A writing retreat is more than just a getaway — it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in your writing, surrounded by like-minded individuals and bolstered by expert guidance.
In 2019, I had the privilege of attending a week-long retreat at Moniack Mhor, a renowned writing centre nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The experience was nothing short of transformative, and it highlighted the immense value that writing retreats can offer writers at every stage of their journey.
Why Consider a Writing Retreat?
Whether you’re working on your first novel or polishing a memoir, attending a writing retreat can provide a host of benefits that will enrich your writing practice and fuel your creativity.
1. Time and Space to Focus
One of the biggest advantages of a writing retreat is the dedicated time and space to write. In our busy lives, distractions are everywhere — emails, social media, household chores, and work commitments can all hinder our focus. A writing retreat removes these distractions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your writing without interruption.
At Moniack Mhor, I spent hours each day writing in peace, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands. The sense of solitude helped me connect deeply with my manuscript, and without the usual interruptions, I was able to make significant progress.
2. Expert Help and Guidance
Many writing retreats, including Moniack Mhor, offer the chance to work with experienced tutors and published authors who provide invaluable feedback and guidance.
During my week at Moniack Mhor, we were fortunate to have two visiting tutors: Kerry Hudson and Janice Galloway, both highly acclaimed and award-winning authors.
As we sat around the dinner table or shared slices of cake, they opened up about their writing processes, the publishing industry, and the realities of being a published author.
Some of the insights were sobering — for instance, learning that the average income for a traditionally published author is around £10,000 ($12,000) was eye-opening. Yet, their enthusiasm and passion for writing were infectious, and their advice motivated me to keep pushing forward with my own work.
3. Connection with Like-Minded Writers
Writing can often be a solitary pursuit, which makes connecting with other writers one of the greatest benefits of a writing retreat. Retreats bring together individuals who share your passion for storytelling, and that sense of community can be both inspiring and comforting.
At Moniack Mhor, I was surrounded by nine other writers, and the camaraderie we built over the course of the week was invaluable. We spent our days working on our manuscripts — some were works-in-progress, while others were new pieces inspired by the stunning landscape of the Scottish Highlands.
In the evenings, we gathered in front of the fire, sharing our thoughts, ideas, and struggles. It was a relief to be with people who understood the joys and frustrations of writing. We discussed everything from syntax and story structure to the elusive nature of creativity.
Writing retreats create a unique space where you can share your work, receive feedback, and support one another in a way that’s difficult to find in day-to-day life.
4. A Source of Inspiration
There’s something about stepping away from your usual environment that can ignite new creative sparks. Whether it’s the tranquil setting, the change of routine, or the energy of being around other writers, writing retreats often provide a fresh perspective on your work.
Moniack Mhor, located in a remote and serene part of Scotland, offered the perfect backdrop for creativity. The hills, the croft, and the quiet isolation provided inspiration that fueled my writing in unexpected ways.
Surrounded by nature, I found myself not only making progress on my current manuscript but also coming up with new ideas that I hadn’t considered before.
A writing retreat can help you see your work in a new light, often leading to breakthroughs when you least expect them.
5. Rejuvenation and Motivation
A writing retreat is not just about writing — it’s also about taking care of yourself as a writer. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to burn out, and sometimes stepping away from the stressors of everyday life is exactly what you need to recharge. Writing retreats provide a balance between structured writing time and relaxation, helping you return to your work refreshed and motivated.
At Moniack Mhor, we had plenty of free time to relax, explore the surrounding countryside, or simply sit by the fire with a cup of tea. This downtime allowed me to reflect on my writing without pressure, and by the end of the week, I felt both rejuvenated and eager to continue working on my manuscript.
My Personal Experience at Moniack Mhor Writing Retreat
Attending the writing retreat at Moniack Mhor was one of the most enriching experiences of my writing life. The combination of expert guidance, time to write, and the connection with fellow writers created a perfect environment for creativity and growth.
The centre itself, an old but beautifully refurbished croft house, was charming and cosy — the perfect setting for a week of uninterrupted writing.
The tutors, Kerry Hudson and Janice Galloway, were generous with their time and insights, offering practical advice and encouragement that I still carry with me today.
The other writers I met during the retreat have since become friends and sources of ongoing support. Together, we created a space where we could write, share ideas, and inspire one another.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Consider a Writing Retreat
If you’re a writer, whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years, I cannot recommend a writing retreat enough. The benefits of uninterrupted time to write, expert guidance, and connection with like-minded individuals are invaluable.
It’s a chance to step away from the distractions of everyday life, focus on your craft, and make meaningful progress on your writing. Moniack Mhor provided me with the solitude, inspiration, and support I needed to push my manuscript forward, and I left the retreat feeling motivated and energised.
If you’re looking for a way to reignite your creativity and take your writing to the next level, a writing retreat could be exactly what you need.
If you’re a beginner writer and need help getting started, I invite you to sign up for my video series, 21 Days of Writing Inspiration? It provides daily motivation to get you unstuck so you can build momentum with your writing.
Emma Dhesi
Emma Dhesi is an author mindset coach and bestselling author who helps writers let go of perfectionism, self-doubt and writer’s block through her signature programme, Unlock Your Creative Block.
She is the host of the YouTube Channel, Emma Dhesi, where she interviews debut and experienced authors alike. Through her 1:1 coaching programme, Emma helps new authors start and finish their first novel.
Emma provides personal written feedback on their pages and guides them through the emotional rollercoaster that is writing a novel!
