In the latest episode of The Teri and Edith Show, Teri shares her transformative experience at a renowned writer’s retreat and the significant impact it had on her creative journey. Dive into the world of creative energy, the art of writing, and how a change of scenery can offer a fresh perspective on life and work.
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### The Writer’s Retreat: A Creative Sanctuary
Teri recounts her time away on a writer’s retreat in Woodstock, New York, a haven known for its vibrant history and artistic community. The retreat, held at Bird Cliff, an artist colony established back in 1902, provided Teri the solitude and inspiration she needed to rekindle her writing passion. “If you can find a way to get away for three and a half weeks and do nothing but write, I highly recommend it,” she advises.
### Immersed in Artistic Diversity
The retreat was not only a sanctuary for writers but also home to painters, photographers, playwrights, and other creative minds. This eclectic mix created an enriching environment that fostered creativity. “There was something about being with all of those artistic types all in one space, and the creative energy was just like creeping out over everyone,” Teri describes.
### Writing in the Wilderness
Teri found solace in the natural surroundings, emphasizing the serenity of morning walks in the woods. This immersion in nature helped clear her mind, making space for new ideas and creativity. “Especially first thing in the morning, it kind of clears my head of junk,” Teri shares, highlighting how nature’s beauty fueled her creative receptors.
### Crafting the Creative Process
Without the constraints of an established routine, Teri discovered a new way to approach her writing. Her days, consisting of long, undisturbed writing sessions, allowed her to produce an impressive amount of work, including two flash fiction pieces and over 50,000 words towards her next manuscript. “Some days it’s really productive… some days I wrote 3,500 words,” Teri reflects, showcasing the variable and unpredictable nature of creativity.
### Collaboration and Community
The retreat featured opportunities for artists to share their work and gain feedback from peers, culminating in a showcase event. Teri notes the significance of these interactions, saying, “We all had seven minutes where we could talk about what we were doing.” These moments of exchange and support from a like-minded community were instrumental in nurturing her creative spirit.
### Lessons in Genre and Artistic Freedom
The discussion also delved into the exploration of genre boundaries and artistic expression. In a world where hybrid genres are becoming increasingly popular, Teri appreciates the flexibility to write freely, “I do like the fact that people aren’t stuck in a box anymore.” This freedom allows for the creation of unique storytelling that challenges traditional publishing norms.
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### Final Thoughts: The Power of Retreat
Teri’s experience underscores the power of retreating into a focused, creative environment to unlock new levels of artistic output. For aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike, such experiences can provide the much-needed space to explore new ideas, engage with different art forms, and breathe life into dormant projects. As Teri wisely suggests, “Find yourself a residency. Or, if you can’t get in one, make one.”
This episode serves as a reminder of the importance of stepping away from the chaos of everyday life to reconnect with one’s craft. Whether in the comfort of a structured retreat or a self-imposed creative isolation, such experiences are invaluable for rejuvenating the mind and advancing one’s artistic journey.
Yours sincerely,
M. Maurice
