The Magic of Leaving and Coming Back
How reentry from immersion can create urgency
Today will be a magical day.
Last Sunday I was at Shadowcliff resort in Colorado for a Flash Fiction writing retreat. My word of the year is magic for 2022 and this experience was just that. Retreats allow for total immersion in the creative process and the Flash Fiction retreat was a tremendous gift to my writing life. There was much anticipation for this trip since I had decided last December to take part.
It was my first destination retreat experience, but not my last. We already have plans to attend an international retreat next year. I was open to this Colorado experience and everything exceeded my expectations from the scenery, the writing conversations, the people, the depth, and the instruction. This group has become my forever writing people. There was time for restoration of my spirit which allowed me to write about topics I had been avoiding. At this time in my life, it was a transition from one phase of life to another. All the things I learned during the retreat I will use writing forward and I am forever grateful for this magical experience.
Reentry into regular life was a bit of a struggle from the retreat. I was thrilled to be back home with Chris but I kept thinking back to the retreat days and the immersion in writing, conversation about writing, and learning about writing. The schedule back at home seemed hectic but it was all good things! I moved back into my home writing routine easily. I have been able to read again and am devouring Charles Baxter’s book Wonderlands. I have also been playing with the structures of Icelandic fairy tales. There is a new sense of urgency for me and I am paying attention to everything with the slant of “that belongs in a story”.
In Colorado, our meals were all prepared for us which was a gift! They even rang a bell when meals were ready which I missed! [All the retreaters chatted about this when we got back!] At home, I am still cooking new recipes from Salt and Lavender and enjoying the results. Everything has been delicious and we have been able to eat outside as well which adds to the enjoyment. There are lots of recipes that are repeaters!
Creative trips happen here in Indiana too. Chris and I went to the first town I lived in as an adult yesterday which was magical itself! There were lots of writing ideas collected while we were there. The city was where I started my teaching career. There is a lot of hometown charm there which I had been wanting to show him for a long time. We toured the historic mansion, ate at a favorite restaurant of mine, and went to a thrift store that is like no other. There are antiques, wood, doors, windows, kitchenware, books – you name it, they have it. Imagine three floors of writing prompts! It had been so long since I was there last I recognized the names of the streets but not how to navigate the town anymore. Thank goodness for GPS!
There are many plans for writing rippling from the retreat. I keep going back into the notebooks and making lists. There has been a renewed sense of urgency for me. I received an acceptance for a piece the first day I was back so that was an uplifting win! More submissions are being sent today.
A note: The Sarah Selecky Intensive that I teach for is opening registration next Saturday, the 27th. Follow this link for more information. This course changed my writing life and taught me craft I didn’t have access to before. It is a great course for digging in deep within a supportive and guided environment.
On August 31 I will be on an IG live with Sarah talking about writing and the Intensive. You can check out my IG page here: https://www.instagram.com/writertammy/
I invite you to think about how immersion plays a part in your creative life and share in the comments insights or experiences around the concept.
What creates urgency for you?
Until next time! Happy writing!
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