A Writer's Retreat: Is it for You?

When you're an aspiring writer, struggling to find the time to write your first novel or nonfiction book, a writer's retreat sounds like such a good idea. You dream of going to a log cabin in the middle of nowhere, where there's no one else around for miles and miles. Or renting some office space away from the hectic environment and constant interruptions you might find at home. At the very least, you want to get yourself a room in the quietest, most isolated part of the house, and forbid anyone from coming in unless it's an emergency.

You'd think that all that peace and quiet would help you get more writing done than you could ever have imagined. And, for some people, it's true. If you really enjoy spending time alone, and work best in a quiet environment free of distractions, a writers retreat might be just what you need to get the creative juices flowing.

But, for others, too much quiet and isolation won't necessarily jumpstart their creativity. In fact, it will stifle it.

It's All About Personality

How you write best has a lot to do with your personality. Try to write in a way that doesn't gel with your personality, and you'll probably find the process so difficult and frustrating, you give up. Even if you manage to be productive with that technique, chances are you won't actually enjoy what you're doing. So, next time it's time to write, you'll avoid it in order to avoid repeating that unpleasant experience.

Taking your personality traits into account will help you find the writing styles and techniques that work best for you.

Are You an Introvert or an Extrovert?

You've probably heard stories about stay-at-home moms who wrote their first novels while surrounded while surrounded by their four raucous, demanding children. If you're an introvert, you're probably wondering how in the world they were able to do it. If you're an extrovert, you'll understand.

Introverts are more quiet and reserved. They enjoy spending time alone. No, they need it. Going too long without some time to themselves can make them edgy and irritable.

If you're an introverted writer, time alone in a quiet, isolated place is just what you need to get the creative juices flowing, and get dozens and dozens of pages written. Even if you can't go away to a secluded log cabin, or rent office space, put your office in a quiet space where you won't be disturbed or distracted.

Extroverts are gregarious and outgoing. They find it easy to talk to new people and make new friends. Spending lots of time alone isn't for them. In fact, parties and social gatherings can energize them.

An extrovert will be bored and stifled by too much quiet and isolation. If you're an extroverted writer, locking yourself in an isolated cabin won't make you more productive. Instead of typing, you'll be staring at the walls, thinking of all the more fun, interesting things you could be doing.

If you're an extroverted writer, being able to look out the window at the activity on the street will stimulates you. Stopping to have a brief chat with the friend who just called will invigorate you. Knowing there are other people in the house you can talk to at any time will keep you from feeling stifled and trapped as you write your next article or short story.

So what kind of writer are you? Figuring that out will help you find the environment that is most likely to make you a productive, and happy, writer.