Are you a writer? When you’re working, learning, taking care of family and generally just living life it is so easy to lose focus on your writing. Even when you do promise yourself you will sit for a few hours and really get stuck in, it’s so easy to get distracted by doing the dishes, putting the washing out on the line or even writing an entire kitchen inventory and a shopping list because you made a cup of tea and noticed you’re running low on milk.
Getting out of the house and immersing yourself into your own little bubble of creativity is sometimes the only answer to letting those creative thoughts flow without distraction. Some people choose to fly off to month long writing retreats in warmer climates to be immersed in the creativity of others, some simply head to their local coffee shop a few times a week. Others book a secluded cottage like Gwel y Mynydd for the weekend to recharge their batteries and escape the distractions of everyday life.
Whether you plan everything down to every minute detail and book months ahead or prefer to be spontaneous with one of our last minute special offers we are sure to have the perfect place to let your creative juices flow away from the daily hustle and bustle.
Here are some tips for planning your own personal writing retreat.
Wi-fi or no Wi-fi?
You may want to segregate yourself from the world entirely with no distractions of social media or the greater world wide web. In which case you’ll need somewhere like Little Bothie which is secluded not only in geography but in technology too! Of course, you may be writing a fact heavy book where ‘googling’ is essential so somewhere like Llys y Frân will be more suited to you.
Pack plenty of snacks
Stopping to cook a meal will be the last thing on most writers minds when they are immersed in their creative space. But even starving artists need to eat at some point! Make sure you bring plenty of snack foods that is ready to eat at any time.
Pack plenty of drinks
Along the same vein as the snacks, keeping yourself hydrated is not only good for the body but is vitally important for the mind too. Make sure you take your favourite drinks with you so there’s no need to pop out and hinder your creative thought process.
Create a portable office
Make a list of everything you need to fully dedicate yourself to this writing retreat. Pack your notepad and pens, an inspirational book or magazine, your laptop, maybe an mp3 player with all your favourite songs to write to. Don’t forget all the charging cables too!
Take a dog
Fresh air is highly underrated. Take your dog to make sure you get out to stretch your legs at least a couple of times a day. The gardens at Bwthyn Trehilyn are fully enclosed so you and your pooch can sit out in the sun without the worry of him wandering off!
Complete Isolation or people watching?
Some people prefer to get right away from it all to places like Drumskinny Farm where they are isolated from the rest of society and its distractions. Others like to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of people to get their inspiration. Somewhere like Aeron Bach, which is just a short walk away from Aberaeron town and gives the best of both worlds.
Have you ever considered taking a little writing retreat, or even just a personal retreat? What property would you choose?
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