Writer Retreat

sydneywrites

sydneywrites

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Have any of y'all ever been to a writing retreat? If so, which one did you go to and how was it (price, experience, anything) I want to go to one, but I have no idea of any outside Realm Makers
 
I would love to go to one as well, but unfortunately have never had the opportunity. Mostly due to travel issues and also not being able to afford going to a retreat.

Maybe one day . . .
 
I looked up online retreats for writers and found these. You may have to scroll down a ways to find the virtual ones.

Writing retreats at the Center for Creative Writing | Center for Creative Writing

Come write with us—from home. The Center for Creative Writing offers annual writing retreats on multiple topics and genres for writers who seek an immersive experience.
www.creativewritingcenter.com www.creativewritingcenter.com
smartblogger.com

7+ Best Writing Retreats for 2024 (In Person & Online)

Learn about the best worldwide writing retreats for 2024 that you can attend in person and online, with up-to-date links to each event.
smartblogger.com smartblogger.com
https://www.forthewriterssoul.com/retreat
www.inkwellretreats.org

InkWell | Online Writing Retreats

This online writing retreat is your chance to experience the power of social writing-- for free . Step into our protected writing space, with a community of scholars, and the support of an expert...
www.inkwellretreats.org

There are probably more if you keep searching. I quit at these four. I know nothing about them. Maybe someone here does?

I did not investigate the prices, but without the board and room, they should have a nicer price tag.
 
sydneywrites said:
Have any of y'all ever been to a writing retreat? If so, which one did you go to and how was it (price, experience, anything) I want to go to one, but I have no idea of any outside Realm Makers
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I guess Writers Cantina would be considered a writing retreat.

Its participation is quite Mormon-heavy, but it's not about religion. It's strictly writing and book talk. I met with a lot of authors, including Larry Correia, D. J. Butler, and some of their circle of friends. It resulted in some good contacts. The price to attend was inexpensive. But the flight, the hotel, and the rental car weren't.

When you're new to writing, a writer retreat may be a good way to learn in a more sheltered environment. After a while, they sort of become irrelevant. Because, at some point, you're not going to learn anything new. So, you either go to socialize, teach, or network. I'm doing the latter.

I guess you could call BasedCon a writer's retreat. I go there because I've made some friends there, I have fans that attend and buy my books, and I network. Do I occasionally learn something? Sure. But that's not the primary reason why I attend. The price for BasedCon is something like $269.00, and having a sales table costs an additional $20.

I've considered going to Realm Makers this year. I believe that it conflicted with another event I wanted to attend. Lorehaven and Realm Makers are areas where I have gotten little traction over the years, despite labeling myself as a Christian Fantasy author. I've also heard that the marketplace there was a bit of a dead zone when it came to book sales, which is a primary interest of mine. I'm not into learning the craft of writing any more. I'm into getting my books into the hands of as many readers as I can to expand my following.

Both BasedCon and Writers Cantina have been valuable for expanding my influence and my network of friends. While the cost to attend was steep, I have a feeling that paying those kinds of dues will probably pay dividends in the very near future.
 
My Writer's Retreat is right here. Christianwriters.com. It's the only one I can afford. I think of you other members as friends. Even if I'm probably never going to meet any of you personally, I consider what we have as permanent friendships, for which I thank the Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.
 
Jeff Potts said:
When you're new to writing, a writer retreat may be a good way to learn in a more sheltered environment. After a while, they sort of become irrelevant. Because, at some point, you're not going to learn anything new. So, you either go to socialize, teach, or network. I'm doing the latter.
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That's just it....I feel like what if I'm not growing in my writing? I want to write deeper, but I'm worried I'm not and I don't know how. I watch all the videos, read all the blogs, etc...call it a last resort of sorts XD
 
sydneywrites said:
That's just it....I feel like what if I'm not growing in my writing? I want to write deeper, but I'm worried I'm not and I don't know how. I watch all the videos, read all the blogs, etc...call it a last resort of sorts XD
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Well, I was talking with a guy named Steve. We got on the subject of Louis L'Amour and how almost every single one of his stories are based on the same formula. The same story, the same elements, but with character variations. He is not only revered by other authors, he's also beloved by his fans.

I want to write deeper as well, and have it clearly obvious that I'm writing deep things. Maybe I will, one day. But, not everyone wants depth. Some people just want to be entertained. Yes, you can blend the two, but hallowing out a space for more profound stuff isn't something that can be taught, because it has to blend with your own unique style. This is something that you are unlikely to learn from other authors, because it has to come from you.

(The tickets for HermanFest 2026 go on sale, October 15th)
 
sydneywrites said:
That's just it....I feel like what if I'm not growing in my writing? I want to write deeper, but I'm worried I'm not and I don't know how. I watch all the videos, read all the blogs, etc...call it a last resort of sorts XD
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It depends on where you are at, but along with writing, critiquing is a great way to practice and learn, both giving and getting critique.
 
You know, this is just my take, @sydneywrites, but I've always considered writers' retreats and such a waste of time. They are great for developing new friends, though, but I've always considered writing a solitary journey. To be a good writer is to immerse in your own stories, and that just isn't a group thing.
 
suspensewriter said:
You know, this is just my take, @sydneywrites, but I've always considered writers' retreats and such a waste of time. They are great for developing new friends, though, but I've always considered writing a solitary journey. To be a good writer is to immerse in your own stories, and that just isn't a group thing.
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Interesting perspective. I personally believe writing is a community project. I've tried writing on my own and it can be hard thinking you're all by yourself. I believe God made us for fellowship & community - not just in church, but also writing. :)
 
suspensewriter said:
@sydneywrites, being hard is not the same as giving up. But writing as a community project... what exactly would that be like? I'm curious.
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Okay so "project" may not be the right word...I couldn't think of the one I was looking for. But I guess what I meant was that, yeah, you as the author are the one sitting down and writing each chapter. But you need other people (community) to encourage you, help you brainstorm, give you feedback, and share ideas with you.
 
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