tea of hot drinks, pineapple juice, a basket of fresh fruit and chocolate chip cookies.
10.50-11.00am – Q&A / Discussion facilitated by Zena Shapter: What Makes The Best Author Talks For School Visits?
11am-12.30pm – ‘Ready, Steady, WRITE!’ Writing Session 6.
12.30-1pm – Lunch of fish & chips, make-your-own salad, sandwich/roll platters, fresh fruit, chocolate cake & banana bread.
Yummy lunch!
1-1.30pm – Q&A / Discussion facilitated by Zena Shapter and Kristin Prescott: Marketing & Promotion Advice For the Modern Author.
Zena Shapter & Kristin Prescott. (Photo: Chris Lake)
1.30-3.30pm – ‘Ready, Steady, WRITE!’ Writing Session 7.
3.30-4pm – Afternoon tea of hot drinks, lemonade, a basket of fresh fruit, cut fruit and savoury muffins.
4-5pm – ‘Ready, Steady, WRITE!’ Writing Session 8.
5pm – End of the Retreat 🙁
As you can see I ate and ate, managed to find plenty of focus in the quiet writing sessions, and had fun with a bunch of lovely writers from my Northern Beaches Writers’ Group. It was so delightful that when I got home I experienced a bit of a culture shock. After three days of just seeing to myself, doing what I love most (writing!), and having fun, the reality of returning to a busy house of kids, homework, housework, work-work and noise was a little overwhelming! Of course I wouldn’t have it any other way, I love my family more than anything (yes, even writing).
I am, however, making plans to organise another retreat next year!
Third attempt at a comment – hope it goes through this time! Such great pictures, and lovely to see a few familiar faces. It looks like you all had a fun, productive time.
Coincidentally, I wrote a post the other day on the difference between writing at home and on retreat, which may be of interest. (Short answer: the retreat wins every time!) It’s here: https://elizabethottosson.wordpress.com/2016/08/06/writing-full-time-vs-a-writing-retreat/
Thanks Liz – both for letting me me know comments were down, and for sharing your blog post. It was really good to read about your time away last year – hurray for retreats! Talking about goats with fellow introverts is always important 😉