Conversations with past guests have indicated that a blog post about writing retreats in general, and the different types of retreat available, would be very useful for writers (or would-be writers) who are considering a break in which to focus. So, with the proviso that the subtleties of different retreats are too numerous to cover in any blog, here goes...
Tutored or Untutored?
There are essentially two types of writing retreat: tutored and untutored. Which one is right for you?
The term 'tutored' encompasses everything from a fully structured programme, in the form of an intensive writing course, through to a retreat with much writing time and a tutor present who can provide learning and feedback on your writing through informal conversation and irregular one-to-ones. Most tutored retreats are themed in some way - either focusing on a specific genre of writing or offering special support for writers at a specific point in their writing journey.
An 'untutored' retreat, on the other hand, typically leaves you to write at your own pace in your own way without tutor support. Untutored retreats are often run by venues with appropriate facilities for writers but no specialist tutors in-house, and are often chosen by experienced writers working towards a deadline.
At A Place to Write, with our own in-house specialist, we provide both types of retreat: our tutored retreats offer daily workshops alongside a series of scheduled one-to-ones spread through the week (providing bespoke support). We also offer the opportunity for further informal discussions and feedback sessions as required.
Catered or Self-Catering?
Most, if not all, formal writing retreats will provide meals for you as part of the retreat but there is much variety in what is on offer and how it is prepared. What is right for you?
Some retreats, as at A Place to Write, will provide a fully catered event with three meals a day and other refreshments all included. The way in which fully catered retreats meet the different dietary requirements of guests can vary greatly though: at A Place to Write Wendy creates a bespoke menu for each retreat. Not all retreats are able to be so flexible, however, so make sure you ask questions before booking - especially if you have any particularly unusual dietary requirements.
When inhouse catering is not available, or taking a break, some retreats will include a meal out at a local restaurant or bar. This can be fun but it can also add to the cost.
Be aware that on some retreats you will be asked to share the cooking for one or more meals with other guests. In these cases, a recipe and kitchen resources are provided, and you work with one or more other writers to produce the corresponding meal for the group. If you love the idea of cooking while on retreat, or just mucking in at meal time, then this should be a consideration. If you would consider this an unwanted chore, make sure to look for a retreat that does it all for you - as we do at A Place to Write.
Which brings us to self-catering retreats. Essentially this is not so much a writing retreat as a holiday on which you will write, but there are plenty of places now offering shepherd's huts, yurts and other facilities for just this purpose. At A Place to Write we do have our own self-catering cottage which we use for extra bedrooms and group writing spaces on retreats, but which can be booked as a standalone self-catering cottage at other times. You can find details of it here.
Rooms and Facilities
A single room, a twin room or a dormitory? Basic level or luxury or somewhere in between? Shared facilities or ensuite? A bath, shower, or shower over bath? A writing desk in the room? Tea and coffee making facilities? An inspiring view? The choices are many but the difference it can make to your experience are huge. What is right for you?
If you want to use your room to write then you will probably need single occupancy of a room with a writing desk. If you want to use your room to relax, you will probably want an ensuite towards the luxury end of the scale. If you don't envisage being in your room apart from sleeping, then a basic room might be fine - provided the retreat can offer the range of other spaces you will need (writing spaces, lounge to relax in, etc). If you want privacy, single occupancy will be essential. If you expect to spend many hours working in your room then you will probably want in-room refreshments. And if you care about your morning or evening bath routine, that might dictate your ensuite needs.
At A Place to Write we are told that our rooms are among the best available: spacious, well resourced, endless hot water, writing desks, showers over baths, and all fully ensuite - even our 'basic' attic rooms. We encourage single occupancy to facilitate use of the room as a writing space, but all room types have double beds and can be converted to twin rooms if required. In addition we offer all retreaters a choice of other indoor writing and relaxing spaces, along with multiple outdoor writing places (when the weather is fair).
Retreat Capacity/Typical Group Size
This is a variable that might particularly matter to you if you primary reason for retreating is to meet other writers. What are you looking for?
Small retreats cater for 1-3 writers, and generally offer an intimate and unintimidating environment, while the largest retreats can cater for virtually any size group, limited only by the size of the retreat property and the number of tutors/staff available.
Choosing the right size of retreat for you will generally involve some trade-off: a larger group means greater potential for networking and more likelihood of finding a soulmate in the crowd; a smaller group offers more chance to dig deep into other writers' experiences and, perhaps, a less intimidating all-round experience; small retreats can be more peaceful and relaxing while more writers tends to mean more noise, and less personal attention from tutors and other guests; catering for a large group of writers will likely also mean a more corporate and less personal experience than is offered by smaller retreats.
At A Place to Write we cater for up to 9 writers and do not run retreats for fewer than 3 writers. Our typical retreat attendance is currently 6-8 writers. These numbers allow us to ensure that every writer benefits from a bespoke retreat: the menu, the workshops, the tutoring, the schedule itself are all tailored to the needs and requests of the group. It's something we pride ourselves on and our guests appreciate it.
Location, Duration and Price
There are writing retreats all over the UK, running retreats lasting from one day to a week or more. And there are an increasing number of opportunities to retreat abroad to write if that is within your budget and meets your needs. What is the right location, duration and price for you?
Location and duration affect the cost of a retreat. Are you looking for somewhere in a stunning location with nature all around (as at a Place to Write), or a place abroad in the sun, or somewhere conveniently situated not too far from your home, or somewhere in a bustling city where the pace of life suits you? And do you want to retreat for a week or more - and immerse yourself in your writing and the writer's craft - or simply attend a course that might last just one day in order to deal with a particular aspect of your work?
Whatever options you choose, the exact prices for retreats vary so much that the only way to make a fair comparison is by visiting each retreat's website in turn, noting the prices, and making comparisons. Just remember you will not be comparing like with like since every retreat will offer different levels of service and quality in relation to the items mentioned in this blog. As a guide, though, the more expensive writing retreats will typically cost around £1000 for a week - perhaps even rising to £1500 or more, depending on the schedule and the domestic arrangements. The cheaper retreats will tend to be around £400-£500 for three nights.
One way to evaluate the price is to consider the cost of a night away in a hotel with all meals included and your own standard room. Even with special offers, most hotel chains charge c. £150 per night for such a deal. Multiply that by the number of nights of your retreat and then factor in any additional elements - tutors for example - and you will find that most retreats offer excellent value for money. The choice, therefore, is what you are really looking for and how much your budget will stretch to ensure that you get what you want and need.
At A Place to Write we are not one of the most expensive retreats but retreaters habitually tell use we offer one of the very best retreat experiences. Aside from the well-resourced, bespoke nature of our retreats, we are blessed in our location: in the middle of an area of outstanding natural beauty, surrounded by Welsh mountains and hills, ancient hill forts, a stunning river valley, and some amazing walks direct from the property. We even have our own quarry, stream and terraced gardens with stunning views in all directions. In addition, when it comes to our tutored retreats, we have the amazing Emily Barroso working alongside me to provide truly insightful, inspiring guidance and feedback on your writing and your writing journey.
Why Are You Retreating?
Choosing the right retreat for you means knowing your own goals and ambitions. A novice writer, perhaps with nothing even yet written, might be seeking the stimulus to start on their writing project. It is not uncommon for such writers to be unclear of their content or the form their writing will take when they start a retreat. At the other end of the continuum there are writers who are seeking to make final edits on a final draft in time for an imminent publishing deadline.
Between these two extremes there are all sorts of writers at different stages and with different needs: writers who have begun but become lost; writers who are methodically working through an edit; writers who are dumping ideas on paper without a clear idea of how they might cohere in a finished piece; writers who know exactly how their story will unfold; writers who fear their work is worthless and want to test whether they should continue or dump the project; writers who can't write at the moment and need time to escape; writers who are writing for their own pleasure and looking for a peaceful holiday on which to do so.
These are just a few of the scenarios we have encountered at A Place to Write but the principal point is that no two retreaters are the same. Some book a retreat knowing exactly what they want, months in advance; some book when the mood takes them; some book at the last minute when an impending deadline is proving difficult to meet in their normal surroundings. The reality is that the reasons for joining a writing retreat can be anything you want them to be but understanding your own reasons is helpful in making the right decision about the right retreat for you.
Self-Catering: if you are looking for time by yourself, away from the bustle of your everyday life, and you are immersed in writing something that requires no external input, then you might not even be looking for a writing retreat, as such, but for a self-catering space to write in peace and tranquillity.
Untutored Retreats: if you don't want to cook your own meals, want to be on your own to write for much of the day, but would like to socialise a little - perhaps at meal times or in the evenings - then an untutored retreat would probably suit you. Untutored retreats are also great for people who intend to 'have a go' at writing but really just want to have a holiday.
Tutored Retreats: if you would like support and guidance on how to develop your writing project (at any stage) - or if you want to 'practise' writing in workshops and similar - or if you want to meet and engage with other writers - then you should probably be looking for a tutored retreat. It will be up to you whether that is a retreat resembling an intensive writing course lasting one day or a retreat (as at A Place to Write) where the tutoring is flexible, individualised, and balanced with extensive writing time over a stimulating, enjoyable and productive week.
Extras at A Place to Write
In addition to all the considerations suggested above, there are plenty of little additions that can affect how you feel on retreat. Here are a few special extras which we offer at A Place to Write that our guests appreciate:
we offer a complimentary pick up and drop off service from the local train station (Chirk);
we have a licensed bar on the premises and provide complimentary wine with the welcome meal and the final night's candlelit readings, while the bar is open every night in between (guests on writing retreats get a 10% discount on drinks);
we provide bathrobes and towels (and bathroom accessories) in every room;
we offer the original 'candlelight readings' on our last night;
we provide the option of an extra night at a heavily discounted rate either just prior to, or just following, the retreat;
we welcome well-behaved dogs on all of our retreats.
That's about it for now! Let me know if you think I have omitted a consideration or issue which matters to writers deciding on their next retreat. Otherwise, till next time...
Nic
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