The Treats of an Autumn or Winter Retreat
Posted on 24. Nov, 2009 by joanna in News, Scotland
I visited a potential venue for a 2010 writing retreat the other day. It was a grey, misty, November-ish kind of day… which got me thinking about how much grey, misty, November-ish days can add to a writing retreat.
Treats like:
Coming back into the warmth of the wood fire
Feeling the solid stone walls sheltering you from the wind
Watching the mist drift over the hills
Curling up on the sofa with a good book
The breath of winter on your face, your skin washed clean with rain
Slowing down to watch the light change, over and over, on the hill over the water
A good Scottish breakfast to kick start the day
The burst of energy that comes from a walk in the cold air
Waking up your senses as you kick through leaves and splash shoes with mud
A safe haven, an old stone house, lights, a fire, good company.
The space to write
~~~
Please note: I’m not currently taking bookings for an autumn / winter retreat, but if you’re interested please do drop me a line at joanna [@] thewritingspace.com and I’ll keep a note of your interest and keep you posted with possible dates.
Writing Spaces at Lendrick Lodge
Posted on 18. Nov, 2009 by joanna in News, Venues
I had a happy day last week exploring some of the spaces to write at Lendrick Lodge. (More info on dates for courses / retreats to follow)
Space to reflect:
Space to walk softly:
Space to write in the river retreat:
Space to meet others at the Lodge:
Space to go inside:
Space for you.
Perfect 
The Reason that Commands You to Write
Posted on 10. Nov, 2009 by joanna in News, Writing
Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depth of your heart; confess to yourself you would have to die if you were forbidden to write.
~Rainer Maria Rilke
Looking for Writing Spaces
Posted on 08. Nov, 2009 by joanna in News, Venues
When I’m out and about in Scotland looking for the right venues to host Writing Space retreats… what is that I’m looking for?
It’s a place that has character. Some charm. It’s quirky.
It’s far enough way that the journey alone is enough to move you to a different place. A different state.
But it’s not too remote to be impractical. Lines of communication are important in the planning stages… and you need to be able to get there.
The accommodation is quality – but not too formal. And not too expensive.
There’s quality food nearby. Perhaps on site, or perhaps nearby. But we can eat without needing to stop, plan and cook…
Most important of all though is the setting. It’s a place where there are hills, and trees, and wildness, and water.
I don’t know if that’s the river, or a loch, or the sea. But there’s moving water.
And there’s history: time lines of the past that we can explore as we work through our own.
And there’s a garden. There’s space where you can just walk out, wander, and wonder.
That’s the most important part of all. Space and permission to walk out, wander, wonder. Write.