In the previous blog, I discussed planning a personal, local, writer retreat and the care package essentials that go with it. Spring has sprung, and the weather is breaking warmer. So, you’re packed and ready to give this local retreat biz a try. Now what?

Well, what state parks are nearby?

Writing, Retreating, a State Park, and You

A state park; really? Sure. One could easily spend an entire day at a state park. Standard writer retreats range three days to a week. A writer’s retreat is a vacay, but it isn’t: the goal is revitalizing the creative juices.

Writer’s block isn’t a necessary precursor. Now, the idea is to take a state park tour as your “retreat.” For the duration of the retreat, each day, visit a different state park. You may want to start with the parks near your home and venture farther out, or start farther away from home, making your way closer as the retreat draws to a close. Me? The latter suits me better.

Let’s say the state park tour writer’s retreat begins with visits to parks farther away from home. Depending on the mileage, it may be impractical to return home each night. So, find an affordable hotel/motel for one or two nights—maybe one located centrally to multiple parks. If you’re feeling truly adventurous, many parks have campgrounds. Consider camping for a night or two. As the retreat closes, with visits to parks nearer your home, you’ll sleep in your own bed.

Your Writer Retreat

Sleeping arrangements established and writing essentials on hand, it’s time to get “retreating.” Again, this is part vacay; a solitary one, but still. State parks each have something different to offer.

Select unique locations or activities. Even if you’ve visited a state park before, it’s not likely you’ve explored everything. Keep expenses low by choosing a low-cost but fun park activity. The park activity is just something to relax the mind but also stimulate it to get the writing creativity sparked. Most state parks charge admission fees: something else to consider.

Weather dictating, with pen and paper (or laptop) in hand, enjoy views of the park, from inside your car or on park seating. Inside the car allows you to let music surround you for calming inspiration, but this first day, it’s all about … not writing. Read, take in the scenery, but: no active writing. At most, jotting a few notes related to writing ideas, is the limit. Day one is about settling into the purpose of the retreat, with unavoidable thoughts about writing. Days two through four shift the focus appropriately.

Do something different each day. State parks usually have some noteworthy feature: beautiful waterfalls, scenic lakes, great hiking trails, etc. Maybe all of them. Rotate taking advantage of each park’s natural wonders before and after your writing sessions. Stop for dinner before returning to your room; make plans for the next day’s writing. Before you know it, the day(s) will be over with.

For a private writer’s retreat on a budget, think closer to home and outside of the box. State parks are usually reserved for single-day ventures, but they can be utilized for week-long retreats. All states have multiple state parks—and Mother Nature’s just waiting to inspire that next work.

Next month (April) is Stress Awareness Month. With that in mind, I’ll pause blogging (less writing stress for me) until May—Mental Health Awareness Month (go figure).

Until the next blog, stay serif and read on (fiction, non-fiction, comics: you know what you like).