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Reader Stories: Taking a Mini Writing Retreat

From , former About.com Guide

Time alone in a new or beloved place can do wonders for your writing. Julia Cameron calls these mini writing retreats "artist dates," and they're essential to creativity. Writer Cassandra Barclift described one such outing: "Last fall, I took a walk through the local park near the lake. The walkway was brightly lit by sunshine when I began, and then clouds moved overhead and the day turned grey. I took a photo of the walkway, went home and uploaded it to my computer. Suddenly an old memory found its way to the surface and a poem was born." Read what other writers have done for their dates, then write about yours.

Mount Grace Priory

As the number of visitors began to dwindle, it was in the late afternoon with the ruins to myself that I felt truly inspired to write another story. I took several photos to capture the moment. It is…More

Caines River, New Brunswick

I had my laptop with me but for a while, I just had to sit there and take in everything around me. I watched my husband as he threw his line in. After a long while, I decided to write about the scene…More

Visit to an Orphanage

We were welcomed by a dumb boy at the front gate. We were showed to the hall where . . . oh so many little children sang songs welcoming us. My friends were hugged by the caretaker who happens to kn…More

Strawberries in Baguio

I picked strawberries and i got my legs all dirty and my feet are wet because of the rain ( it's mostly cold and sometimes rainy in Baguio )but I had lots of fun. . . . I was with my cousins Mandie, …More

Nature and Inspiration

I am studying in Mehran university in Jamshoro. The university is built on the mountainious terrain as are the other universities ( Sindh and LUMHS). I was standing at a zero point after my classes t…More

Bangalore: Our Visit to Our Son's Place

Well, our younger son was waiting for us. He guided us towards the car.He took us to a restaurant. Had breakfast to our heart's content. Nice people.Reached his residence. He maintained his room neat…More

A Visit to the Old Neighborhood

While there, I drove around the town, passing by and remembering the goings-on of all my favorite haunts of yesteryear, smiling at the memories. Upon arrival in MY old neighborhood, I decided to park…More

Traveling Through the Mountains

Went aboard the USS Enterprise, a navy aircraft carrier that my husband is stationed on. I took pictures of the bay near the base where the Canadian geese were swimming. Spent time with friends. Drov…More

Oregon Mini-Vacation

The first night clouds gathered on the horizon and pushed in toward the shore and it rained. The heavens opened and flooded the ocean with water. The white caps grew into heavy breakers and crashed a…More

A Haven

I easily stood there for an hour, just leaning against a nearby tree and enjoying the view. I'd just gotten in a terrible fight with a very important friend of mine and she instantly popped into my h…More

Art Museum Writing Retreat

After an hour or two of looking at art, I head to the cafe on the second floor. It's a modern art museum, so the decor isn't particularly warm or welcoming, but there's a counter facing the window wh…More

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