As I write this I’m sitting in a cosy cottage in Looe, Cornwall. I’ve just watched a stunning sunrise over the sea while listening to the waves rolling onto the beach below me.

This has been a week long writing retreat for me, and worth every moment. After a dry spell, I’ve added several thousand words to my current WIP and also worked on my co-written novel with my retreat buddy.

Yes, I have my study at home where I can sit at my computer surrounded by books and work. I’m sure, however, that I’m not the only one who struggles to stay focussed while working from home surrounded by its attendant distractions.

Whether you’re stuck on a story, trying to plan a new one or editing a finished novel I recommend a writing retreat as an effective kickstarter. Of course, time and money can restrict our options, but if it’s important enough you should try to find a way if you can. For some, a day sitting in your favourite coffee shop may be enough. Even if you can only manage a weekend away, it can prove to be very worthwhile.

Below I’ve summarised a good way to approach the writing retreat experience to make sure you get the most out of it.

1. Who: If you’re a solitary worker, then getting away on your own can have benefits far beyond just the writing. You can control your timetable, your breaks and your output. You also get to enjoy peace and quiet and the chance to simply think and be.
   There is a lot to be said for company as well. If you go with a writing buddy, you’ll have both company and competition. Bringing someone with you also brings practical benefits because it will let you share the cost if you’re renting somewhere to stay. It can also be great to have a like-minded person to bounce ideas off. Just make sure that you and your prospective retreat partner know each other well enough to say ‘shut up’ until lunch and dinner if chatting is enough to prevent you from working.
2. Where: Your writing retreat can be anywhere, and if you need to rent a place to stay then travelling in the off season will keep costs down. Coffee shops to cosy cottages, most places work for me as long as I’m not disturbed.
3. Why: We’ve talked about the ‘why’ of a retreat already, but let’s not forget that places can both inspire writing by providing time and space for it while also providing new content for your stories. A retreat gives you the opportunity to go people watching and to see new places that you can use as creative material for your writing.
4. When: This one is down to you and your schedule. A day, a weekend, a week can all be productive times. As I said previously, I travel in the off season but I also take advantage of friends and family. Why not offer to house/dog/catsit for someone while they’re away?
5. What: I’ve concentrated on writing retreats for one or two people, but of course you could be part of a larger group retreat. There are many organised retreats throughout the year which have the advantage of providing the camaraderie of a larger group.
6. How: Plan ahead. Match your retreats to your writing plan. Make them a habit. Give your writing a boost and your brain a break!