In so many words

In So Many Words – August/September 2025

By Nicki Ehrlich

Often our September days are warmer and sunnier than Fogust…uh, I mean August, so

it’s difficult to say the summer’s over. But school’s back in session, summer crowds are receding,

and I’m feeling the urge to buy new notebooks, pens, and pencils (a leftover itch from afore-

mentioned school days). I’m also remembering that first-day-of-school anticipation that carried a

bit of trepidation on the side.

I recently attended a writer’s retreat that felt much like those first days of school. I only

knew a couple of people who were attending, and I found myself a little anxious about meeting

the others. I knew we’d all be sharing meals, conversations, and…writing.

Why did I feel the need to “retreat” when I’m pretty much left alone at home to write

most of the time? I prefer my own desk. I’m not one to frequent coffee shops, though I will show

my face in the back corner of a library now and then. I need quiet, not chaos. But…

Changing one’s surroundings, joining a manageable group of like-minded people, and

being fed three meals a day? Oh yeah. That’s a retreat. But did I get any writing done? Learn

anything new?

I’m not writing this to promote any particular retreat (mine was the Sonoma County

Writers Camp—gorgeous place, medium expensive, amazing people, highly recommended!)

because I think anyone can find a retreat they will love the way I loved this one.

A different perspective can change the way you see the world, and thus the way you see

your story’s world. It can put not only you, but your characters in a different light. You will meet

like-minded people who probably have the same questions and concerns you do, even if they

write different genres. If you don’t know the group leaders or speakers, look them up online. The

writing world is expansive; you can’t know everyone, but when you have writing in common,

you will gain a new contact, if not a new friend. If you can, read the speakers’ and guests’ works

before you go. That will give you even more to talk about.

Be prepared to share your writing. At the retreat I attended, a different group of us read

aloud after dinner every day. They let us know ahead of time to prepare a 500-word reading to

share. You didn’t have to, but you were kind of expected to read. Really, if you want to get your

money’s worth, attend all meals and participate in all classes and readings. This hour after dinner

became one of the highlights of the day. These authors were…good. Really good. And I had the

privilege of sitting next to them, sharing stories, collaborating, and soaking up not only the sea

and redwood scent, but also the talent and work of other, new-to-me, writers. They lifted my

spirits and raised the bar.

Thinking about a writer’s retreat? Go for it.