In Process: Goblin Goes on Writing Retreat

What I pack (and don’t) for writing retreats

Yes that’s a giant log of butter. Just trying to do my part by taking some of it with me.

I’m about to hit the road for a weeklong writing retreat at a friend’s and so today’s In Process is a bit different. I’m going to share my packing list, the (shameful?) secret of what’s *not* on it, and my best laid plans.

I’m sending this from the waiting room of a doctor’s appointment before I get my rental car, so also please forgive any weird formatting that writing on the app causes. Blame it on the goblins.

In late winter I sent an email asking if anyone needed pet or housesitting so I could put my foot on the accelerator for the novel. Even then I didn’t think I’d make my June deadline for this draft. I still don’t think I will but I’m gonna try as hard as possible to get as close as I can. A coaching client who became a friend (a common pattern!) offered me her house two hours north of me. We’ve never met, and she’s been a huge champion of my getting my shit done, so it’s an especially sweet set up. You absolutely can rent an air b n b to do these things but it’s extra special to be in another writer’s house and one who is rooting for you to boot. I’m so awed and grateful for Claudia’s generosity (and also by the many people who offered their spaces or asked around for me).

To my mind, the point of a writing retreat, especially a solo one, is to get a little feral. To not work or eat or sleep or exist in the rhythms of your usual life or society. Will I miss Archie curling up on my chest in my office? Checking in with my kids when they come home from school? The chef skills of my husband, and decompressing with him at night? June’s goofy morning greetings? Yes. Will I miss getting Archie to stop chewing the records? The days when the kids rant about annoying school stuff for 10 plus minutes precisely when I’m in a flow state? Not as much. I’m looking forward to spending some time as my goblin self, without responsibilities to anyone but myself and my work.

Now, what’s in my (random assortment of) bag(s)….

Goblin items are marked with a *