TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR OWN (SUCCESSFUL) WRITING RETREAT
- Michelle Meade
- Sep 6
- 4 min read
A writing retreat can be a game-changer, giving you uninterrupted time to draft, revise, or map out your book. But it’s not enough to just book an Airbnb and bring a laptop. To make it productive, you need a plan for safety, focus, and logistics. This post walks you through every step—from choosing the right space to structuring your day—so you leave with real progress, not stress.
Where You Should Be in Your Writing Process When Planning a Writing Retreat
Not every stage benefits equally, and booking a retreat too early can make it hard to shape ideas. So when is the right time?
Ideal stages:
Early or mid-draft: Push your draft forward without domestic distractions.
Focused revision: Review structural issues or complete line edits with full attention.
When to wait:
If you only have a vague idea or no outline, a short, costly retreat can feel frustrating. Use local mini-retreats or weekend sessions at home to clarify your plan first.
Dealing with the Pressure to Produce
Time and financial investment can create pressure to finish your retreat with some major accomplishments, but this kind of stress can work against you on a retreat. So, how do you prevent the pressure from blocking you?
Focus on process goals: Instead of raw word counts, aim for blocks of deep work, scene completion, or revision passes. Or you might forgo specific, results-driven goals altogether! A retreat is about giving yourself the time and space to sink deep into your writing and ideas, and that in and of itself can be the goal of the whole trip.
Create a realistic schedule: Work in timed blocks, with at least one free block per day for rest or low-stakes work. (Tip: Bring craft books, movies, or leisure reading to reset your brain at night, because it can be especially tricky when you've been deep in creative mode all day.)
Manage the sunk-cost voice: If you get stuck, pivot to a different task. Treat the retreat as permission to work imperfectly—momentum matters more than perfection.
Optional accountability: Short daily or mid-retreat check-ins with a peer or coach can help focus next steps without pressure. Group retreats with another writer can also be effective. (I've taken one solo retreat, and one with another writer, and I would definitely say that the being with another person focused on the work resulted in much more productivity.)
Set a measurable goal: If the idea of a goal-free trip sounds disasterous to you, then choose one that has the kind of success you can track. Define a clear outcome, like drafting a chapter, completing a revision pass, or finishing part of your outline. Adjust the goal to suit your needs.
Logistics of a Writing Retreat
Preparation reduces friction and supports focus, and I know many of your are the list-making type, so keep these planning tips in mind:
Before you book:
Confirm Wi-Fi and read recent reviews for noise, cleanliness, and host responsiveness.
Packing & tech:
Laptop, chargers, backups, headphones, power strip, notebooks, pens, sticky notes, whiteboard... Basically, anything you'd usually have with you while writing and editing.
Download research or reference materials for offline use.
Food & comfort:
Simple meals! This is a big one, because the idea is not to spend a lot of time on cooking/clean up that could be better spent writing. Grab basic groceries for breakfasts and easy lunches, plus consider delivery options for dinner.
Key comforts: sleep mask, tea, diffuser, sound machine, first-aid, weighted blanket. These help you feel relaxed and comfortable, which is key to making space for creativity.
Budget wisely:
Choose a space that feels comfortable and safe, but fits your spending budget. This doesn't need to be a luxurious getaway (though it certainly CAN be if that works for you!). The most important things to consider in your space are:
sleeping arrangements
kitchen/cooking supplies
indoor/outdoor writing space
optional entertainment.
Staying Safe and Comfortable Alone
Traveling solo can create anxiety, but there are easy ways to reduce stress and free your mind for writing.
Choose the right space:
Book Superhosts with recent reviews.
Pick a location that feels comfortable—city bustle or cottage escape.
Do your research:
Check street view, nearby businesses, and transit.
Ask hosts about entrances, lockboxes, and emergency contacts.
Read lower-rated reviews for potential issues.
On-site routines:
Lock doors and windows; a door stop or travel alarm helps.
Share your itinerary with a trusted friend and schedule check-ins.
Personalize the space with small comforts like a lamp, diffuser, or tea. (I like to bring a weighted blanket, which is great for anxiety and sleep!)
How to Structure Your Day for Maximum Productivity
The whole point of a writing retreat is to amplify your creativity while minimizing wasted time. You want to give yourself the space to open doors in your mind that let you sink deeply into the work. Now, not all of us follow the same patterns (5am Writing Club vs Nightowls), so take this as a general example and adjust your schedule to your own rhythm.
Morning – Deep Work:
Most demanding tasks in 90–120 minute blocks.
Use a short ritual to signal focus (coffee outside, a walk, or morning pages).
Midday – Recharge and Reflect:
Take lunch and movement breaks. Avoid screens to give your brain a real pause.
Afternoon – Medium-Intensity Work:
Refine dialogue, review notes, or fact-check.
Optional second deep block if energy allows.
Late Afternoon – Light Work:
Outline, organize research, or freewrite.
Evening – Wind Down and Review:
Reflect on accomplishments and set intentions for the next day.
Treat yourself to a movie or book unrelated to your project.
Tips:
Use a timer for blocks and breaks.
Adjust schedule to your energy patterns.
Don’t be rigid—change the schedule if it’s not working. If you’re a night person, swap the timing of your deep-work sessions to accommodate.
A writing retreat works best when you commit fully to the time and space. Focus on your goals, follow a clear daily structure, and allow both deep work and restorative breaks. With intention and consistency, you’ll leave with tangible progress, clarity, and renewed momentum for your project.
Have another Writing Retreat question? Let me know below and I'm happy to answer them!
Would you consider a writing retreat?
I've tried them and love them!
I'm thinking about it...
I don't think they're for me.
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