The Proper Way to Enjoy a Writer’s Retreat
Published January 31, 2011
So I spent the weekend with my Word DIVAS writing group, and I know you’ve heard me say it before, but I am going to repeat myself…these ladies are AMAZING. As authors, critique partners, friends, and a writing team (*shameless plug to say we had an article in the local paper last week with yours truly as the lead*). They’re also smart. Not only do they know their stuff (so well it’s crazy), they know how to cook (so well it’s intimidating), how to smear me at Wii Fit (still not ready to discuss that), and how to do a retreat, which is something we’ve kind of gotten down to a science by now. The formula is simple: Arrive, Eat, Write, Eat, Critique, Eat, Relax, Repeat. Also known as the “AEWECERR” for those of you with memory issues. Here’s an example of what that looks like:
To enjoy a writing retreat, one should arrive ready to relax, yet exhibiting the latest in writerly fashion. For example, here I am displaying my “nerds are cool” shirt, which is not only a factual statement, but also motivating to the other writers around. I don’t know how often my critique partners approached me, eyes brimming with tears, to say how much my shirt really inspired them to reach within themselves and hug their inner nerd. It was touching. Really. And the least I could do…
Eat.
Write. Write. Write. Write. Until your inner nerd brain falls out. Then pick it up, wipe the comatose slime off, and put it back in place. And continue writing.
Eat.
Critique. This is the oh-so-necessary-you-cannot-possibly-write-without-it opportunity to look over each other’s work, offer feedback, tweaking, and lots and lots of encouragement. Except… *Wait a sec–Susan, is that your facebook page open???*
Eat. Or in my case, drink coffee. And since Pumpkin Lattes are one of the two basic food groups…this sustains me enough to go back and write.
Relaxation. That steam you see is from the hot tub. Enough said.
Now repeat. 
*thanks for your fabulous hospitality, Jeanette!*
Tags: bookworm nerds, food and drink, Word DIVAs, writing retreat
01.31.2011 / 3:47 pm
nicely done Mary, can’t wait to read your book!
01.31.2011 / 8:17 pm
Can’t wait either.
01.31.2011 / 8:45 pm
Yes, I did drool over your shirt only because I had a similar one way back in 1971—I hope you didn’t get to wet. Mine didn’t say nerd, but I married one, does that count.
I love Jeanette’s Eggs Benedict, so very yummy and oh let’s not forget that cheese cake Susan brought and I got to bring home because no one else wanted the extra calories (it was a sacrifice but I’ll do anything for my writing buddies)! I think I’ll go have a piece now.
We do eat well don’t we? And thanks for calling us smart and amazing! It’s a joy to grow in the craft of writing with you!
I believe 2011 has some awesome opportunities awaiting us Word Divas!!
01.31.2011 / 9:14 pm
Mary, apparently you need Jeanette to edit your comments before you post them … or perhaps there is still some residual comatose slime from writing your nerd brains out? =)
MIss you. Writers retreat sounds like a dream. No screams of “moooommmmyyyy?!!!” I fantasize about that day! =D
02.1.2011 / 12:03 am
Please tell me wine is in the other food group
02.1.2011 / 9:11 am
I say: REPEAT! Soon. please.
02.1.2011 / 9:19 am
Hahaha…Dani! Yes, that was the slime AND a massive headache. I shall go fix it now.
Miss you too. Lots. You have no idea.
Yes, on the wine, Kati. And, Di, you have no idea how badly I want a piece of that cheesecake right now (with my pumpkin latte). And Jeanette called it…we need a repeat! WHY do we do this only twice a year?
02.1.2011 / 1:01 pm
Because everyone else would be extremely jealous and you love us enough to keep your retreats to a very envious 2x’s a year….
I’m glad you had a great time!!!! Can’t wait to see what you girls come up with this year!
02.1.2011 / 9:43 pm
Sounds really fun! I am so glad you got away!
02.4.2011 / 6:38 pm
Oh, has it been a week already? Can we do it again soon? I loved the food, the company, and the hours of writing. Great post and lovely photos, Mary. Thanks for the memories.
02.6.2011 / 9:47 am
AEWECERR
An acronym to most certainly live by….
02.12.2011 / 11:00 am
Most definitely, Margo!