This blog post topic was inspired by Episode 188 of Alexa’s Publishing Chat where Alexa Bigwarfe was in conversation with Rhonda Douglas of Resilient Writers.
Why Every Writer Needs a Retreat
Let’s be honest: the dream of writing full-time is usually far more romantic than the reality of writing in the cracks of your day. Between work, family, and life’s never-ending noise, creativity can start to feel squeezed into the margins.
That’s where a writing retreat comes in.
A writing retreat isn’t just a getaway—it’s an intentional pause from your regular routine to refocus, refill your creative well, and make real progress on your writing goals. Whether it’s a weekend alone at a cabin or a week with other writers, retreats create space for focus and flow.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need a big budget or a plane ticket to make it happen.
What a Writing Retreat Can Do for You
A well-planned writing retreat can:
- Help you reconnect with your creative voice
- Provide long stretches of uninterrupted writing time
- Offer perspective on your project or career goals
- Reduce burnout and reignite motivation
- Give you accountability and community (if you retreat with others)
Writing retreats can be deeply restorative—a reminder that your writing life is worth prioritizing.
The Two Main Types of Writing Retreats
1. DIY Writing Retreats
These are self-designed getaways where you control everything: location, schedule, budget, and goals. You can do them solo or with a writing buddy.
Here are some affordable options:
- Staycation retreat: Block off a weekend at home, unplug from social media, and treat your writing like your only job.
- Hotel or Airbnb escape: Use loyalty points or off-season discounts to book a night or two away.
- Library and coffee shop tour: Spend a day hopping between inspiring spaces in your own city.
- Friend swap: Trade houses or pet-sit for a friend who’s away—and use that time to write.
Pro Tip: Add accountability. Tell a friend your goal for the weekend or meet another writer for a short check-in session mid-retreat.
2. Organized Group Retreats
If you crave structure or community, consider attending a guided writing retreat or conference. These often combine workshops, feedback, and uninterrupted writing time.
Look for retreats that align with your genre and goals. For example:
- A poetry retreat for creative inspiration
- A memoir workshop for emotional depth and feedback
- A publishing-focused retreat for authors ready to market their books
These experiences often blend mentorship, education, and connection—and can lead to lifelong writing friendships.
How to Plan Your Own Writing Retreat
- Set a clear goal.
Decide whether your retreat will focus on drafting, revising, or planning future projects. - Choose the right setting.
Think about what kind of environment fuels you—solitude, nature, city energy, or creative company. - Make it restorative.
Don’t overbook yourself. Include breaks for walks, naps, journaling, or simply thinking. Rest is part of the creative process. - Plan your meals ahead.
Whether you’re home or away, prep simple meals so you can stay in flow and avoid the “what’s for dinner?” distraction. - Unplug.
The purpose of a retreat is to reconnect with your inner voice—not your inbox. Set boundaries with loved ones and silence notifications. - Reflect afterward.
Take a few minutes to note what worked, what didn’t, and how you can bring that focused energy into your regular routine.
How to Afford a Writing Retreat on Any Budget
Writing retreats don’t have to break the bank. Try:
- Travel points for hotels or flights
- Midweek bookings (cheaper than weekends)
- Local scenic spots instead of faraway destinations
- Shared rentals with other writers
- Public library rooms for day retreats
Even if you can only get away for 12 hours, that intentional break can re-energize your creativity more than a month of forced daily writing sessions.
The Takeaway
You don’t have to wait for permission—or a luxury writing retreat in Italy—to claim focused, creative time for yourself.
Start small. Book a weekend. Go somewhere quiet. Bring your notebook, your laptop, and your favorite snacks.
Your story deserves space to breathe—and so do you.
For a full conversation on DIY writing retreats, listen to Alexa’s chat with Rhonda Douglas of Resilient Writers.
