The Writer's Retreat Report

I was so nervous and excited for my first writer's retreat.  We got into beautiful Bear Lake right around dinner time and went to a Chilean restaurant (I got a sweet pork dish that was really good!) Then we headed over to the condo where we would be staying.

We chatted for a bit, then did some work. I was surprised at how well I was doing in concentrating. I let myself cruise Facebook for every chapter I finished writing.  That was good for me and kept me going.  We finished up with writing around midnight, chatted a bit more, then went to bed.

The first night I froze my hiney off because I couldn't figure out how to turn the heat up.  I huddled in my bed, thinking about putting on every piece of clothing I'd brought in my suitcase. I felt like I was camping in a drafty tent or something!

Needless to say, I was tired the next morning.  After a good breakfast, some more laughing and chatting with the crew, I got down to work.  Finished my novella and started a new book.  It was an amazing feeling.  I don't think I've ever really finished any piece so quickly and felt so happy with it. I wanted to celebrate and was so glad I was with ladies who understood that need. I broke out the chocolate and some caramel apple dip and just reveled in the feeling of finishing.

The heat was turned up that next night and I slept like a baby.  This was also the day that I wrote four new chapters to my new book.  I am SO EXCITED about this new book and the strong beginning it's got.  I showed it to the ladies up there and they were laughing in all the right places.  The characters are so awesome and coming together so nicely.  I was even COMEDIC which rarely happens.  A very productive day.  We did come up for air, though, and go to the shore of the lake and look around. It is gorgeous there!

Here are some pics I took:

I can't even describe how much fun I had there.  The only strange thing was how quiet it was. I'm not used to that at my house!  It was so quiet, I felt self-conscious chewing.  Yeah. I'm weird.  There was tons of keyboard tapping, though, and so many words were written. Wonderful, beautiful words that were meant to be shared. And will be!

So, my first writer's retreat was a success and I am sold on them now.  Especially if I can go with those same three women writers again. They are hilarious! And they liked me.  :)

Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to go, to my family who stepped up to make it possible and took care of everything at home, and to my fans, who give me a reason to keep writing. Love you all.