Reflections of an Experienced Writing Retreater

Dr Rachel Bower, Poet and Researcher, School of English, University of Leeds is a regular retreater at Chapelgarth Estate, which provides her with plenty of inspiration!

I was introduced to the benefits of writing socially over ten years ago, during my PhD. The first writing retreat I ever went to was a simple, two-hour session in a classroom, set up by Moira Faul. Although I was a little sceptical about the difference that this approach could make, I was amazed at how much I got done in those two hours! I have since become a complete convert, and have participated in many writing groups and retreats, from 25-minute ‘pomodoro’ type sessions, to wonderful two-to-three day retreats like the ones that Marcella runs at Chapelgarth , modelled on Rowena Murray’s evidence-based academic writing retreat model. In addition to these longer retreats, I now meet regularly with a small group in Sheffield, which Andreana Drencheva and I started four years ago so that we could prioritise our writing and reduce the isolation of the process.

The underpinning principles of the writing groups and events I have participated in have tended to be quite similar: setting and sharing achievable goals; minimising internet use in the writing room; writing with other people; supporting each other; developing the writing ‘muscle’; and taking proper breaks and physically moving the body.

The writing retreats that Marcella runs at Chapelgarth are very special. They are retreats in more than one sense of the word – not only offering participants the opportunity to step back and take a break from the busyness of academic life to create two days of protected writing time, but also offering a kind of sanctuary – a shelter – in which participants can nourish the body and soul with nutritious food, beautiful fields and woods, yoga and Marcella’s warm hospitality. I truly felt looked after at the two retreats I have attended. At home I juggle work with three children, so I have very little time and space to think, and the retreats at Chapelgarth have given me a complete boost – mentally and physically, as well as in terms of my writing.

At my second retreat at Chapelgarth, I was also lucky enough to be invited to share my research at one of the interdisciplinary public events [Global Tees - Short Talks, Big Topics] which Marcella runs, in which researchers attending the residential writing retreats give short accounts of their research, followed by time for lively questions and discussion. It was lovely to talk about poetry and literature alongside researchers talking about mars, calves and sustainable housing solutions! I have met some wonderful people on the retreats, and this has opened up the opportunity to discuss ideas and research that I would never usually come across. It has been a real privilege to attend these retreats, and I am looking forward to the time when we are through our current crisis, when we can all get together again at Chapelgarth Estate!

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