Part One: Personal Demons (Get thee behind me)
doretta pirollo martelli
If you’ve ever read Samantha Verant’s The Writers’ Retreat, Julia Bartz’s The Writing Retreat: A Novel, or any of the many books dedicated to writers gathering at a prestigious’ retreat, then you know how they go. Unsuspecting souls move out of their comfort zone, hoping to write with a famous author only to discover there is usually an evil plot to unalive the lesser-known writers and steal their work. And if your mind works anything like mine (commiserating here if that’s the case), the thought of actually attending a real, live writers’ retreat terrifies you, grips your heart with fear, right? What? Is it only me? Hmmm…
Attempting to conquer my demons, this past April, I attended my first-ever writers retreat. First. Ever. The WFWA Alexandria Retreat. And my fears have been . . . um, diminished [x].
I spent three hours driving from my home in South Jersey, right outside of Philly, reminding myself to breathe as I convinced myself there were no nefarious plans afoot. Positive there were no nefarious plans afoot. Hoping there were no nefarious plans afoot. Praying there were no nefarious plans afoot. Just breathe [x].
I’m not being melodramatic, right? Overreacting? EXTRA (as my daughter never fails to remind me)?
The thought of attending a writing retreat grips all our hearts with fear, right?
Thriller book plots aside, capture, torture, murder, ugh, there is always the fact that many of us are introverts and being so close to other people is terrifying (or is that just me, too?), but that’s not real fear. Not the chills up and down your spine terror kind of fear…Or is it?
Well, after attending the WFWA Alexandria Retreat, my fears have (mostly) been diminished. And might I interject here that WFWA has wisely not labeled this a “writers’ retreat.” Anywhere. I couldn’t find those words in any of the information provided. Coincidence? I think not.
But I digress. For this retreat, instead of murder, imagine spending four days trapped with, (sorry, still not used to the positive vernacular), surrounded by eighty of the most intelligent, creative, and supportive women in the world. Tied to a chair sitting in on world-class instructional courses. Forced to — seriously, what is wrong with me? — feeling like a fly on the wall as noted panelists spill secrets enhancing the fantastic journey we’re all on. Pointy object in right hand (ok, it’s only a pen, but it could do some damage), heavy YETI coffee mug poised in left hand, just in case [x].
Instead of torture, focus on the camaraderie that’s within an arm’s reach as you’re sharing a drink or a meal with these powerhouses. Hand covering drinks, eyes constantly darting to the right, then left [x].
Instead of capture, revel in the freedom that comes with a four-day stay at a luxury hotel in one of the quaintest towns in the United States. Tucked in before nightfall [x].
Socialize during the scheduled happy hours, write surrounded by new friends or alone in your room. Door locked and bolted [x].
If you’re still reading, well, what can I say? Glutton for punishment? No, I can say thank you from the bottom of my heart. And ask you to stay tuned for PART TWO: THE BEGINNING (Nightmare or Dream-Come-True?). I’ll break down the stress-free registration process and the first evening’s events. What? Nightmare? Oh, that, yeah…well…you didn’t think it was going to be smooth sailing for me, did you?
Born in Philadelphia, PA, and raised in Turnersville, NJ, doretta pirollo martelli holds bachelor’s degrees in journalism and communications and a master’s in teaching. She taught middle school writing and reading for twenty-five years. While teaching, doretta teamed up with kindness.org as a kindness ambassador. She has appeared in several prestigious magazines including Positive News and EducationWeek. She also serves on the Rowan University branch of the National Writing Project where she shares her expertise with other writing teachers. Since retiring, she has been writing and editing her novel, and helping others to polish their manuscripts. She has also recently taken on a new role as WFWA’s Online Community Liaison. Doretta’s interests include cooking, home design, film noir, rooting for the Phillies, and curling up with a cup of strong coffee while reading Stephen King novels. She and her husband Lou have one daughter, Ally, and a grandpup called Otis.