my solo writing retreat

Every summer since 2022, I go on a writing retreat in Woodstock, NY.

Here’s what’s on my writing retreat agenda:

Nothing.

I’m kidding but not.

I go with absolutely zero plans or expectations. I don’t force myself to write a certain amount or stick to a schedule.

There are a few must-do plans on my list, though.

I stay in my favorite hotel on the planet, Woodstock Way. It feels like living in a tree house.

I read. I lie in bed and stare out the window. I walk at Ashokan Reservoir. I take baths in the huge soaker tub in my hotel room. I swim at the Big Deep, a local swimming hole. I order pad Thai. I buy a book at Mirabai. I shop on Tinker Street.

In between, I write. One day last summer I wrote 17 pages in one day. But at no point was I sitting at my laptop for three hours. I wrote a little on the couch in my suite, then went for a walk. I wrote a little at lunch, then went shopping. I sat by the waterfall and did a little writing, then got tacos and a hard cider for dinner.

I come away incredibly refreshed and restored.

Want some ideas for setting up your own magical solo writing retreat? (Including ideas to get away for $0.) Grab the Self Guided Writing Retreat toolkit here for $27.

Happy writing.