Writing retreats, if not taking seriously, are vacations! You are basically wasting people’s time otherwise! If you don’t write at home, in your dedicated writing space, what makes writing in place where you have to pay to be at will be any different? Let me tell you why you should think twice before you into a writing workshop:

1. Time. Writing is labor and time-intensive. It just is! If you can’t figure out how to write when you need to at home, why would you want to divert from your daily routine in order to write? These spaces are reserved for people whom want to write, and need the space to do so! Consider the value of your time, and everyone else’s before you attend.

2. Scheduling. Most writing retreats operate on and in certain time constraints. You have to be there at a certain time, to leave at a certain time, and while you’re there? The expectation is that you fully participate in your chosen or assigned workshop. If you aren’t there to learn or participate fully in your craft, why waste time and money?

3. Focus. One of the reason (even if it is the most basic) why you shouldn’t go on a writing retreat is it will require you to focus. It will require you be steadfast in the same resolve that got you there in the first place! You decided to invest in your talent by way of a retreat. One of those ways you pay it forward from that investment is focus. This 5-letter world will enable you to accomplish all you planned to do in this particular arena! Without it, nothing can be done! Be mindful that even though retreats can be restful (and should be!), you came there on and for a mission. Use your time wisely, and invest where you want to best reap maximum benefit.

If you desire to write, to be a writer, you are going to have to get comfortable writing! Whether alone, in groups, or if no one else will read it. Nothing can be read if you don’t write it first. If you won’t write at home, save you money, honey. A retreat is not what is needed–redirection is.