It’s winter break time at the university and I just received an invitation to work on my next novel, South Beach in a quant location away from everything and I’m thinking about taking it. I’ve been told this place has hosted poets, novelists, scholars, screenwriters, artisans, painters, photographers, chefs, film and theater directors, and more. It sounds like heaven and a few of my writing friends say it’s a wonderful place to pursue my art around like minds.
The hardest thing about deciding to leave everything behind is wondering if you’ll be missed but everyone needs to get away, right? My sister tells me a writers retreat is the perfect opportunity to focus solely on your craft for a set period of time. With all the day to day distractions aside, it’s surprising how much you can accomplish.
Now some writers retreats are exclusive to writers, offering an effective workspace in a serene setting. Others are not just for writers, but can be equally as effective. No matter where or how you prefer to take your writers retreat, devoting the time for one is essential.
Are writers retreats expensive? No, they’re actually pretty cost effective. Many of the retreats offered include a workspace, a full kitchen, a balcony/porch, and of course, a scenic backdrop.
Locations for writers retreats vary. You may find a spa-like beach cabaña, a bed-and-breakfast two hours away, or a studio in Manhattan. I think every writer should plan to find a nearby retreat and head out for a short weekend next year. Or find a deal on a secluded retreat and stay for the week. Making the time for a retreat because it will help you stay focused on your writing, no matter how long you stay.
So look around this holiday season, find a location you want to visit in 2012, devote some time, pack up your manuscript, and take a writers retreat. The experience can lead to amazing results. And who knows, you just might miss the chaos back home.
—-
Now for my cookie contribution. I love to describe these chocolatey bits of heaven. They are rich and decadent, yet have a soft, melt in your mouth texture. The sweet powdered sugar complements the depth of the chocolate. While they are “delightful”, the powdered sugar has a way of leaving tell-tale signs of just who’s been doing some decadent indulging. Small kids can make these with an adult very easily.
Easy Black and White Delights
Servings: 2 dozen cookies
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Ingredients
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
1 (18 ounce) box moist chocolate cake mix
1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg
1 stick of butter, room temperature
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Beat in the egg. Then beat in the vanilla extract. Beat in the cake mix. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up so that you can roll the batter into balls. Roll the chilled batter into tablespoon sized balls and then roll them in confectioner’s sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake 12 minutes. The cookies will remain soft and gooey. Cool completely and sprinkle with more confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
My four critique partners and I won a weekend retreat at a nearby lake when we made a combined bid at a silent auction. Total cost, $51.00 each. We’ll probably go out to eat once, then each of us will be in charge of one meal. I can’t wait, especially after the craziness of the holidays.
Wow Susan, a getaway with your critique partners sounds like heaven.
Angeline, Susan… enjoy! Alone or with writing partners, retreats are so renewing.
Angeline, the writers’ retreat sounds like heaven! I hope you’re able to take advantage of it!
And your recipe–it reminds me so much of the cookies I just made for my husband. They are a bit more complicated, handed down by his mom, but they look almost identical. It’s so nice to share recipes this way.
I think everyone has a version of easy gooey chocolate cookies.
Boy, it’s nice to know if all the SMP authors know how to bake.
Your recipe sounds awesome, Angeline, and a writer’s retreat sure sounds fun! I’d love to do one one day.
That sounds lovely. You should go for it!
-Cheryl
Ohh, sounds like a lovely experience!
Meggan, Cheryl & Karen, I’m still contemplating the trip. I have to admit, it’s hard to think about spending the holidays away from home.
Sounds wonderful! I’m gonna go happy hunting for one myself. Thanks.
Writing retreats are heaven on Earth. Go!