Time for You – A Writing Magazine article by Monica Chakraverty
ASK A LITERARY CONSULTANT
Cornerstones’ Monica Chakraverty looks at the value of a writing retreat
I've mentioned in the past how powerful it can be to have a strong commitment to a writing goal; it can help define each day so that you're able to close in on fulfilling that dream, taking practical steps to make it come true. Yet, what if you're unsure that you're on the right track as an author, and have little or no access to industry connections or beta readers?
The gap between dreams and reality can be a wide one. Whilst some authors have a particular book they need to see through to the finish line, others have a bigger goal in sight: the dream of becoming a professional writer. Authors such as Lisa Jewell have been able to give up the day job of a previous career (fashion retail in her case!) and shift into this creative, highly rewarding yet supremely competitive path. It's an inspiration to many and can be achieved at any age, unlike so many other careers – Bonnie Garmus was 64 years old when she hit success with her debut novel Lessons in Chemistry.
Whether your aim is a highly polished end product that might lead to more writing in the future, or a directed aim to earn a living as an author, a writing retreat can be an invaluable resource. A residential retreat allows ideas to shift into gear, the change of environment enhancing creative flow. Some involve workshops and access to professionals in the industry, which can accelerate your learning.
An ideal scenario will allow you the luxury of beautiful, inspirational surroundings, with time for you to take breaks and mull over your learnings. Insights often come away from the writing desk and taking that time to ponder over next steps can be invaluable. There's no magic here but different conditions allow total focus from the distractions that compete with writing in your everyday world. You'll be free of chores and daily routines whilst learning from others and being inspired by the other writers around you.
Most retreats allow a good part of the day for creative writing, and even published authors often use retreats to hit milestones such as completing a script or novel revision faster than they ever could at home. One is able to have a creative reset with the new perspective of different surroundings, and the regular routine set out each day allows proper time to engage with the targets you've set yourself; you're able to value writing and treat it as real work. Shared purpose and a new environment assist an author's inspiration whilst strategic learning will support this shift.
You’ll potentially learn to consider elements such as elevator pitch, genre, key readership and an understanding of the publishing world. There's no substitute for dedication and sheer persistence when it comes to trying to hook a publishing deal but knowing how the industry operates and what they’re looking for can be a game-changer at both the writing and submission stage.
Preparing authors to be a professional writer from submission to commission, Cornerstones Literary Consultancy are running a retreat this autumn that offers the skills to take you from inspiration through to publication. By learning from industry professionals, you'll have a stronger sense of what they're looking for, and how to shape and present your book so that it'll catch an agent's eye. The skill of editing as a professional is incredibly hard to learn without full immersion and you'll pick up these skills along the way.
Author Bonnie Garmus submitted one of her earlier novels 98 times, with a catalogue of rejections. The game-changer for her was writing a new novel in a rage after a male colleague took credit for some of her work in a meeting. It connected with something both readers and agents were looking for; the rejections and her previous career allowed her to hone her skill and maintain resilience but the focal point was having a brilliant, pitch-able idea that swept the tension line along.
Learning how to approach a book from an industry perspective is an invaluable tool for all. You might not have considered a writing retreat before but taking that time out from the everyday to commit to your passion for writing will always be time well spent.
Contact cornerstones.co.uk for a programme. Applications are now open.
CORNERSTONES LITERARY CONSULTANCY
THE PROFESSIONAL WRITERS' RETREAT, from submission to commission.
Join us from 21-27 September at a tailor-made writers' retreat in Scotland's 'home of the year’. This will prepare you for professional publication with Cornerstones transatlantic consultancy, behind 30 years o publishing success stories. Join The Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller senior consultant editors and our resident UK/US literary agent, with leading publishing guest speakers.
Contact the Cornerstones office for a full programme.
