A writing retreat is an organized time away dedicated to an all-in immersion of productive creativity. If you've seen the movie Lonely Planet, Katherine and Owen are at a writer's retreat in Morocco. For me and probably the other 99% of the writer's community, that kind of retreat is impractical. Aside from the obvious financial constraints of a luxury retreat in North Africa, most of us have our roles to fill at home and work commitments. Fortunately, you don’t need to leave your home to enjoy some of the benefits of a writer's retreat. By harnessing special aspects of your own surroundings and adopting a purposeful mindset, you can design an at-home retreat that’s gratifying and rewarding.

Why an At-Home Retreat?
Well, why not? An at-home retreat lets a writer plunge themselves into the craft without logistical challenges. It's important to step away from our usual routines, allow ourselves to reclaim our time, and tap into our creativity. Transforming the home into a sanctuary uses its comfort to its best advantage.

Transforming Your Home into a Writing Sanctuary

Designate a Retreat Zone
Choose a special space in your home, such as a cozy corner or quiet room. Make it your own! Add items like candles, plants, and a “Do Not Disturb” sign. I have even moved the coffee machine and stole my daughter's bean bag chair, which was so comfortable against the wall with a tray for my laptop.

Prepare for the Retreat
Stock up on snacks, prepare ready meals, and gather your writing tools to minimize distractions and stay focused.

Cultivate a Retreat Mindset
Despite our best efforts, being at home means it is easy to get sidetracked. Resist the urge. Commit to your retreat by dressing intentionally, setting out-of-office replies, and completely disconnecting from everything outside the space.

Building an At-Home Retreat Schedule

As the goal is to balance productivity and gentle, peaceful enjoyment of the space, here's the schedule I follow when committing to my writing retreat:

Morning (Set the Tone):
Wake up slowly, enjoy a warm drink, and do something grounding, like meditation, yoga, or a ritual that gets you in the mood. I start with a cup of coffee in my favorite Darth Vader mug, then stretch while listening to The Imperial March. Please don't tell anyone that.

Mid-Morning (Deep Dive):
Spend 1-2 hours in intensive writing mode. Turn off notifications to stay focused. Short breaks are perfectly fine if necessary, but make sure to set a time limit and stick to it.

Lunch (Refresh):
Enjoy a nourishing lunch and relax. Step outside for fresh air if possible.

Afternoon (Creative Exploration):
Brainstorm new ideas, read for inspiration, or experiment with other forms of creativity like sketching or making playlists. I love doing paint-by-number projects and am currently working on da Vinci's Lady with an Ermine. I think it might be better than the original.

Evening (Wind Down):
Reflect on your day’s work and treat yourself to a relaxing activity, like a bath or a favorite movie.

This is just an example of how I operate, but the whole retreat idea falls apart if it isn't your own version of what inspires you. The goal is to carve out meaningful time for your writing, however that idea looks to you. With intention, care, and good planning, your surroundings can become the perfect backdrop for creativity. So light a candle, shut the door, and let your stories flow.