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Still Dreaming

I am still dreaming about my writing coach’s writing retreat. One week to go.

How does one prepare for a writing retreat? In the past, I’ve packed up all my notes on the book I’m working on, maybe some research to read over, and thought hard about what I would accomplish.

This time, my writing coach (me) suggested I try something new. I’m clearing my mind in preparation. I’m not even sure which book I’m going to work on. I probably won’t take any of my preparatory notes for my works in progress.

I admit, this is my book writing experiment. I have no idea how it’s going to work, but I just love the idea of starting with a clean slate and allowing inspiration to work through me.

As a writing coach, I’ve recently suggested to several clients that they intend ease in their writing process. I’m expecting absolute ease, fun and speed, as well.

Thinking of planning your own writing retreat? What do you envision? How will you prepare? I’d love to hear from you.

Lisa Tener

Lisa Tener is an award-winning book writing coach who assists writers in all aspects of the writing process—from writing a book proposal and getting published to finding one’s creative voice. Her clients have appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CBS Early Show, The Montel Williams Show, CNN, Fox News, New Morning and much more. They blog on sites like The Huffington Post, Psychology Today and WebMD.

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Comments

  1. Hi Lisa, I will be right behind you the the blog. I will watch how you do it. I know it is my next step and I will be shown the way. Who set this up for you? Do you send it out to all who are on your mailing list?

    Have a wonderful retreat. It will be nice for you just being there for yourself and not teaching others. I know it will be wonderful and I wish I could have gone with you.

    I am going to Enders Island in Conn tomorrow for a overnight retreat and then leaving on Mon. am to go to Kennybunkport, Maine for a play and pray overnight.

    Can you put my information about happy clients on this blog.

    God bless, Pat

  2. Dear Lisa, Congratulations on the successful launch of your Blog!

    I’m getting closer to making a self commitment to get my first book written. I am a business & career coach and I look forward to speaking with you and using your services to get my “first ” written. I do not know if you remember, but I am a native of No. Kingstown, RI so I feel a very positive connection to you as a coach. I love that you support getting a good deal of writing done in a reasonable amount of time with a definite “Finish Date!”

    Congratulations once again and I will be in touch to see what services I can utilize!

  3. Hi Lisa,

    Good for you keeping on keeping on! I have had a rough year but did make some progress, got encouragement from a writer I admire.

    But, I haven’t begun to revise the material I have to try to put it in book form, was sick a large part of the year. Hearing from you would definitely help me.

    Please keep me on your mailing list. Happy Halloween!

    Charmaine

  4. Thanks, everyone for your input. Here are answers to some of your questions:

    1. Those of you who want to keep hearing from me, please sign up for the RSS feed or subscribe to the blog to get my updates. Pat, you asked if everyone on my mailing list got this–just those who subscribe to my newsletter or took the free mini-course got my announcement. They won’t get the e-mails again unless they sign up for the RSS feed or subscribe to the blog by filling in the box in the upper right corner on the blog’s home page.

    2. John and Charmaine: I’m rooting for you and envisioning you both inspired and writing with ease. Enjoy the process and it will help you “write in the zone.”

    3. I had several helping hands on the blog:
    Mary Masse got us started and made her foray into blog set-up (she’s been doing the latest work on my website). Mary’s address is: http://www.memkotycreations.com/

    Bryna Rene did some trouble shooting and setting up:
    http://www.wordsbyaphrodite.com/

    and Sue McCrossin solved the problem no one else could and helped me indent the list.
    http://painternetmarketing.com/

    All three are great resources for web design and other internet support.

  5. Hi Lisa,
    Hey Lisa,

    I’m almost through your “How to Write a book in 60 Days”, and I’ve made a ton of progress- thanks so much!

    I have one question, though: my friend and I have a bet about how many spaces come after a period, one or two. As the ultimate authority, what’s your ruling?

    We’ve got an ice cream sundae riding on this!

    Best,

    Jeannie

  6. Hi Jeannie,

    Great news about your progress. What about the 60 day self-study course has been most helpful?

    As to the ice cream sundae question, one period. It used to be two and I’m still a bit attached to two, but I’ve had to move on and let go…officially, it’s one space after a period.

    So, who won the sundae?

  7. Hi Lisa,

    I won!

    What has been the most helpful, predictably, is the advice to come up with a formula and adhere to it as much as possible. At times, I have found myself deviating from my outline. When I realize what I’m doing, I take the opportunity to sit back and look at my plan and re-evaluate it and make changes as necessary. It’s important to have a roadmap.

    Anyway…back to work!

    Thank you,

    Jeannie

  8. I accompanied my husband on a business trip and had the luxury and delight of being able to turn the time into a writer’s retreat.

    With no means of transport, I was ‘stuck’ in an old English manor that had been turned into a hotel. I quickly developed rituals that took me into and out of the writing process. Writing alternating with walks in the countryside and meals. How completely wonderful!

    I hope that your retreat, Lisa, is as satisfying.

    Congratulations on your blog.

    Jeannette

  9. Dear Lisa, Thank you for your wonderful Blog. I really appreciate having a safe place to read and write about writing and publishing a first book.

    My questions are:

    Do you feel it is OK to write a book for publication as an e-book and if yes, do you provide coaching support for such a project and how is the cost estimated?

    Is producing an e-book that is for sale on a website a way to eliminate the costs involved with a publicity campaign? I believe you estimated a good publicity campaign could cost $10,000 to $25,000 for a self help book. Obviously, I do not have that amount of money to invest at this time and I am trying to find the best way to finish my book without taking investment risks.

    Do you know of any author who has been financially successful with publishing an e-book?

    Also, do the same situations exist if the first book is a work of fiction with regard to publishers, agents, and publicity costs?

    Any information or comments you can provide are deeply appreciated.

    Thank you once again.

    Sincerely,
    John

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