For the past few months, I’ve only been able to snatch brief spells of writing time due to Year Twelve exams, school camps, graduations, speech days, and general running about for the end of the school year.
There was just too much going on, so, rather than resent it or worry about it, I went with the flow, and as soon as school finished, I packed up and took myself off to Margaret River Writers’ Retreat, run by Caroline and John Wood of Margaret River Press. I also know I won’t get much opportunity to write over the next few months, so I thought I’d treat myself to five days of uninterrupted writing time, and then, even if I do no more writing for the rest of the summer, at least I’ve had these days. (In the back of my mind, too, was a feeling of joy at escaping some of the December madness!)
For those who don’t know, Margaret River is about three-and-a-half hours from Perth. It’s a small-but-bustling town in the southwest of Western Australia, in a district renowned for its wines and beaches.
The Writers’ Retreat itself is a home-away-from-home. There’s plenty of writing desks to choose from, upstairs and down, all with views to the bush outside.
Pine-panelled walls, a raked roof, and the abundance of cushions and mats give it a rustic and relaxed feel. There’s also a huge library of books, a collection of antique toy cars, and an old typewriter and camera.
And outside is the bush, with its smells and sounds.
Perhaps the biggest asset for writers, though, is being out of range of mobile and internet, and the silence that brings. It meant no distractions and made it easy to concentrate. I’d forgotten how distraction-free life used to be pre-Internet, when we weren’t in constant contact with other people. It felt strange, even slightly scary, to know that if someone wanted to communicate with me, they had to physically come and do it face-to-face!
But it meant I could sink into my story and stay there—I didn’t have to switch it off for five whole days.
I didn’t write the whole time—each day I took a long walk and found things like these:
I achieved my goal, which was to write to the end of the story. The last few chapters aren’t exactly how I want them yet, but the hardest part is done and I can smell the finish line—this rewrite is almost over!
Once I’ve fixed up what needs to be fixed up, I’ll send my novel to my writing group for their feedback, then will come much nail-biting, I suspect, as I start sending it out.
I’ve also decided that this is it for Ida’s Children—no more rewrites. I’ll edit and tweak, but no more big redrafts. If no one wants her how she is, she’s going into a bottom drawer, and for a very long time. I’m ready to start something fresh.
This rewrite has taken me six months, and I’ve really given it my best shot. Whether that’s good enough, well, that won’t be up to me to decide …
As always, your photos are gorgeous. One day, I’ll be holding a copy of Ida’s Children in my hands. I can’t wait.
I hope you and I both get to hold copies in our hands one day! That’s my dream … x
Food for the soul Louise, bring it on Ida’s children xxxx
It was soul-replenishing, that’s for sure, and thanks for crossing your fingers and toes for Ida. x
Oh how I hope it all works out for you. I applaud your commitment. You must feel refreshed and contented now. Love the photos Louise. Have a wonderful Christmas x
Thanks for your good wishes—one can never have too many of those! And yes, I do feel good. It’s a weight off my mind, knowing I’ve got through to the end, and all the pieces fitted together. x
Louise I can hear the quiet of your five days away from home and technology with no interruptions. Heavenly. How wonderful it must feel to put the final pieces of Ida’s Children together.
I applaud your balance taking long walks, continuing to take wonderful pictures of what you discover around you–lessons learned through Mid Week Moments.
You seem to be in such a good place. I’m happy for you.
Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Penny. The five days of quiet was heavenly, and so, so productive.
You’re right, too, in that I am in a good place—I’m happy with myself and where I’m at.
Christmas wishes to you, too. x
What a great idea. I didn’t know the Margaret River Press team ran a retreat like this. I wonder if my hubs would let me take a ‘retreat’ just down the road for 5 days. Good on you. I still haven’t found a home for my Ashes story. I hope one day you, me and Monique can all hold that book in our hot little hands. I for one would love to read Ida’s Children. I’ve heard so much about them, and her.
Merry Christmas, Louise!
Hi Lily! MR was fabulous, and yes, you do have a wonderful retreat just down the road. I don’t know if it would be far enough from home for you to make the most of it. You might be tempted to call in and check on the family! I must say, I felt a little guilty as I drove past Cowaramup and didn’t stop—I knew I only had those five days and I had to use them for writing, otherwise I wouldn’t get another chance until school goes back. So I just devoted those days to writing and nothing else—I tend to be rather focussed when I want to be! The word ‘obsessional’ has been used. I’m glad I did, because since I’ve been back, I’ve barely looked at Ida … but at least I had those days.
I’ll have to catch up with you about ‘Ashes’, because I have real faith in that story—I truly think it’s wonderful, and it just hasn’t landed on the right person’s desk …
As soon as I have a chance to get stuck into Ida and finish her off—as in the story, not the character!—I’ll be on the lookout for readers. I’d be so grateful if an experienced writer such as yourself wanted to read her. The only thing is, she’s a bit out of your genre …
I would love to read her! No need to even ask 🙂
Thanks so much! I could kiss you. xx
Wow, Louise, this sounds as though it was absolutely idyllic. I never did make it to the west coast while I was living in Australia, but I’ve heard that Margaret River is gorgeous. And five whole days to just write! A gift indeed.
And then, when I was lulled by the beauty of your post, you drop in that this is it for Ida’s Children! (lots of exclamation marks in this comment, sorry). I do know that feeling – you can tinker forever, and sometimes it is best to put it away for a while. But it sounds as though you are in a good place and happy with the story, so I’m excited to see what happens once you start sending it out – fingers are crossed for you 🙂 xx
The vast distance across all that desert means many people don’t make it to the west when they visit Australia. Margaret River is gorgeous—a milder climate, beautiful beaches, and glorious food. I love visiting it, especially as it reminds me of Tasmania where I grew up.
I’m completely over Ida and this rewrite! I feel as if I’ve done it to death—living with and breathing this story for four years is enough! I’m sure it could be better, but I’m over it, so if this draft doesn’t pass muster, I’m putting it aside. I’m ready to do other things, maybe even some sort of Creative Writing qualification. Who knows? And in a couple of years and with more writing experience, I might pick it up and know immediately what needs to be done.
Or you might find it will get picked up now… It sounds as though you’ve put heart and soul into this rewrite, and I totally know that feeling where you can’t even bear to look at it any more. It will probably feel quite liberating to move onto something else 🙂
It would be lovely it it was, Helen, but I’m preparing myself for rejection and getting ready to move onto the next project. 🙂
It’s the great writer paradox, isn’t it? That we must simultaneously be able to access deep emotion, yet have a thick skin to deal with the slings and arrows of rejection. I wish you all the very best with it, and if you need another beta reader, a shoulder to rant upon, or anything else, let me know 🙂 xx
I’m sorry I haven’t replied to this earlier—I’ve been away over Christmas and our internet has been rather dodgy! Thanks so much for the offer to read my novel! I’m always looking for beta-readers, so just give me some time to get back in the swing of things and knock it into shape and I’ll forward it on. Be warned, it’s waaaay out of the YA genre, though! 🙂
Thanks Louise – I’d be thrilled to read it for you, thank you! 🙂 And don’t worry, I read a lot more than YA, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy it…
I was just thinking about you, and enjoyed reading this post (has been in my inbox as I was away from my email a bit). Sounds like you found just the right space for your rewrite and I hope this one’s the one that sees you find the success you’re seeking. (That is a terrible sentence as I have been wrangling small children at the zoo all day in the sun.) Best, Nicole x
Thanks, Nicole! I hope you had a lovely day at the zoo with your family!
Margaret River Writers’ Retreat was a wonderful place to write—lovely atmosphere and I got so much done. It was also good to remind myself that this constantly connected world in which we live isn’t good for my concentration. I’m trying to step away from the internet more, or at least not start the day with it!
Yeah, it’s a tough balance to strike. I enjoyed being disconnected for a while and read about 7 books in a week! But they were all books I heard about from chatting to people online, so… 🙂
I’m sorry I didn’t see this comment earlier, Nicole. I don’t know how it slipped through without me noticing! My apologies for not replying.
The internet is incredibly useful for making connections, and learning, and a thousand other things. But I find it such a distraction. I sit to write, and think, I’ll just check this article out, and this one, and watch that video, and … there goes an hour!