Sound the Retreat

Guest post by Author Ann Finkelstein

I have attended several writing retreats and workshops. While they differed widely in style, location and content, each was valuable. When Gwen asked me to write a guest post on the benefits of writing retreats, I gladly accepted and listed some of the opportunities writing retreats provide.

Show your manuscript some love.
Your partner, kids, job, friends, home, garden and hobbies may all be wonderful. Doesn’t your manuscript deserve undivided attention too? When I go on a writing retreat, my manuscript is the only thing on my mind. I acquire insights more easily, see previously –overlooked connections and find solutions to thorny problems.

Learn from other’s writing issues
At my last writing retreat, one of my critique group members discussed the climax scene in his novel. He’d painted his characters into a corner, and worried that his initial ideas for their rescue were unimaginative. As he discussed his new plan, I realized that my characters had escaped from their dire situation too easily, and I needed to re-think that scene.

Get your manuscript in shape
Many writing retreats offer a variety of writing exercises to jump start participants’ creativity. A good writing exercise is like having a personal trainer for your manuscript. It makes you work harder, think more deeply and write things you might not have considered.

Obtain professional feedback
Some writing retreats feature a published author, agent or editor to offer individual feedback on your manuscript. Consider this input carefully, even if you disagree. Sometimes it takes me an embarrassingly long time to appreciate the brilliance of a professional critique.

Share experiences with other writers
Writing can be a lonely business. Most of the world doesn’t understand the day-to-day frustrations and elations of writing. For me, camaraderie with other writers has always been the best part of writing retreats.

Gain a sense of accomplishment
Be proud of your progress, then let that fulfillment push your project ahead after you go home.

Ann Finkelstein is the author of Science is Golden: a problem-solving approach to doing science with children (Michigan State University Press, 2001) and articles in Cricket, Spider and Highlights for Children Magazines. She currently writes young adult novels. Check out Ann’s blog, Words and Pixels.

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