The Write Way to Retreat and Relax- Writers Inspiration

A pro is someone who can do great work when he doesn't feel like it.
- Alistair Cook

If you're going to be a writer, the first essential is just to write. Do not wait for an idea. Start writing something and the ideas will come. You have to turn the faucet on before the water starts to flow. - Louis L'Amour

Writer's block is a fancy term made up by whiners so they can have an excuse to drink alcohol.
- Steve Martin

How's your writing environment? It must be a place where you feel comfortable and creative. It is also important to keep interruptions to a minimum such as the phone, the tv, friends and family. Whether it's a writing studio, an old screened-in porch or a basement you must have your own space to do what you do best.

Every writer knows that they must make time to write. If not, nothing will be accomplished. If you're serious about writing it has to be treated as a job with a definitive deadline, a good motivator to finish a project or push through writer's block. A strict schedule is of the essence because time is a precious commodity that cannot afford to be wasted. You have to prioritize to fit writing into your daily life although those priorities must include balance between a day job and family for many. Some writers have a more fixed schedule like from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon or sometime during the night hours. Others have a more flexible regime working a couple hours off and on and taking time off on the weekends. Those with day jobs write before and after work and a mom at home with the kids can write when the little ones are asleep. A lot of professional writers set a writing quota such as a certain number of hours to write or a number of pages to be completed before they get up from their desk. This is a great way to have completion of your work.

I must govern the clock, not be governed by it. - Golda Meir

Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. -Vincent Van Gogh

You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do. -Henry Ford

A writer's notebook is a place to write down any thoughts, ideas, images, questions or anything that comes to mind. It's unlike a journal where you write down daily events of your life. It's used to take in the world around you. Some things to jot down in your notebook that can be divided into sections are:
1.things that amaze or anger you- personal feelings
2. character sketches
3. plot outlines
4. thoughts of dialogue
5. things you notice and don't want to forget
6. something that triggers a story or poem idea
7. something about a conversation you heard
8. memories and dreams
9. small, important details you encounter
10. lists- a to-do list or new and unusual words
11. photos, articles
12. sketches, doodles
13. inspiring quotes or passages
14. anything that pertains to writing

You should always keep your notebook with you so you can write at any place and at any time. It's also good to get into the habit of writing in your notebook daily. You could write in it in the morning after you awake, a few minutes in the afternoon and before you go to bed at night. Even on the days when you feel uninspired and are too busy still try to write something. Remember the writing notebook is your faithful companion to aid you on your journey of being a successful writer.

Instead of "I think I can", your thoughts have to be " I know I can". A talent still has to be cultivated and nurtured. Each author has their own special way of digging deep into their soul and writing down what needs to be told. You are special with you're own unique way to express yourself through writing. In this great, big world there's room for all writes of life. The craft itself does not exclude anyone. If you can't see yourself doing anything else but write you're on the right track. Passion for writing is when you long to do it no matter what and make room for it no matter when. It's this passion that keeps the inspiration fires burning and victory an arms-length away.

If you don't love it without the money, you won't love it with the money. -Todd Siler

A job is what we do for money; work is what we do for love. -Marysarah Quinn

Passion is in all great searches and is necessary to all creative endeavors.-Eugene W. Smith

A writer knows he's a writer. - John Barth

Sticking to it is the genius. -Thomas Edison

Busy schedules and hectic lifestyles can sometimes leave little room for writing and can cause burnout. A writer's retreat can take you away from the hustle and bustle and engulf you with a relaxing environment conducive for creativity and inspiration. There are many different kinds of writer's retreats so you'll have to do a little research to see which one fits you. You must fist decide what you would like most out of a retreat and factor in concerns like cost, location and length of stay. If finances are a concern there are grants available for writers retreats. What type of environment would you enjoy? Some place with total quiet and solitude or a place where you can share your space and time with others. Retreats also offer small amounts of socialization such as a reading or critique group. Also,professional networking like chances to meet well-known authors and editors. Bed and Breakfast and rental cottages are also a wonderful way to get that isolation and pampering if you so desire. A retreat can be a 3 day weekend to 7 days and it would be helpful to plan about a month in advance. As far as packing, make a list of all the items you will need. A bag designated just for your writing could be useful that could include pens, pencils, a project you're working on and of course your writer's notebook. While at your retreat focus on what you would like to accomplish while at your stay. Keep a schedule and even have a writing quota so your time spent at your retreat will not only be relaxing but productive as well.

I've learned early on, that no one discriminates against excellence.
-Oprah Winfrey

You can achieve anything you want in life if you have the courage to dream it, the intelligence to make a realistic plan, and the will to see that plan through to the end.
- Sidney A. Friedman

Success is simple. First, you decide what you want specifically; and second, you decide you're willing to pay the price to make it happen, and then pay that price.
- Bunker Hunt

Let us strip off and throw aside every unnecessary weight which so readily and cleverly clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 (Amplified Bible)