Looking towards the Taos Mountains in the main courtyard at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House.
Last November I signed up for Jennifer Louden’s Writer’s Retreat. At the time, I was fired up to work on that novel that needs rewriting. Here I am months and months later, not feeling like the novel is such a priority anymore. Not really knowing exactly why I’m here. Just knowing that sometimes it’s great to get out of your normal day-to-day routine, yet still have some structure.
I’ve met 27 amazing other women. A few I already knew in person, a few I know from the internets. It’s fun to connect with them all. Listen to their stories, get to know them, why they decided to take a week out of their life to come to the middle of New Mexico.
I’m exploring this week. Curious about how this will open up new ideas. What I can embrace, what I can shed.
As I’m writing this, I’m realizing that a big reason why I’m here is because I want to sow the seed of a writing habit. All it takes to be a writer, is to write. So that’s why I’m here. To stop worrying about anything or anyone else, and have time dedicated to write. Resources to help me when I’m stuck.
And to take parts of that home with me. To spend time here on this blog. To give voice to some of these characters that hang out in my head. To check in with myself a lot. See what it is that I want. Notice how I’m feeling. Take care of myself. At least for today. Oh and to write. I don’t really care what it is, just to spend time writing.
I’ve been thinking about you! I hope you’re having an amazing time. I can’t wait to hear the insights you bring home from this great experience.
Shannon, good for you for allowing your preconceived agenda slide and just opening yourself up in curiosity. And what a great place to do it!
Your last paragraph made me think about Brian Clark’s brilliant Copyblogger post on how to become a better writer (http://www.copyblogger.com/become-a-better-writer/):
1. Write.
2. Write more.
3. Write even more.
4. Write even more than that.
5. Write when you don’t want to.
6. Write when you do.
7. Write when you have something to say.
8. Write when you don’t.
9. Write every day.
10. Keep writing.
Simple, really. Just not EASY. ;o)
I’m happy to be here with you, Shannon! I hope we’ll have time to connect a little more before the whole thing is over, and I’m looking forward to reading more of your writing!
Sounds like it was an incredible week, I’m droolingly-jealous of all the reports trickling in :) Can’t wait to see what form your writing takes! The world needs more Shannon.
You probably had a great experience. Hope to see more of you Shannon.
[…] that energy into things that nourish me. Climbing mountains. Napping. Reading. Dance of Shiva. Writing. Talking with friends and colleagues and mentors. Getting quiet. […]