Beach Writing Retreat

Ah, I love the beach! A writer friend of mine from RWA, Lori Hayes, invited me to join her this weekend on Emerald Isle, NC. Three of us set out on Friday for a relaxing weekend at the beach.

It poured down rain all day and night Friday, but it was nice because it kept us inside and working. Lori made whole wheat spaghetti (delicious!) for dinner with garlic bread. On Saturday, we ventured out to a local coffee shop called “Beans and Screens”. I had a strawberry/banana smoothie with added whey protein. It was yummy! I loved sitting on their big comfy couches and writing for the afternoon.

Saturday night we went to dinner at a restaurant called Ruckerjohns. OMG, best honey mustard I’ve had in a long time. I’m kind of a nut for honey mustard, so that’s saying something! We ordered these croissants too that had honey butter dripped all over them. Whew, that was amazing! But the weekend wasn’t about food – it was about writing. And boy did we write! I finished my rough draft of Book 3, worked on the entire plot and got the kinks worked out, then started on the second draft. I got about 5000 words written before it was time to head home on Sunday. Definitely a successful and relaxing weekend!

Thankfully, the sun also decided to come out on Sunday and we got a chance to walk on the beach. It was so amazing! I talked a couple weeks ago about the writer’s well? This filled me up, let me tell you! The only thing missing was the company of my amazing husband, who I missed very much while I was away. I think it’s important as a writer to get out of your house and your normal everyday desk setting. It’s inspirational to take a trip and focus ONLY on writing for a few days. I’m so glad I did it, so thank you Lori for inviting me! I had the best time!