Explore the magic of Fun, Learning, and Connection at Writing Retreats and discover how these transformative experiences can elevate your writing journey!
Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform
Host Melody Ann discusses the value of writing retreats with Lisa Shaughnessy. Lisa is the creator of the Writing Retreat Directory and host of the Your Writing Retreat Connection podcast. She explains how writing retreats offer a focused environment with like-minded writers, mentors, and coaches.
This immersive experience can lead to creative breakthroughs and meaningful progress on your writing projects. Lisa suggests that retreats can complement workshops, courses, and coaching, especially if you are looking to clarify your messages, connect with other authors, and find fresh inspiration.
What You’ll Learn about Fun, Learning, and Connection at Writing Retreats
- The Key Benefits of Writing Retreats: Lisa explains how retreats differ from workshops, book coaching, and courses. They immerse writers in an environment of fun, learning, and connection that’s both relaxing and creatively stimulating.
- How to Find the Right Retreat for You: Gain practical advice for identifying retreats that align with your schedule, budget, and writing goals, whether they’re virtual or in-person.
- Preparing for a Transformative Experience: Learn actionable steps to take before, during, and after a retreat, and discover why connecting with others at writing retreats can make all the difference in your writing journey.
Our Guest, Lisa Shaughnessy
Lisa Shaughnessy is an author and entrepreneur with a passion for helping writers connect and find inspiration through writing retreats. Based in northern Virginia, Lisa created Your Writing Retreat Connection, a comprehensive directory and podcast, to help writers discover transformative retreat experiences. Lisa’s own journey and entrepreneurial spirit led her to fill the gap she found in the writing community, providing authors with resources to explore fun, learning, and connection at writing retreats. When she’s not working on her writing or podcasting, Lisa enjoys traveling, genealogy, and camping with her husband and dog.
Fun, Learning, and Connection at Writing Retreats Resources
Highlights from Fun, Learning, and Connection at Writing Retreats
- The Immersive Nature of Writing Retreats: Writing retreats give you 24/7 access to coaches, mentors, and fellow attendees, creating a collaborative space, because workshops alone cannot offer all of this.
- The Stair-Stepping Model for Learning: Lisa describes the progression from workshops to book coaching and, finally, to retreats, showing how each plays a unique role in your development.
- Alternative Retreats for Busy Authors: Not every author can take a week off, but virtual retreats and local Airbnb escapes provide flexible options so that you can connect with others at writing retreats.
- The Power of New Environments: Retreats can spark creativity and provide unique experiences that enhance your story, especially if it’s set in a similar setting, like Tuscany for a story about Italian culture.
Actionable Steps to help you prepare for Fun, Learning, and Connection at Writing Retreats
Here are three things you can do right now to start building momentum with writing retreats:
Explore Writing Retreat Options: Visit Lisa’s website at writingretreatdirectory.com to browse upcoming writing retreats. You can filter by region, genre, or goals to find the perfect retreat that matches your needs and interests.
Begin Pre-Retreat Writing Prep: Whether or not you’ve booked a retreat, start setting aside time to write. Make it a weekly habit to “prime” yourself for more intense writing. This way, you’ll go into a retreat with ideas and the right mindset already in motion.
Connect with Other Authors: Join an online writing group. Author Nation has a Monday writing group you can join. Get in touch.
Each step will help establish a strong foundation for any future writing retreat experience.
If you found this article helpful, you might like these:
More Blogs To Help You Connect With Others At Writing Retreats
Team-based Authoring Strategies | Keeping Your Focus While Writing
April 17, 2025
No Comments
Unlock your writing potential with Team-based Authoring Strategies that enhance focus, collaboration, and creativity in your writing journey! Listen on Your Favorite Podcast Platform In
Universal Themes In Personal Storytelling Examples | Using Narrative to Deepen Understanding
April 14, 2025
No Comments
Using Personal Storytelling to Deepen Understanding in Memoir Writing Memoirs naturally lend themselves to storytelling, but Michelle Obama’s Becoming goes beyond a simple life story.
Authors as Leaders of Change | Real Lives Retold
April 10, 2025
No Comments
Listen on Your Podcast App Every author can change the world with their book. Authors as leaders of change is the topic of this episode