Lucky to Retreat by Jana Richards

I was lucky enough to be able to go on another writing retreat at the end of October. Two of my writing friends and I rented a retreat house in the country, located less than an hour outside of my city. I wish I would have thought to take a few pictures because the house and the property surrounding it was very pretty. I just have a couple of pictures from their Facebook page.

After a short drive from the city, I found the place just off a gravel road. The retreat house has check-in and check-out times like a hotel. We arrived at 4pm on Monday and had to leave by noon on Thursday. In between we did a lot of writing, a lot of talking, and a lot of laughing. 

It is unbelievably freeing to have nothing to do but write. There’s no laundry to do, no cats demanding to be fed, no meals to fuss over. We had to bring our own food, but we kept it simple. I brought several frozen dinners which I got very tired of very quickly, but I survived. 

The house was huge. My friend was told it had been built specifically as a retreat house. It had eight bedrooms, three on the second floor, three on the main floor and two in the basement. We stayed on the main floor so we didn’t have to carry luggage up and down stairs. There were plenty of bathrooms and several common areas where we could meet. Each room had its own sink so the three of us had plenty of space, privacy and convenience.

Every afternoon we went outside to get a little exercise and fresh air. We walked around the property or down the gravel road leading to the retreat house. We quickly learned that it was best to walk west on the gravel road because the dogs who lived a short walk to the east were very adamant that they didn’t like anyone walking past their house. So we gave them their space.

Though I needed fresh air occasionally, the majority of my time was spent in my room, deep in concentration. It’s amazing how many words you can bang out when you have a minimum of distractions. I was happy with the progress I made on my current work in progress. 

But like all good things, the retreat came to an end. Since I’ve been home, there have been distractions galore. If the cats aren’t begging for food or looking to sit on my lap, there’s dishes to be washed, or cat hair to be vacuumed. Then there’s all the marketing that goes into trying to sell my books. It’s never-ending.

So, I’m going to enjoy and treasure any opportunity to go on a retreat. The time to write is precious and so is the time spent with friends. We’ve already decided we want to go back next October. Next year I’ll remember to take pictures!   

I'd like to share a snippet from what I was working on while on retreat. This is from "Since You've Been Gone", book 3 in my time travel romance series. To earn his wings, apprentice angel Gabriel must help three mortals find their second chance at love. In this scene, Gabriel has literally just dropped in on a wedding that happened ten years in the past and met his third and final client. Remember that Gabriel and his friend and mentor Thomas are invisible to everyone in the church and they communicate telepathically:

Gabriel turned in his seat as the congregation rose and the bridesmaids began making their way up the aisle. The first young woman, a pretty blonde, wore a full-length gown in a dusty rose color. She smiled happily and waggled her fingers at friends in the congregation as she walked the aisle. She took her place across from the men at the front of the church. 

The second bridesmaid’s dress was identical to the first’s but that’s where the similarity ended. She was taller and wore her dark hair in an elegant updo. Bridesmaid number two also appeared far more subdued. Unlike the first bridesmaid, she didn’t make eye contact with anyone in the congregation, and she didn’t smile. 

She looks nervous, Gabriel said to Thomas. See how her bouquet is shaking?

Yes, I see. Why do you think that is?

No idea. I just fell into this place, remember?

Keep your eyes, and your mind, open, Gabriel.

Gabriel had no idea what he was supposed to be looking for. Another of Thomas’ riddles. But he kept watching the proceedings closely.

Then the bride, flanked on each side by her parents, began her slow progression to her groom. Her form fitting white dress showed off her slim figure. A long, lacy veil covered her hair and face so Gabriel couldn’t make out her expression, or even determine the color of her hair. But her parents were beaming, so he assumed the bride was happy as well. 

Funny that bridesmaid number two appears far more nervous than the bride.

Not funny at all.

Gabriel turned to Thomas, curious about his remark, but as usual he didn’t elaborate. Instead, Thomas kept his gaze fixed on the wedding party. Gabriel sighed and turned his attention to the front of the church as well.

The bride and her parents reached the altar, and after giving their daughter a hug, they took their seats. The bride and groom then faced each other, and the minister began the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today—”

“No, wait. Stop. Please.”

The groom shook his head as he stepped away from the bride. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this. I thought I could, thought I wanted to, but I can’t. I’m so sorry.”

Lots of work yet to do on this story, but it's coming along. All I need now is another retreat!