Giving yourself permission and time to write can be difficult. Life tends to get in the way – the kids, the job, all those everyday demands. This year it’s even more challenging, given that so many of us feel, well, distracted by the result of the recent elections. So The Writers Circle’s One-Day Mini-Retreat could not have come at a better time. Fifteen committed writers assembled at MONDO Summit, giving themselves precious time to dedicate to their craft.
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The beautiful surroundings lent themselves to creativity. The day began with a light breakfast, a quick writing warm-up, introductions, setting individual goals, an inspirational reading, and a lot of laughter. An instant connection sprung up as writer recognized writer, each sharing the challenges, the risks and the rewards of their work.
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While many writers spent the entire day in the big “quiet room,” finding a space for themselves and focusing in on their work, others participated in the three Spark Your Creativity sessions. TWC instructor Chris Kapp ran two of these, one a sensory mapping exercise and the second using poetry as a prompt to writing both verse and prose. Michelle Cameron, TWC Director, used Story Magic cards to help writers create compelling characters.
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Lunch became a communal event in the MONDO café. Everyone sat at a central table where there was a lively discussion about writing projects along with everything else under the sun.
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After lunch, several writers decompressed with a session of meditation, led by Laura Romain of Gracious Heart Yoga. Yoga followed, giving writers time for some much needed stretching! (Excuse the blurry photos – it was darkly atmospheric down there!)
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Several writers had signed up for critiques, receiving insights into their work on everything from structure to the nuances of word choice.
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Other opted to stick with their work in progress, writing until it was time to share at 3 PM, along with tea and treats.
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We sped the writers on their way with new goals for their work, as well as a renewed commitment to giving themselves the time they need to write!
I heard great feedback about the retreat day from one of my students this morning. Brava!
It was a great day! Delighted you heard good things.
Thanks to the Writers Circle and Mondo for an amazing retreat. I’m still smiling. Must be all that positive energy that was going around the circle yesterday!
Thank you, Claudia, for being there and adding to all that positive energy!
Thanks to Michelle and Chris for a wonderful day! Opportunities for workshops, critiques, even yoga. Most especially, time and space for writing. A blessing 🙂
Thank you, Elizabeth. We hope you’ll join us for the spring retreat this coming April when we’ll try and recreate the magic!