Guidelines for Organizing a Writer's Workshop
A Peaceful Writing Retreat in the Arizona Forest
A group of Christian writers recently embarked on a unique writing retreat, setting aside a few days to focus on their craft in a serene forested area of central Arizona. The retreat, organised by the ladies of Tuesday's Children, aimed to strengthen and expand their platforms.
The group arrived at Judy's house around 4:00 PM on Sunday, marking the beginning of their retreat. They spent the first evening settling in, sharing a meal at a local restaurant, and planning their activities for the days ahead.
The retreat was meticulously structured to serve the writers' needs, balancing focused writing time with workshops, community building, and self-care. Each day began with writers setting personal or group goals to maintain focus and motivation. The retreat included practical workshops on narrative structure, pitching, and platform-building, as well as one-on-one coaching sessions.
The group found inspiration in their tranquil surroundings, with walks off the beaten path and into the woods, and background music to accompany their writing sessions. They also took a two-mile walk around the neighbourhood on Monday, which included scaling hills and enjoying the wooded surroundings.
Community was a key element of the retreat. Social meals, relaxed check-ins, and shared writing sessions helped the writers connect, motivate each other, and feel less isolated in their creative process. They even socialized in their pajamas, similar to a grown-up slumber party.
The retreat was more than just a writing retreat; it was also a time for spiritual nourishment. Each day, the group spent time reading Scripture, sharing what touched them, and praying together.
Despite the retreat's structured schedule, there was room for flexibility to accommodate different energy levels and creative rhythms. The group followed a pre-planned itinerary that included writing blocks, workshops, meals, and free time, but there was always the opportunity to take a break or work on their projects at their own pace.
Financial parameters were considered when planning the retreat. Attendees were expected to contribute towards the retreat costs, but they did not spend any money during the retreat, except for a few bucks to their driver towards gas and a restaurant dinner the first night.
In summary, the writers' retreat was a successful endeavour that integrated purposeful writing time, supportive teaching, community building, and self-care in a calm setting, tailored to the writers’ developmental needs and creative goals. The retreat was a valuable experience for the group, providing them with a focused block of time to work on their projects, connect with other writers, and grow spiritually.
The retreat's balanced focus on writing, workshops, and outdoor-living provided a conducive environment for the writers' creative process, as they explored the forest trails and immersed themselves in the peacefulness of home-and-garden settings. After the retreat, each writer returned home inspired to integrate the lessons learned and the lifestyle of tranquil concentration into their daily routines.
