Writer’s retreats. Each one is different, but the goals are the same. We want to be better at our craft. We want to find new ways to create compelling stories for our readers that keep them turning pages. Well, our little group was no different. It’s only the first day and we’ve already had a blast and the ladies attending this particular retreat have been having a ball.
Writing is a lonely business and some of us don’t have much interaction with those outside our households. No, we’re not all a bunch of hermits (though I’ve bordered on it at times) but we do need to interact with other writers to keep fresh and know that we’re not alone in this.
Some in our group we’ve only seen during monthly zoom meetings, and meeting them for the first time has been wonderful. We’ve shared some stories of our lives with each other, and we’ve also consumed copious amounts of chocolate in the form of sea salt caramels, M&Ms, muffins, and, well, you get the picture. And that was just last night.
Today, on the other hand, we got serious, and the mentoring began. Even as I write this, the girls are busy doing writing sprints in the little cabin we’re using for our retreat.
There’s the day in the life of a writer, then there’s the chance to be with some of your tribe. To connect with other creatives and
see how their individual writing process works. We aren’t all the same, we have different voices and ways of going about building a story. Some writers get the words out a little slower than others. Some type while others dictate their stories. But each of us loves to create something out of nothing for you, our readers, whom we dearly love.
There are writing conferences that we could attend, but there’s something much more endearing about a writer’s retreat. We have fun working and learning from each other with deeper connection, and of course, there’s usually more chocolate involved!
This particular group wrote the Wild Rose Ridge Series and now we’re working on Christmas books. How fitting that we’re here in a little cabin in Washington State amidst fir and pine trees typing away. I’ve already laughed so much I’m losing my voice!
Who knows how many books you’ve read that were created from a group of authors that got together the way we are and did some brainstorming? And know this, we do it for you, and we love it! Readers need writers and writers need readers. Story is king for all of us, and getting together with fellow authors helps keep our creative juices flowing!
So the next time you pick up a book, it might have been thought up from an author who got together with other authors during a fun time of writing, laughing, and brainstorming their next book. I can’t tell you how many of my books started that way and I’ve loved every minute of my writing career.
When was the last time you connected with a group of folks who shared your passion? Was it a club, a group that met now and then, or maybe just a friend that shares your interests? The key word is sharing, and it’s loads of fun to share those interests with others. I’m giving away a free e-copy of The Christmas House, the first book in Wild Rose Christmas which will release in October, to one lucky commenter.
I’ll be replying late in the day as we have to go town for internet. 🙂
Here’s a little more about the book:
Mandy Sherwood has come home to Wild Rose Ridge to discover her favorite house in town is for sale! Mandy’s been in love with the old Victorian known as The Christmas House for years, and now was her chance to own it! Unfortunately, Edith Dilly, the owner, already has a buyer. But that doesn’t deter Mandy! She wants that house, and is willing to do just about anything to get it.
Chase Langley, a rancher, investor, and owner of a string of Christmas themed air B&Bs, finds the perfect house to add to his collection. Located in the charming town of Wild Rose Ridge, the house will make him a pretty penny, and he’s ready to shell out the cash to make it his. If not for an annoying, dark-haired architect, he’d already own it! So what if she makes his heart sing, she wasn’t going to get her hands on that house!
But when others begin bidding on it, can Mandy and Chase join forces to make sure the house doesn’t fall into the wrong hands? Edith thinks so! And sees a match to be made as well! But only if she can get Mandy and Chase to invest in the house together.
USA Today bestselling author Kit Morgan is the author of over 180 books of historical and contemporary western romance! Her stories are fun, sweet stories full of love, laughter, and just a little bit of mayhem! Kit creates her stories in her little log cabin in the woods in the Pacific Northwest. An avid reader and knitter, when not writing, she can be found with either a book or a pair of knitting needles in her hands! Oh, and the occasional smidge of chocolate!
I have a book club group that meets sporadically, but we always have fun when we do get together! I love learning about the reading preferences and styles (paper books, e-books, audio…) and finding similarities and learning of opportunities to try new reading styles and genres!
I also often get together with church friends while we quilt or craft or find ways to serve our community. This isn’t where I always feel comfortable, but I do enjoy the friendships that we have formed!
I’m also a master gardener, and while gardening is not usually a group activity, we meet monthly and discuss ways to help others in our community to grow in their gardening knowledge. Again, I enjoy the feelings of camaraderie that we have and I love being able to serve others in our community!
Making friends in different groups is fun, Ami!
Hey Kit! What fun! I’ve been on quilting retreats and have learned new techniques and updated ways to quilt. It’s always fun to gather as one group and share your ideas and learn. I’ve also been to colored pencil workshops which is the same concept just a different venue. I’ve been vice President of a local artist guild. That’s where you really share ideas and get more involved in community projects or ideas. Especially in education, local libraries, and other community events.
This new book sounds good! Best wishes to you!
Ohhhh, I bet a quilting retreat would be a blast!
I love that you guys get together and come up with stories but as for me I would say I’m a bit of a hermit. Your book sounds awesome!
Many a book idea has happened at a retreat, Joanne!
Sounds promising as a good read.
It’s a fun one, Kari!
That sounds like such fun! It would be nice to get together like that with a group of like minded people. I have gone to conferences and make fast friends, but have never pulled the trigger and gotten together after the conferences. My retreats are usually alone in a camper where I can totally focus one my craft. I had planned on going to the one in South Dakota but came down sick. I look forward to your next book. Keep up the good work.
They’re a ton of fun, Maria!
maybe not closely related but have been to several painting parties that are so much fun to see how each person puts their personal spin on the picture they are creating!
Painting parties! Now that sounds like fun!
I was at a writer retreat in March and going to a more intensive one in December.
I love them, Denise! I’ve come up with some of my best ideas during retreats.
I belong to a book club that meets once a month, and my youngest daughter is in 2 book clubs, so I get to meet quite a bit with fellow book lovers!
I love showing up at book clubs! That’s always fun!
Hi Kit, Your new book sounds Awesome!!!! No, I don’t belong to a book club, however; Monday – Friday a group of us get together for lunch & share our day with each other. We discuss all kinds of things, except politics.
It’s still a group thing, Lois!
oh my this sounds like such fun. I quilt and that is kinda singularly also. I also do greeting cards and count cross stitch. My mom was my biggest supporter and encourager. Now mom is gone and it is a little tougher.
I used to meet with a group of locals at a coffee shop just to shoot the breeze. At least it got me out of the house. Maybe teach a little greeting card class?
This sounds like a lot of fun. I prefer just to stay home and hibernate.
I do that, but I’m writing the whole time!
last week
Hope you had fun!
What fun! I look forward to seeing what stories come from the interactions.
Your new book looks fun.
Thanks! We’re getting all sorts of story ideas!
So glad you’re having a great time! I’ve never been on a retreat with a purpose but would one day like to go on a quilting retreat. The book cover is so nice! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Several people have mentioned quilting retreats, Vickie. I bet they’re fun!
Everyone needs a support group. How else do we keep our sanity and not be knocking our head against a wall every other day? I have read some stories which were a part of one great volume the Pink Pistol series. They were delightful. I am sure some collaboration went on here as they were all the same theme, the pink pistol.
This story you have chosen for a give away sounds delightful. I can’t wait to read it.
I am so happy for you all to have the comradery of fellow writers. It helps clear the cobwebs.
Have a blessed day.
Lot’s of collaboration, but it’s all fun, Judy! And yes, The Christmas House is a lot of fun!
We get together every two years with the unit my husband was in part of his Air Force career. It was a great group of people selected for this plane and many went on to become general officers and hold important positions. Our group is shrinking due to the age of the crews. The plane was in service for about 20 years or so with units at only 2 bases, so the group of crews was never that large. My husband left the program 40 years ago and we only see everyone every 2 years. When we get together, it is like only a few weeks have passed since we saw everyone. Good friends forever, we pick up where we left off and enjoy each others’ company. April, 2024 will be our next reunion and we can’t wait.
I am so happy you can all get together to work and enjoy fellowship. It has to be such a boost to your creativity and personal happiness.
Now there’s an interesting group! I bet those were fun!
Thank you so much for sharing. On Sunday, I was able to go to an author signing by Vicki Delany/Eva Gates. She writes cozy mysteries. It was wonderful being with other people who love books. God bless you.
My sister and I love reading and we share our books. We both have a lot of books and we share with friends.
I wish I had a creative bone in my body!! I would love to go on a writers’ retreat and meet all you wonderful writers. Obviously, that would be if I had come creativity to share! Confidentially, I am a frustrated ‘writer’ – I’m getting on in years, I’m older than dirt, I say sometimes, and I feel the need to write a ‘letter’ to my daughter who has struggled with various challenges all her life. She currently lives with me but we hardly talk-talk. Text more than talk maybe even. She said the other night in a text that she feels lost……. What can I say to that?? I’m lost!! Anyway, all you ladies inspire me. Your stories bring me light and hope. Thank you.