Two years ago, I went on a self-led writing retreat to start my novel. I booked a rustic Airbnb in Tuna Canyon, where I planned to start a new book. But when I got there, I couldn’t sit still for long enough to write. My thoughts were all over the place. It didn’t matter if I went for a walk or read a book for inspiration; I couldn’t organize my ideas.
I spent the three days watching Netflix and eating Trader Joe’s snacks. In the mornings, I slept in and then went on a hike to the cliffside. At sunset, I stood on the back patio where you could see a tiny sliver of the ocean and watched the colors in the sky change.
When I left that weekend, I told myself it was just a fluke. The time away was necessary even if I didn’t produce any new work. Not all writing retreats can be exceptional, I kept telling myself on the drive home. You’ll find the inspiration soon.
For the entire year, I kept telling myself this. I told my husband and my agent and my friends: The novel is in progress. I’m res…
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Feelings Not Aside to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.