From The Productive Indie Fiction Writer:
This morning, my writing time got steamrolled—again—by everything else in life. Appointments, errands, emails. The usual suspects. It was one of those mornings where your fingers are itching to type, but the universe has other plans.
Which got me thinking: if we don’t fight for our writing time, no one else will. Especially during the holiday season, when obligations multiply like shortbread cookies at a bake sale.
But here’s the good news: we’re coming up on the quietest week of the year.
You know the one. That dreamy, slow-motion stretch between Christmas and New Year when the world seems to take a collective nap, leftovers become a food group, and calendars fall into a gentle coma.
That, my fellow writer, is prime writing retreat time.
And I’m calling it now: I’m claiming that week for my very own stay-at-home writing retreat.
You can too.
Why This Works (and Why You Need It)
Daily life is a pickaxe to your creative energy. Even when you manage to write, it’s often squeezed into the margins. A formal retreat—however short—declares that writing matters. That you matter as a writer.
Here’s why a mid-holiday retreat is worth carving out:
- It reaffirms your identity as a writer. (And let’s be real: indie writers don’t get the industry props that trad-pubbed authors do. That identity needs shoring up.)
- It reconnects you with the pleasure of writing. No marketing, no deadlines—just story.
- It’s a reward. You’ve muscled through deadlines, shopping, family drama, maybe even hosting duties. This is your treat.
- It’s the ideal time of year. Cold, quiet, cozy. (Or for those down-under; hot, languid and siesta-inducing.) You’re encouraged to stay in and write. Crackling fire optional, but highly recommended.
- It can reset your focus before the New Year begins—so you’re not entering January frazzled and behind.
Planning Your Retreat: The Checklist
This retreat doesn’t have to be elaborate. But it does need intention. Here’s how to prep:
1. Block the time on your calendar
If you’re your own boss, be the kind who gives time off—to write.
2. Talk to your people
Make sure the household knows this isn’t just “time off.” It’s writing time.
3. Handle other responsibilities in advance
- Blog? Get those posts written ahead.
- Newsletter? Schedule it now.
- Deadlines? Push them up. I’ve got a magazine issue due January 4, but I’m aiming to finish by December 23.
4. Don’t let your writing slip in the lead-up
A retreat isn’t for catching up. It’s a reward, not a punishment.
5. Offload or reschedule what you can now
Clear the decks so your retreat week is pressure-free.
6. Prep your writing space
Clear the clutter, light a candle, lay out the fuzzy socks. Make it feel like a retreat.
7. Plan your writing material
Outline, brainstorm, gather research—whatever helps you dive in quickly on day one.
Brain Fuel for Writers
Eating like a writer doesn’t mean surviving on coffee and pretzels. (Though, yes, we’ve all been there.) The right foods can actually boost your creativity and stamina:
- Salmon, walnuts, flaxseed – Omega-3s for brain health.
- Dark chocolate – Because flavonoids and joy.
- Berries – Antioxidants that boost focus.
- Whole grains – Oats, quinoa, brown rice: slow-release energy.
- Green tea – Calm focus without the coffee jitters.
- Eggs – Rich in choline for cognitive function.
- Leafy greens – You know they’re good for you.
- Water – Hydration equals better ideas.
Also: eat meals that comfort and satisfy. This is not the time for restrictive diets or meals that make you hangry by 2 PM.
Ideas for Making the Most of Your Retreat
This is your retreat. Make it yours. But here are some approaches to consider:
1. Disconnect from the world
Social media will still be there later. You can even turn your retreat into marketing material by going dark after posting your plans.
2. Write your heart out
That’s my plan. Minimal tasks in the morning, then straight into storyland.
3. Use writing “laps”
One hour writing, one hour reading. Rinse, repeat.
4. Get moving
A daily walk is the bare minimum. Movement shakes loose new ideas.
5. Start with journaling
Explore your writing mindset before diving in.
6. Free-write to warm up
Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages, or timed prompts—whatever kicks your brain into gear.
7. End with reflection
How did the writing go? What needs tweaking tomorrow?
8. Read only old favourites
Now’s not the time for envy-inducing literary brilliance or rage-inducing bad craft. Read to refuel.
9. Reward yourself daily
A hot bath. A glass of wine. Something that feels like “well done, writer.”
10. Sleep well, but keep regular hours
Don’t sleep your retreat away. Get up, get writing, then rest well at night.
Bonus Tools to Enhance Your Retreat
- Focus apps: Forest, Freedom, Pomofocus
- Writing trackers: 4thewords or a simple spreadsheet
- Ambient sound: Noisli, Coffitivity, or that 10-hour fireplace video on YouTube
Final Word
This holiday season, when the noise dies down and the to-do list runs out of steam, you have a golden window.
Don’t waste it on mindless scrolling or cleaning out junk drawers. Give your writer self the gift of time, space, and story.
The world can wait.
Your retreat can’t.
Tracy Cooper-Posey
SRP Author and owner of The Productive Indie Fiction Writer
