Why You Deserve to Go on a Writing Retreat

So, You Want to Go on a Writing Retreat? 

A writing retreat is a designated period and space where writers gather to focus on their writing projects. Often such retreats take place in beautiful, inspiring locations. Alternatively, retreats may be virtual, where creatives are encouraged to take guided time out of their schedules in their own homes to write. 

Writers frequently complain they don’t have enough time to write due to day jobs, family commitments, or both. Others may suffer from a writer’s block; a lack of motivation; or burnout.

This means a writing retreat can be a great way of ensuring your project gets on the page. Retreats can help writers focus, become motivated, and more productive. Here’s how and why: 

1) Uninterrupted Time to Write

Modern life is hectic. Many writers work full-time, have family or other caring commitments, or both. This means there is always something that needs doing. Many creatives may feel guilty if they write when their ‘To Do’ lists are so long.

Taking planned time out at a writing retreat can be invigorating. Carving out dedicated, guilt-free time to hone your craft and work on your story hits different. Escaping distractions and chores, many writers discover their wordcount increases, especially when they are away from home.

2) Reignite Your Creative Spark

There’s an old saying, ‘a change is as good as a rest’. A change of scenery then can be inspirational and motivating. It’s no accident many writing retreats take place in beautiful places. Being surrounded by nature, history or a new culture can breathe life into stalled projects.

I have taken part in many writing retreats myself, plus I’ve also taught on them. As someone who finds it hard to let go of everyday routine, a retreat has helped me with my writing output. Similarly, as a tutor on several writing retreats, I have seen many writers’ creative sparks ignite. Many of them make more progress in three or four days than they do in three to six months! 

3) Build Confidence and Momentum

Writing retreats may be tutored or untutored. The host or tutor may ask writers what their goals are when they arrive. Setting intentions like this, knowing there’s no interruptions, can be powerful. Accomplishing such goals can provide a much-needed morale boost. 

Daily writing sessions can also foster consistency and belief in your own ability. Being with your peers can also spur you on. When you may be dealing with family members who don’t ‘get’ writing, this is not to be underestimated. 

4) Connect With a Like-Minded Community

Writing can be a very solitary and lonely endeavour, but retreats remind us we are not alone. Retreats can also offer lasting friendships, critique partnerships and future collaborators. 

In the case of tutored retreats, you may also meet industry pros who are leading the sessions. Networking in a relaxed, creative setting often leads to new opportunities.

5) Get Expert Feedback and Support

Many retreats offer workshops, mentoring, and/or peer feedback. As mentioned, I’ve tutored on many writing retreats now in beautiful places such as England, Wales and Europe. 

I love to work with writers in retreats. Seeing so many ‘light bulb’ moments in a distraction-free environment is great! Not only do writers nearly always make BIG progress craft-wise on their projects, it helps their mindset too. 

Feeling seen and understood by fellow creatives reduces isolation and enables them to work on their career goals and see what they need to do next.

Last Points

If you’re feeling stuck and uninspired, perhaps it’s not YOU … perhaps you need to change your location! A writing retreat can get your creative juices flowing and words on the page. It may even lead to new friends and opportunities.

Sometimes retreats have a specific focus. As I am a script editor for film and television, I’ve done several retreats where I’ve worked with screenwriters or authors on adapting their novels. I will be running another on this topic in 2026 – details HERE.  

Pssst…Mindy popping in to say WOW! This looks like an amazing place to work on craft with a talented teacher like our Resident Writing Coach, Lucy V. Hay. It’s an all-inclusive fully catered retreat in North Devon, UK.

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