As I’m writing this, my husband has just left for a four-day fishing trip with his buddy. That leaves me at home with Kensi Kitty, who some of you know was very sick a few weeks back but is doing great now.
This means I have four days with no meals to prep, no questions to answer, and no “Can you give me a hand for a minute” requests. Yes, I do have to eat, but I have a curbside grocery pickup this afternoon, consisting of microwave meals.
My to-do list, beyond the grocery run, is simple: WRITE.
I’m currently at 59,000 words of what I unaffectionately call my Frankenbook. It’s basically a hot mess. I’ve written, rewritten, copied and pasted scenes from one chapter to another, and slashed large chunks completely. Okay, not completely. I have a separate “clip file” where I stash those cut pages, just in case. I have high hopes of adding several thousand more words before my husband rolls back into the driveway.
I’m not giving a solid wordcount goal because lately the Universe has been looking at my plans, only to laugh hysterically and say, “Hold my beer.” I will be happy with what I get.
Some writers (myself included) go on writing retreats away from home. I’ve attended group retreats with my Sisters in Crime chapter at various rental houses.
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| Pgh SinC Retreat House |
I’ve also driven nearly nine hours to join writing friends, including the late Ramona Long, at a spiritual retreat center run by nuns, who didn’t seem to mind that crime writers were doing fictional dastardly deeds while holed up on their property.
Spiritual Retreat Center near Philadelphia
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| Dinner at Ramona's retreat with Martha Reed & Edith Maxwell |
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| My writing nook at Ramona's retreat |
One big benefit of a staycation writing retreat is no travel time and no sticker shock from filling up the gas tank to get there. Another benefit is having my personal library of research books within easy reach.
I do miss the camaraderie of sipping wine with fellow mystery authors after a long day of torturing our characters. The only living being I can discuss plot holes with is Kensi Kitty, who frankly doesn’t care about anything but getting pets and snacks.
By the time you read this, my husband will be home, and I’ll be doing mountains of his laundry. And hopefully, I’ll be considerably closer to the end of the Frankenbook.
Dear readers, have you ever taken a staycation? Did you enjoy it? And fellow Writers Who Kill, have you ever attended a writing retreat, either alone, with other authors, or simply holed up in your house? Did you find it productive?
As a follow-up, I'm pleased to report that I surpassed my wordcount goal for my staycation writing retreat!
ReplyDeleteThat's outstanding, Annette! I am not surprised.
DeleteThanks, Kait.
DeleteCongrats! I had July blocked off for a residential writers workshop, which was cancelled. I'll do it at home with beta readers backing me up.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, are you a member of Sisters in Crime? They're doing a writing marathon (the Summer Scrawl!) during the month of July, complete with group write-ins. I intend to use it to either finish this book or begin revising it.
DeleteWhooo hooo! Congratulations on your staycation word count! My husband goes on two fishing trips each year, and it's my time to write, read, and hang out with our puppy.
ReplyDeleteSolitude in small doses is glorious, Heather.
DeleteCongratulations, Annette, on exceeding your (unstated -- so how do we really know) goals. I've never done either a writer retreat or an alone staycation -- I just spread things out, which works well with the way my brain functions in dribbling out bits of strong insight when it darn well chooses.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping for 2,000 words, which allowed me plenty of wiggle room, and I ended up closer to 3,000.
DeleteEvery time I've planned a staycation, the karma gods have laughed and laughed. These days, my version of a staycation begins at 8PM and ends when I can’t keep my eyes open. Sounds odd, but it works.
ReplyDeleteKait, I hear you regarding the karma gods. For me, it's every time I register for an online course, something happens to prevent me from fully immersing myself in the material. EVERY. TIME.
DeleteI have two kinds of staycations. One is to write and usually pay bills and play on my computer. The other is for mental health - doing menial things, possibly including writing and reading. It’s a me only day. No writing retreats.
ReplyDeleteMental Health Days are wonderful, Debra. I feel the need for one of those coming soon.
DeleteSounds delightful! I hope you got a lot accomplished.
ReplyDelete