Academic Writing Retreats

[sunriseoversea]

Has anyone ever been on an academic writing retreat? I’m thinking in the vein of Chapelgarth, but also interested in other locations. Accommodation and food included, structured writing time, like minded folk etc.

I’d love some recommendations, or to hear experiences (+ and -). I’d ideally like something that gives me some headspace to write, but perhaps a little more luxury, if such a thing exists…

If you're able to get to a residential retreat, go. Chapelgarth, and anything that Rowena Murray runs, are well worth every penny. I did online retreats in the pandemic and the amount of work I got done was unreal.
Complete disclosure, I trained with Rowena after having been to her retreats and I now run them at work for staff and students but only half or full days.

We used to have full day writing retreats run by the CPD team. I was initially suspicious but became a total convert after my first day. A nice setting, a writing professional structuring the sessions, an atmosphere of quiet industry = so much writing done.

Sadly they’re no longer offered for staff, only students but if you have the chance and the money, I recommend it 100%.

I think I have a bit of PDA because if I am told to write then I want to do anything but. I do treat conferences as writing retreats though, so I'll spend 5 days at a conference and 3 of them writing. It's the only time I get completely child free.

How about the Gladstone Library? Never been but it looks fab. Unlike an organised 'retreat', you just book whatever days suit you.

I’m so keen to go there! You can stay overnight. Sadly it’s not near me but it’s on my list to visit.

We've had Academic Angel come to us - she was brilliant both on the "just write, ok?" and grant focussed days, all local but out of office.
Chapelgarth looks brilliant - wonder if DH owes me some child free days...

(I wonder if the Women Only groups are actually just for old fashioned women...)

It's gorgeous. You can go into the library whenever you like , and the food is great.