The Writing Staycation: Participant Perspectives

The Writing Staycation: Participant Perspectives

For me, one of the highlights of facilitating the Writing Staycation is getting to know a community of writers -- a young mom creating time to start a novel, a retired government worker writing a memoir, a lawyer taking a week’s vacation to focus on poetry, and an MFA short story writer polishing her submissions.

In preparation for the Fourth Writing Staycation, March 5-9, 2012, I asked some past participants to share their thoughts. Here’s what I heard back:

“The Writing Staycation at the Writer's Center in Bethesda was just what my writing partner and I needed to finish our novel, after almost six years of on-and-off work on it. Having the space, and a concentrated period of time to focus, was invaluable in terms of enabling us to work on our book, while the daily warm-up exercises and optional group discussions provided just the right amount of creative brainstorming and helpful advice we needed to keep us motivated.”
--Penelope B.

“The Staycation gave me the impetus to focus and write in a disciplined fashion. I was able to write the first two chapters of my novel, as well as benefit and learn from Zahara's knowledge, tips and exercises - the guest speakers (and snacks!) were also great!”
--Laura E.

“The Writing Staycation provided me with the time and space to focus entirely upon finishing a novel with my writing partner. It is worth investing in the time spent with other writers as the feeling of community and support is not easily captured elsewhere. Take the leap and you will be happy you did it!”
--Cherie S.

“The Staycation met my expectations for uninterrupted time to write in the company of other writers. I also met my goal to have my novelette ready for submission. I now have a clearer idea of the path ahead for this work. The supportive environment you provided at the Writer's Center was key.”
--Frank R.

Please consider joining us for the next Writing Staycation, and joining this rich community of writers.

-Zahara

Zahara Heckscher, M.A., is the co-author of the book How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas. She has also written numerous articles that have appeared in books and the online travel magazine www.TransitionsAbroad.com, where she serves as contributing editor. Heckscher teaches professional writing at University of Maryland at College Park. She is a breast cancer survivor who prefers to be known as a "cancer thriver." She blogs at www.cancerthriver.blogspot.com.

Creating Space and Time to Hear the Muse: The Writing Staycation with Zahara Heckscher

Writing confession: I cannot write at home. Yes, I often knock off emails and short articles at my desk. But my real writing – my novel, my poetry, my creative nonfiction – seems to require a break in the space-time continuum.

My muse speaks to me more clearly the farther I am from the stacks of paper, the laundry, the kitchen. Hate to admit it, but she also demands distance from my family.

I’ve always wanted to go to one of those retreat centers where I could do nothing but write all day and stare at the mountains or ocean. But as a busy mom and educator, that ain’t happening. So I create mini writing retreats when I can. My most productive times are writing sessions with other writers around me. If someone else is in the room with me writing, I am less likely to read the paper or check my emails.

I created the Writing Staycation for like minded souls. I welcome anyone who prefers an out-of-home writing experience, and anyone who wants to have the time and space, outside the normal routine, to hear the muse clearly.

At the Writing Staycation, I nurture the body and spirit of the participants so they’ll have the stamina to focus on the writing. The event features healthy snacks, plenty of coffee and tea, inspiring speakers, and tons of time to write.

If you’d like a sacred time and space to listen to your own muse, I hope you’ll join us for the upcoming Writing Staycation, November 7-11.

Zahara Heckscher is the workshop leader for the Writing Staycation workshop, which starts Monday 11/7 and continues through Friday 11/11 at TWC. You can sign up for her workshop here. She has blogged previously about the Writing Staycation on First Person Plural here and here.

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Zahara Heckscher, M.A., is the co-author of the book How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas. She has also written numerous articles that have appeared in books and the online travel magazine www.TransitionsAbroad.com, where she serves as contributing editor. Heckscher teaches professional writing at University of Maryland at College Park. She is a breast cancer survivor who prefers to be known as a "cancer thriver." She blogs at cancerthriver.blogspot.com.