My Second Writer’s Retreat!
Good Morning Everyone,
Instead of an opinion post this week, I wanted to share some special news. I’m doing another writer’s retreat!
To be honest, I originally wasn’t planning to do another one so soon, but given my move in May and my company’s year end (aka don’t travel time) in April, I didn’t have much of a choice.
Why A Writer’s Retreat?
I’ve been working on my sequel to Reaper since April 2019 when I first came to WordPress. In that time, I’ve written a little over 300 pages, which isn’t bad at all, but I’m just aching to finish my sequel, even if it’s just the first draft.
I’m currently wrapping up the second act, then I’ll need to have the entire third act plotted out so that I can plow through the entire thing on my writer’s retreat. That’s right, I’m setting bigger goals this time!
If I did meet my goals, that would be a huge step for me, and I could then work on fine tuning this chaotic mess and going forward with alpha and beta reads before publication.
Now, if you know me, you know I love my vacations. I try to take at least one or two a year, and after my first writer’s retreat in Branson, I just had to have another shot at making some great progress!
Where Am I Going?
Like last time, when I was trying to figure out where I wanted to go, there were several things I wanted to keep in mind.
1. Money – I’m cheap, what can I say? I always stay at Airbnb’s, and I watch my wallet like a hawk. Yes, it doesn’t always work, but in general I do a pretty okay job.
2. Location– Like last time, I wanted to go somewhere rural and remote. Somewhere with lots of nature so I can take some walks by myself and enjoy the scenery.
3. Distance – I love my long-distance trips, but I want to stay in Missouri, yet at least several hours away from Kansas City.
So where did I decide to go?
… Hermann, Missouri!
Hermann, MO is a quaint little town known for its picturebook village appeal and wineries. When I started asking around about towns I should visit, the decision was unanimous among all my friends. This is the place to be!
My Plans
I’ll be staying in Hermann from 3/19/20 through 3/24/20. I rented a beautiful cottage that is isolated and right next to walking trails. It’s also five minutes away from downtown on foot, so I’m looking forward to walking around and letting my hair down.
Much like my first writer’s retreat, I don’t intend on treating this like a standard vacation since I have a job to do, but since this is a small city I plan on visiting local points of interest as well as some wineries (I’m slowly turning into a wine-o over the years).
Still, the primary focus will be on mental health and getting some writing done before I allow myself to explore the city.
I have just under a month to get ready for this writer’s retreat, so my first goal is to finish my second act, which is just two brief chapters (yes, I promise they are shorter) away. After that, let the plotting begin before I head out!
And that, as they say, is that. Wish me luck on my writing vacation next month!
That’s A Wrap!
Well, that’s a wrap! I’m super excited about my second writer’s retreat, but how about you?
Have you ever gone on a writer’s retreat? Where did you go, and what was your experience? Feel free to comment, I’d love to hear all about your experience!
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That sounds so good! I’ve gone on two writers retreats. One was in Wicklow, south of Dublin, and the other was in Cork. Both times I loved being able to dedicate all my time to writing.
Thanks! I honestly just need to get away, but I welcome a writing challenge while I’m out rejuvenating.
Ooo those places sound so cool, I just wish they were closer to me.
Hermann sounds like a wonderful place to go. I’ve never been on a writing retreat. Some day . . .
I dont really know as I’ve never been, but the word of mouth was overwhelmingly positive so here I am lol.
You’ll get there friend!
Herman, MO is a nice place. Enjoy! I used to live in Branson!
If you ever want to go further than MO, go to Manitu Springs, CO…quaint and right at the bottom of Pike’s Peak.
Thanks, I definitely will.
Ooo, thanks for the recommendation. I really like CO so I’m writing Manktu Springs down.
That’s awesome!! You definitely deserve some time away. I hope you have fun and are able to reach your writing goals.
Thank you friend, I think I do too!
I’m definitely looking forward to it. So much to do beforehand!