For me, it can be hard to find the time and space to write—and I’m a professional writer!
Most weekdays you’ll find me hunched over in front of the computer, fingers flying, with occasional breaks to glance at my notes or transcripts of client meetings. Every week, I write thousands of words.
Still, I often struggle to find the time and space I need to write, with my personal projects always getting shuffled to the back burner. For example, I finished a draft of a novel chapter nearly two weeks ago, but still haven’t managed to type it up to send to my alpha readers. (I love writing by hand first, then typing up what I’ve written—it’s like a mini-revision session.)
That’s why, for the past two years, I’ve loved going to a local church’s annual writers’ retreat. Even though it only lasted a day and a half, I found that time magical. Surrounded by fellow creatives at all levels (beginners to seasoned writers), and in all stages of the process (from “I have an idea” to “I’ve been published”), I felt invigorated. My flagging motivation and creativity recharged, and I got so much done.
This year, however, the church couldn’t host the retreat.
After my initial disappointment, I realized this was like a message from the universe telling me it was time to act on an idea I’d been sitting with: creating my own writers’ retreat. I wanted to cultivate a space where fellow writers of all types and levels could experience what I had at those church retreats: a place to come, write, and, if they want, learn.
After a flurry of inquiries and some dedicated planning, I’ve put something together that, if you’re a writer, I hope will be magical for you: the Hill Country Inklings Retreat!
What Is the Hill Country Inklings Retreat?
Hoping to capture some of their creativity and camaraderie, I named the retreat after a famous writers’ group that included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
The location is Camp Buckner, a little over an hour northwest of Austin, nestled in the peaceful Texas Hill Country. I attended a different retreat there, and I can tell you the sunsets are magnificent! The tree-lined hills around the camp create a relaxing, pressure-free environment, and there are walking and hiking trails nearby if you need space to stretch your legs or clear your head.
Attendees will get three square meals a day from the camp (starting with Friday supper and ending after Sunday breakfast) served at set times. If you want something different, a small on-site shop sells fancy coffees, ice creams, necessities you might have forgotten to pack, and handcrafted fair-trade items from around the world.
Rooms will be shared (unless you want to pay extra for a single!), but you’ll have your own bed. Think of it like a single-serve college dorm experience – you’ll get to know someone in close quarters, but go your separate ways after just a few days.
When you want to write, you’ll find plenty of porches with rocking chairs. Or you can bring your lawn chair and hang out under a tree away from everyone. Or just grab a quilt and find a cozy corner on the floor. There will be lots of options.
Coming because you want to learn and grow as a writer? Everyone will have the opportunity to do that, too – but only if they want. We’re putting together an impressive list of industry professionals to lead optional talks/workshop sessions, which we’ll announce once they are confirmed.
Current potential activities include talks by a book publishing expert and a book marketing expert, critique groups, and a Saturday night read-aloud session.
How Is This Different from Other Writers’ Retreats?
The Hill Country Inklings Writers Retreat isn’t about adhering to a strict schedule—the point is to give you what you need as a writer. To that end, all planned activities—except for the check-in and welcome session—are 100% optional. You do you. Whatever helps you be creative and productive, go for it! (Within the law and reasonable personal boundaries, of course 😉.)
That means you can use the entire time to write or attend every event. Take walks solo or with a new friend. Chat about your writer’s block over dinner – or offer advice to others experiencing writing or publishing frustrations.
Details & How to Join
Who It’s For
- Writers of fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry—at any stage.
- People craving a creative reset.
- Those who long to be in a room (or on a porch swing) with others who “get it.”
When and Where
When:
3:00 PM Friday, September 26—11:00 AM Sunday, September 28 (please note: rooms must be vacated by 9:00 AM)
Where:
Camp Buckner
3835 Ranch to Market Rd 2342
Burnet, TX 78611
Price:
Early Bird (by July 31): $200
Regular (after July 31): $250
All fees must be paid in full by Friday, September 11.
How to register:
Click the “Register” button on the retreat website. Registration is not complete until payment is received.
Find out more:
Email me! I’m happy to answer your questions.
Why Are Writers’ Retreats So Valuable?
Did you know that if 1000 people who wanted to write a book were in a room together, only 30 of them would ever start writing? And only six of those would complete their manuscript?
What’s my point? Lots of things about writing are hard, but one of the most difficult is simply giving yourself the time and space to do it. Being around lots of like-minded, creative people in a place conducive to writing doesn’t hurt either. Don’t regret not taking a chance—use this opportunity to move forward with your writing dreams.
Your story deserves space. Let’s create it together this fall!