When I think of writers’ retreats, images of luxurious sunny villas in the Tuscany fields of Italy come to mind. In reality, there is a much wider scope of writers’ retreats out there, ranging from at-home weekends away to longer abroad residencies, suiting the needs of each creative individual. Whilst the idea of these residencies sounds like the perfect idea for an author who wants to develop their writing, there is a lot to be considered before booking yourself onto one! Are they genuinely worth it, or are they just a money grab?
I’m sure all artists understand the struggle of trying to find the time to focus on your craft and hone your creative skills within the business of daily life. Unfortunately, writing often takes the back burner whilst sustaining yourself with a day job. In this way, writers’ retreats offer a protected time and space like nothing else. These residences create a bubble of creativity where you don’t have to worry about anything other than your writing. The most highly rated retreats often provide housekeeping and meals, so there is nothing else to distract you! You’re also surrounded by like-minded writers who are there to get the same thing out of the retreat as you. If you’re surrounded by a good group of peers, and I’m sure most creatives will be, then you will be constantly inspired by each other’s unique thoughts or ideas. This kind of quality time is unmatched.
Not only will you be surrounded by other writers but likely also experts in the field. Many of the retreats I’ve looked into provide expert guidance and mentoring to their writers. If you find that you’re stuck or something is not clicking within your work, these mentors can offer you a fresh perspective from someone who’s had years of experience.
Additionally, if you are looking at options abroad or further from home, then retreats create a change in environment and space. Placing yourself in new surroundings can often help to combat creative block and provide you with inspiration that you may not have stumbled across otherwise!
However, despite all these elements, writers’ retreats are often extremely costly. For a high-rated retreat, it can cost well over £1000, which is a lot of money, particularly for creatives who are trying to make a career. These expenses considered, as well as the guarded environment, could possibly also generate a pressure to create something extraordinary, which is not necessarily realistic for everyone!
At the end of the day, these kinds of trips are often up to the way an individual writer functions in their creative environment, so it’s important to weigh up these factors and decide whether you think it would be beneficial to you!
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