Santa Rosa Beach Writers Retreat: Day Two

Today was a productive day at the retreat. Breakfast was followed by a group discussion. Then, our writer-in-residence, Jack Riggs invited each of the writers to spend some one-on-one time with him during the stay to talk about their writing journey, their current projects, and to answer questions they have about writing and the writing life.

Boardwalk on the beach

Boardwalk on the beach

We are just steps away from the sugary sands and sparkling blue water of the Gulf of Mexico. A perfect location for inspiration. The day was perfect. Warm, but not humid. The long stretch of white sand invited writer after writer to walk along the shoreline.

The house is expansive — with plenty of places to hide out and write–both inside and out.

Colleen Friesen at Write by the Water Retreat
Some writers curled up in the living area, while others brought their laptops poolside and stretched out on  lounge chairs to write. They were slowly getting into the rhythm, the purpose of the 5-day stay: to write. Having permission to just sit and write–without the distractions of everyday living is such a gift.

After a great dinner at Basmati’s– a restaurant along scenic highway 30A–the day was done. Perfect weather. Lots of writing time. Great conversations. New friendships were formed. Laughter filled the corners of the huge beach house. I would call day two of the Write by the Water writers retreat a success.

Weird thing of the day (WTOD)
Tough to decide the weirdest thing of the day for Day Two, so maybe you can help me decide.

Tell us what you think we should choose for today’s WTOD:

  1. The college boy who showed up at the door to “borrow” mayonnaise
  2. The writer who got her butt stuck while trying to get out of the car

Cast your vote in our comments below and we’ll pick the winner!

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.