In the most part – unsurprisingly – writing. Who’d have thought?! In all seriousness, that’s not an easy question to answer, given the range of different retreats you may find.
The ‘get away from it all’ retreat
A popular choice for authors and would-be authors who struggle to find peace to write at home. Life’s demands, family, environment, no time, poor concentration…all can be conducive to non-existent word counts. For many authors, ‘getting away from it all’ is exactly what they need to evoke creativity, to carve out the time they need to write, and to focus on little else. Most of these retreats are in lush countryside or scorching hot countries, to enhance the ‘fish out of water’ feel. Different routine, different mind-set, different results.
The ‘learn and apply’ retreat
Some retreats include workshops, as well as ‘quiet time’ to write. With pre-arranged seminars, conferences and/or practical workshops, these can prove valuable to authors in need of feedback and direction. If you’ve read any of my other posts, you’ll know I’m no advocate of an author doing everything themselves; objectivity is hard to come by, and a third party can bring useful insights. Your readers should never be the first people to see your book, nor can you rely on the opinions of Aunt Flo or your loved ones – their lack of experience is one thing, their bias is a whole different matter altogether. If you want to create something your readers will enjoy, don’t guess. Ask for help in the appropriate places.
This kind of retreat may not dangle as much writing time, but instead, offers valuable expertise at an affordable price. Information, inspiration and motivation can then be taken home (not everyone needs to ‘escape’ to write).
The ‘authors’ get-together’
More of a social event, these retreats can also involve workshops alongside fun activities, walks/visits to places with literary connections, and creative brainstorming. Traditionally, a solitary bunch, authors can find plot inspiration, advice and solidarity amongst fellow writers. And all work and no play makes Jack a dull writer, sorry…boy.
Discussing the intricacies of, and the obstacles within, your story with your partner isn’t the same as sharing it with a sounding board who’s in exactly the same position. It’s cathartic to discuss these things with others that not only understand but actually want to hear about it.
My upcoming retreat is a mix of the ‘learn and apply’ and the ‘authors’ get-together’. During the weekend, which runs from January 29-31st 2016, myself and other writing professionals will deliver a series of one-to-one author clinics, interactive writing workshops, ‘CSI style’ writing and research classes, a murder mystery dinner event, as well as offering plenty of advice and feedback. And quiet time can be yours too! Taking place at the Healing Manor, Lincolnshire, this retreat costs £350, which includes your board, all workshops, classes and clinics, and all your food and drink – a bargain! For more information, contact me at diane@thewritinghall.co.uk.
The Writing Hall Literary Consultancy 
Oh yes Diane, it would be a wonderful experience to partake in a retreat, and be able to talk about all the different aspects of writing, and to make new friends.
I have never attended one but it would definitely be on my wish list.
However personal circumstances make it nearly impossible to contemplate, but is it something that could be achieved in an on-line retreat, perhaps? Maybe something that we could manage on the Writer’s hall, as a discussion thread, or multiple threads?
Maybe over a set time period or as an on-going exercise.
It might get more people using the discussion threads…
Thanks John, an online retreat is certainly a good idea, and one I hadn’t thought of. We’ll see what develops. 🙂