Crafting a Haven for Deep Focus: Writing Retreats At Home
Writing retreats don't have to involve leaving your house
I write this from a cabin in the Catskills, where I’m bundled up under a knit blanket with a steaming mug of tea at my side, my best friend typing across from me, cozy socks on my feet, twenty thousand words deep into my next novel.
Writing retreats are a safe haven for me. My friend and I used to go every year, and although some years were more productive than others, we always left feeling rejuvenated and excited to write again.
But today’s our last day. What happens when I leave here and go back to the real world? How can I reclaim this feeling of intense focus and delight in my work when I don’t have the aesthetic of candlelight and hearth fires and the encouragement of a friend who’s as hard at work as I am?
Finding time for deep, focused writing at home can be a challenge. Between work commitments, family responsibilities, and the ever-present lure of social media, creating a space conducive to thoughtful and immersive writing becomes crucial. In this post, let's explore the art of making time for deep focused writing and curating a writing space that sparks creativity.
1. Embracing the Writing Sprint:
In a world full of distractions, the writing sprint has emerged as a beacon of productivity for many writers. Set a dedicated period—say, 25 or 30 minutes—where your sole focus is on writing. No emails, no notifications, just you and your words. This technique not only helps you accomplish more in a short amount of time but also trains your brain to enter a state of deep focus more easily.
Even better if you can do it with a friend—I’ve found the pressure of having someone else there and knowing that they’re working gives me just the right amount of guilt to keep going. They don’t have to be present in real life; when we’re not at retreat, my best friend and I still do our sprints, just over text instead of in person.
But if you don’t have a close writing friend, you can still make these happen on your own, or with a community on social media. Since it’s NaNoWriMo right now, you can definitely find people on the NaNo forums to sprint with you!
2. Carving Out Dedicated Time:
Making time for deep focused writing requires intentionality. Identify pockets of your day where you can dedicate uninterrupted time to your craft. It could be early in the morning before the world wakes up, during a quiet lunch break, or in the serene hours of the night. Consistency is key, so choose a time that aligns with your natural rhythm and stick to it.
If you can bring yourself to shut off your phone or wifi to remove distractions, even better. I talk a lot about how to foster deep focus in this post, too.
3. Curating a Cozy and Inviting Writing Space:
Your writing space should be a haven, a place where creativity feels at home. My friend and I, when we go on writing retreat, always go to the same place. Partly because it’s cozy, but partly because the familiarity of it is reassuring and helps us drill into that instinctive part of us that associates this space with writing. Consider the following tips:
a. Declutter and Simplify:
Remove distractions from your writing space. A clutter-free environment can help declutter your mind, allowing for deeper focus.
b. Lighting Matters:
Opt for natural light when possible, or invest in soft, warm artificial lighting. The right lighting can create a cozy atmosphere conducive to creativity. I like to light candles, personally.
c. Comfortable Seating:
Whether it's a plush chair or a well-loved desk, make sure your writing space is comfortable. Physical comfort can translate to mental ease and increased productivity.
d. Personal Touch:
Surround yourself with items that inspire you. This could be artwork, motivational quotes, or even objects that hold sentimental value. These personal touches can serve as creative catalysts. I like flowers, houseplants, and art of my characters.
e. Mindful Breaks:
Integrate short breaks into your writing routine. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or simply step away from your desk. It's amazing how a short break can rejuvenate your mind and enhance focus. For me, fresh air is vital. Even if it’s just letting the dog out to pee!
4. Embracing the Ritual:
Create a ritual around your writing sessions. Whether it's making a cup of tea, playing a specific song, or lighting a candle, these rituals signal to your brain that it's time to transition into a focused, creative mode. Over time, your mind will associate these rituals with the act of writing, making it easier to slip into a state of flow.
Like I said, my friend and I always have our retreats at the same place. The sense memory is incredibly strong. If you can construct a ritual around your writing, then starting that ritual—once it’s a habit—can be a great way to hack your brain into going, it’s writing time.
Nurturing a writing space that promotes deep focus is a gift to both yourself and your craft. Remember, it's not just about finding time; it's about making time and creating an environment that honors the creative process.
Happy writing!