Diary of a DIY Writing Retreat

*Reposted from 2017

If you read my previous post, you would know that I needed a break and decided to do my own writing retreat. I had some goals for the weekend–specifically, 10,000 words of my first draft, some exercise and relaxation. Read on for more on my writing retreat weekend.

Writing Retreat Day 1

I arrived in South Yarra the late afternoon to the apartment where I’d be staying for a couple of nights. After settling into the room, I decided to do my first writing sprint–2,000 words before I went in search of something to eat. I’d set a goal of doing at least 10,000 words over the writing retreat, and I decided it would be easiest to do it in 2,000 word bursts.

When the first 2,000 word sprint was over, I was starving and went in search of something to eat. I walked up Toorak Road and Chapel Street for some inspiration and finally settled on nachos and a beer, which ended up being dinner. Then I bought a bottle of wine (chosen only because it had a cool label!) and settled back into my apartment for a few glasses of wine and a book.

Writing Retreat Day 2

I slept in–something I feel like I haven’t done since my kids were born–then forced myself to do my first 2,000 word writing sprint for the day before getting some brunch. It was a beautiful day as I wandered down Toorak Road to sit outside for a brunch of avocado smash (one of my favourite brunch dishes) and a double shot flat white.

Then I went for a run, heading down to the Yarra River and following the path along towards the city and back again. I had thought it would be a difficult run, since its been quite awhile since I’ve been running, but I felt really good. On the way back for a shower, I stopped in to get another strong coffee.

Another 2,000 writing sprint in the afternoon–sitting outside on the tiny balcony with no view except of the apartment building next door, but the weather was so mild it was a shame to be inside. When that was finished, I went out to get another coffee and a walk in the sunshine along Chapel Street and wandered in the shops.

Then I followed it with my last 2,000 word writing sprint for the day, before heading out for dinner–pizza and prosecco. It was such a beautiful autumn day that I could sit outside for dinner too, before heading home to curl up again with a glass of wine and a book.

Writing Retreat Day 3

Unfortunately, this was check out day but I’d arranged a late check out so that I could do my last 2,000 word writing sprint without having to get up too early. When I got my drafting done, I checked out and grabbed some breakfast.

Then I spent the early afternoon walking along the banks of the Yarra River, chose a nice spot on the grass in the shade of a leafy tree and settled down with my book. It was a beautiful day to lie on the grass and read.

In the late afternoon, I headed back on the train to home. Back to reality!

Writing Retreat Success

I had set three goals for my writing retreat:

• to write 10,000 words: I managed this in 5 x 2,000 word writing bursts, which broke it up enough that they were more like writing sprints, rather than hours spent staring at the screen and achieving little.
• to do some excercise: a run along the Yarra, then a walk the next day. I was happy with this!
• relax: I did lots of reading, some wandering in the shops, leisurely meals and coffees. It was certainly nice to have some time out and down time.

I’m please to say that I consider my writing retreat to have been a great success and I hope it won’t be years before I get to take another!

Have you ever taken time out for a personal retreat? Perhaps not to write, but just to take care of yourself? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

*Photo by Green Chameleon from Unsplash.com