For a writer, there's almost nothing more fun than going to a retreat and pounding out thousands of words in a new novel. This usually involves lots of good food, support from friends, a lack of interruptions, and the chance to delve into a world of imagination for long stretches of time until everything falls into place.
However, because of the restrictions placed on us by COVID-19, it's become more and more difficult to meet in large groups, and many retreats have been cancelled over the last year.
Some states are beginning to lift their restrictions as the vaccine is being dispensed, but it's still unclear when life will return to some sort of normal.
That's why I created the concept of an online writing retreat.
Perhaps I wasn't the first to think of it - I'm not sure - but I know I'm the only one to go about it this way because it's so much fun, and I'm all about the fun ...
How Does It Work?
When you go to a writing retreat, you block those days off on your calendar, arrange for childcare, pack up your comfy clothes, and shop for great writing snacks. That's exactly what you'll do here - with a few modifications.
You'll start by blocking out the dates - October 14th, 15th, and 16th. Then you'll decide whether you're joining us from home, if you want to get a hotel room, if you want to hide in your mom's basement . . . wherever would be the best place for you. You'll stock up on great snacks and some simple meals, and then at 1:00 p.m. MST on October 14th, you'll join us on our private Facebook page and meet everyone.
We'll start with a welcome and introduction, as well as a discussion of the schedule, and then you'll get right to work. You'll set a goal for what you want to achieve, and we'll have check-ins at the top of each hour to report word count. Prizes will be awarded, fun motivational posts will be made, and there will be breaks for meals. We'll have opportunities to share blurbs for critique, hold brainstorming sessions, and just chat.
Also, we'll gather in the "room" for the group to have classes on various different writing topics. These classes are optional - you can choose to attend or to keep writing at those times.
Topics for this session are:
Pitch and Blurb Workshop - Bring your latest pitch or blurb and be prepared to workshop it with the other participants using the principles taught at the beginning of class. If you don't have one currently, that's all right - share your thoughts on what the others have brought.
"Going Ninja: Becoming the Word Warrior You Were Always Meant to Be" by our guest presenter, award-winning author Ann Hunter - In Going Ninja, writers will learn how to set goals for themselves and get them done, as well as learning about mastering their self-talk and bringing affirmations into their lives to manifest awesomeness.
Writing Essentials Jeopardy - Test your knowledge of writing terms and techniques in a game show format and compete for the title of champion! Or just observe and learn . . . but competing's more fun!
How Do I Get Involved?
All you need to do is send me an email - tristipinkston@gmail.com - by midnight on October 1st. Registration is open now. Your cost to participate is $25.00 - that's a great price for all the tips, tricks, motivation, and camaraderie that will take place, not to mention shenanigans. (One must never forget shenanigans.) I accept PayPal or Venmo, and when you email to hold your place, I'll give you those payment addresses. If you need to cancel, you may do so up until 10:00 a.m. MST the morning of October 14th. Cancellations after that time are 50% refundable.
After your payment is received, you will be sent a welcome letter with suggestions for how to prepare.
What If I Can't Be There the Whole Time?
No worries. You can come and go as you need to. It's recommended that you make a time investment in yourself and clear your schedule as best as you can, though, to get the greatest benefit of finding your groove.
If you can only attend one day, that's possible too. Pop me an email and we'll make arrangements.
Are There Any Restrictions as Far as Genre?
Everyone is welcome whether you write fiction, nonfiction, instructional manuals for microwaves . . . The only thing I request is that if you're working on a spicy novel and want to share a snippet, please share a snippet from one of the less-spicy scenes.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to send them to me at tristipinkston@gmail.com. Who knows - I might include them here if there's something I've forgotten.