Friday, June 8, 2012

RETREAT!

Have you ever noticed how much work you can get done on your book simply by thinking about it? I can go through the motions here at Ye Ole Day Job, but approximately 95% of the time, I'm living in my book. Trying to unravel new plot threads. Spicing up characters with quirks. Finding ways to make my setting more "real." I'm always thinking about my story.

And I love it.

Anyway. What's going on this weekend? Any big plans? (You realize I ask because it's a polite way for me to tell you about my upcoming weekend, right?)

My writing group is getting together Sunday morning and heading north to a quiet retreat center for the day/night. We each have high hopes of putting a lot of necessary work into our books. I have new scenes to write and old ones to move around. I have more to do than is possible to accomplish in 24 hours.

I'm excited--SUPER excited--about this quick retreat. But part of me is nervous. Two people in our group are social. They're lovely people, but if one starts to talk, then the other one does, and the next thing you know, an hour is gone and I haven't been able to write a thing.

So this means I'm going to have to protect my time. The retreat center is HUGE. I will have my own room. And headphones. If I'm not getting stuff done because of the chatter, I will simply walk away. No harm, no foul. I won't ask them to stop, I will simply relocate. I'm paying for this time with my own money and my own vacation day on Monday. I do not want to get home and feel like it wasn't worth either one.

No, really: What's going on this weekend? Anyone writing? Anyone want to pull my weeds? Wait, no, that's not right. Big plans?

14 comments:

  1. I'd be wearing those headphones all day! Hope you can avoid the chatter.
    Lots of movies and writing for me this weekend. Already mowed the grass so I don't have that hanging over my head. Really need to invest in some Astro Turf.

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    1. Usually somewhere around Day 12 of not mowing I start to dream about landscaping the back yard with rocks. Then I realize I'd rather mow than weed. :) Can't wait to see the movie reviews you have next week!

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  2. Oh man, that sounds so awesome! You'll have to send me deets about it when you get back! I bet you get tons of writing done.
    We've just got a weekend plan of some bigger housework on the house. The parents are coming over to help (and of course it's going to be 90...) Also, Prometheus tonight.
    Have a great retreat!!

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    1. Yeah, it's going to be hot and sticky this weekend. I didn't hit the a/c today (poor pups) because I figure I'll use it tomorrow. Apparently, I'm cheap. :/

      And yes--I'll tell you all about the place and trip when I get back! But I just heard 35W is closed N of 694, so time to get creative w/google maps!

      Have fun at the movie!

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  3. Writing retreats always sound fantastic, but I'd have to do it alone. I'd be the one out there chatting with everyone. :(

    Make the most of it, and do protect your writing time.

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    1. Yeah, this is my first retreat devoted strictly to "writing time" that I'm doing with other people. I may or may not do it again based on how it goes. But I'm going into it with a positive attitude. I WILL get stuff done!

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  4. I do the same thing, spending my time at work dreaming and plotting about my work. I'm just not brave enough to announce it on my blog where the bosses might see it.

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    1. Yeah, I suppose I may post a few things differently if my boss followed my blog. (Brian, are you reading this?)

      But I've found it easily kills a boring Friday morning to jot down notes and ideas, all while working on "real" work!

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  5. Seems like a great plan. I am also looking for inspiration and I am hoping to find it exploring the blogs of much more experienced authors :), so far so good.

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  6. Ahh, I did a mini-retreat this weekend to relax and catch up on writing. It. Was. Amazing!

    Sorry to have missed ya when I was in the cities last week. ;)

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  7. Sounds like a great weekend! Hope you enjoyed the retreat and got lots done.

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  8. I need to do something like that. Do you mind if I copy the retreat idea on my end of the continent? It sounds just right.

    How have you been? Well, I hope. :)

    Have a great week!

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  9. Sounds amazing--it's so fun to have blocks of time just for writing (and know that there's chatter nearby if you need it!). Hope you had a good weekend.

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  10. So how did the retreat turn out?? And did you make your three week deadline and get your book polished enough for CreateSpace? I want to know!!!

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