Nothing is as gratifying or as elusive as generating a brilliant idea and jotting it down perfectly in the right words in a tranquil surrounding. No hustle-bustle of household chores, evading the monotony of daily set routines, escaping the close monitoring and critique by near and dear ones, which of course you want to avoid at an early stage of developing your manuscript….just you and your writing, with optional tutoring if you choose for it!
Every writer fantasizes a perfect balance of time and space to bring out the best from their pen, to be immersed in deep contemplations and translating them into creative expression of words… craving to be encapsulated in a continuum of peace and solitude to let that creative juice flow out spontaneously and ceaselessly. And what better than a protected writing environment with a spacious and comfortable surrounding which emanates rest and peace instantly. For many, it would be just the comfort of their homes and for some, it would still be a fantasy to reach such a destination where seclusion combines with the solace of writing and a choice to be in the company of like-minded people.
Writing Retreats offer that peaceful solitude away from the round-the-clock stressful and hectic schedules to give that creativity boost and to meet your tribe. As much as that sounds fascinating, do writers really need a Literary Retreat? Is writing retreat “going to enthuse that masterpiece to flow out or simply kick it away”?
Apart from awe-inspiring locations to soothe your senses and letting your imagination run wild, writing retreats are sure to lure you into providing an opportunity to set aside your daily errands for some time and emphasize on just writing and relaxing, all the while interacting with like-minded souls and participating in workshops. From Panchgani Writers Retreat, Panchgani to Himalayan Writers Retreat, Uttarakhand; From Sangam House, Bangalore to HH Art Spaces, Goa, there are many treasure-troves for seekers of artistic inspiration. Whether plush resorts, cozy homestays, or tidy studios, India has its fair share of the nest for artists.
For the globe-trotters, there is Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, USA, Hosinoya in Japan, The Storyteller Within in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, Paris Writers Retreat, France and so many more. There are more inspiring places to diligently work over your debut novel or umpteenth book and find a fresh perspective around your creativity.
As much as writing retreats provide a non-surveillance environment for dedicated writing routines, boost the writer’s confidence, offer a chance to bond with other writers, are writing retreats the only way to let those creative juices flow out of a cognitive mind?
Whatever happened to the times of the legends who penned down their best literary works from the confines of their congested rooms, amidst their daily hectic routines and chores, chasing their dream despite all odds, never giving up even with all the adversities around! If the writer in us is inspired by the legends and their literary contributions, shouldn’t we also evaluate how they managed to create their best pieces even with everything around them going in full throttle? Or have the times changed, and the outside bustle is so strong that it overpowers the emergence of inner peace in us?
However fantastic the idea of writing retreats seems, where words matter, one cannot ignore the significant cost that such an outing is bound to incur. Although these places provide an opportunity to interact with other writers and literary figures, there is always an alternative to creating one’s own writing retreat. With digitization in full swing and bringing people closer through online channels, building, and connecting to a community of people in accord with our interests has become easier. You are the best judge of whether an alluring place works for you, or the quiet corner of a room in the house creates wonder, or whether it is the coffee shop or simply a park nearby that inspires the creative juices within you to flow incessantly onto the paper.
And then there are uncertain times that bring with them uncertain plans! While it is extremely difficult to predict what the future holds, venturing out into the quiet places away from the crowd or confined within the peace of home seems to be the cure these days!
Whatever may be the case, it is always a good idea to try to build a community of compatible people, boost one’s productivity by constantly feeding the creativity with ideas, observations, and expressions, whether in the quietude of a living room or the tranquil of writing retreats where you romance with words endlessly. Find that inner peace and quiet, let that supersede the vibrance of life and energy all around you, create your own writing retreat around you, and pen down that bestseller etching to see the light of the day!
About the Columnist-
Winner of ‘TOI Write India Season 3’ and three books to her credit, Jyoti Jha is a Former HR Professional, a Literary Critic, a Columnist, and a Globetrotter. She is a proud panelist and Guest Speaker in Talk Shows at prestigious institutions like IIM Lucknow, IIT Delhi, IIT Jammu, and Christ College. Having been interviewed and featured at one of the Top Literary Journals of the country, Jyoti has been an honorable Jury Member at the Literary Club, IIT BHU for Storytelling. She has been an esteemed guest speaker at a unique Talk Show ‘The Lit Talks’ on a reputable OTT Platform.
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