Make Retreats Part of Your Writing Life

It’s that time of year when writers and non-writers alike make huge aspirational lists of resolutions for the coming year. One of the most common things writers build into their new year resolutions is how to make time for writing in the busy-ness of work and family and friends and, well, life. How many times in the past year did you sit down at your writing desk, realize it was a mess, spend 30 precious minutes cleaning it up so you could concentrate on your story, only to have your phone ring/your child come in hungry for a snack/etc. before you wrote a single word? This happened to me more often than not in 2025 and it really hurt my progress on my work-in-progress (WIP).

But I have a solution, something you should add to your list for 2026 that is guaranteed to help with this very common and frustrating issue: Writing Retreats.

I can already hear your objections: I don’t have the money/time/childcare for that! And I hear you. Not many of us can afford the fancy writing retreats held in haunted Scottish castles or in other far-flung locales, but that is not the only way to participate in a writing retreat! I bought a house this year, so my retreat budget was zero and yet I still managed to get two solid writing sessions in during the year. It made the difference between 2025 being a writing bust and getting *almost* to The End of my WIP.

Why Retreats Work

If you’re one of the lucky few who have a dedicated writing space with a door that closes out the distractions of regular life, I’m thrilled for you. For the rest of us, it’s far too easy for life to invade our writing time and space. My writing desk is also my editing/coaching desk, which means it’s far too easy to put my own work down and focus on one of my clients instead.

What a retreat lets you do is step outside the regular routines of life and dedicate time, whether it’s 4 hours or 4 days, to your writing. Longer blocks of time allow you to create momentum, to immerse yourself in your story, and to think through story problems without interruption. Sounds dreamy, right?  Just like you clear your calendar to take a vacation, you’ll clear your calendar for a writing vacation and the results are pure magic.

I know lots of folks who do solo writing retreats with a lot of success. But I’m a social creature by nature and I find writing with others a fabulous way to keep the momentum going. The collective energy of writing with other people can help propel you even when you get stuck or your energy flags. When you look up to rest your eyes and see your pals typing away, it will encourage you to get back to your story rather than picking up your phone to doomscroll or play today’s Wordle.

And when you inevitably take breaks for a meal or a walk, you’ve got fellow writers there to brainstorm tricky plot problems or just commiserate on the challenges and joys of the writing journey.

How to Make Them Fit Your Budget and Schedule

Like I said, I know not everyone can jet off to a distant location for a writing retreat (but if you can, you might want to check out the on location retreats I have planned for 2026 here). Luckily, you can replicate the benefits of a writing retreat without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas from no-cost to low-cost:

• Send the family on a fun outing or off to Grandma’s for the weekend without you so that you can spend half a day or even a full weekend on your story. Be careful not to let regular life creep in since you’ll be at home with all the usual distractions. Budget: FREE!
• Meet other writers for a half-day retreat at the local library or coffee shop. For the cost of a cup of coffee or a pot of tea, you can set aside 2-4 hours for your writing as often as you’re able. Budget:
• Join a virtual writing retreat online. You’ll get the benefits of writing with others without having to pay for travel. And who knows, you might even make some new writing friends along the way. Budget: These events cost anywhere from nothing to $2000+ depending on the event.
• If you’re okay leaving the house overnight, but not quite ready to fly somewhere, check out the retreat offerings from your local writing organization or from local authors, many of which offer nearby retreats several times per year. Budget: $500+
• Ready to jump on a plane? Many larger national and international writing organizations offer retreats several times per year as well. And organizations like Highlights, Foreword Retreats, and others offer a robust schedule of events. The Writer’s Center and Poets & Writers both maintain a list of writing retreats, residencies, and other events as well. Budget: $750+.

Non-Writing Preparation

So you’ve chosen the type of retreat that works with your budget and schedule, you’ve cleared your calendar. Now all you need to do is show up, right? Not quite. There are still non-writing things you can do to help set yourself up for success. Consider whether you can:

• Stock your fridge and freezer with quick, easy, nourishing meals that will free up cooking time during your retreat.
• If you share responsibility for groceries, meal-prep, or other household chores, bargain with other members of your household—can you pick up more next month so that they can give you a break now?
• Set expectations with family and friends that you will have your phone off during your writing retreat. If your retreat is happening at home instead of away, consider creating a sign for your office or bedroom door might help remind them to stay out when you’re writing. And if you don’t have the energy to make your own, I’ve got one for you (see below).
• Reschedule any non-critical appointments for after your retreat. No need to spend writing time at the dentist (unless you’ve got a toothache).
• In addition to preplanning some meals, stock up on your favorite snacks and beverages. I keep a supply of stick cheese, pistachios, and sliced fruit at the ready to fuel me through those 2-hour write-ins. And of course, lots of water, tea, or other beverage of choice. Our brains are mostly water–keep them hydrated!
• Don’t be afraid to reward yourself with your favorite sweet or savory treat (or sticker) as you achieve milestones during your retreat. It really does help keep you motivated!

Start Your Writing Year with Intention!

Before another year slips by with no real progress on your writing, consider putting a writing retreat on the schedule for 2026 now. And if you’re looking for a no-cost retreat that you can attend from anywhere in the world, why not join me for Your Writing Year Begins Here: A Cozy Virtual Retreat on January 23-25, 2026.

I will lead the FREE retreat with my colleague and pal, New York Times best-selling author Emily Colin. We’ll be there every day of the retreat, to answer your questions, give you personal feedback on your work, help you overcome roadblocks, and much more.

As you dive into 2026, remember, you don’t need another resolution—you need a gentle, realistic way to keep showing up for your story. Whether your goal is to finally finish a messy first draft, revise with purpose, or simply reconnect with your story, a writing retreat gives you the structure and community to begin 2026 on the page instead of just in your head.

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