Every January, despite that whole, yay-it’s-a-fresh-new-year thing, I feel this urge to go on a writer’s retreat. Or just retreat. Not exactly sure which. Because I grew up around mountains and creeks, (cricks) this is generally where I imagine myself summoning the Muse (or using the crick to drown out my whining).

I have yet to actually retreat. And there’s my ongoing (and totally delightful) #GrandmaProject that I want to flee TO, not away FROM. I love the grand babies more than Muse (get over it, Muse).

One of the reasons I have not retreated, I think, is that most formal retreats aren’t what I’d call retreating. They want you to gather in the evening and talk about your writing. My writing is like Fight School. I don’t talk about it, at least not until I’m done with the project. And there is my Hermit Thing.

Most retreats are pretty expensive, too. And geared toward literary authors, not popular fiction authors like me. That doesn’t stop me from day dreaming about Whitby Island. Or a fully functional cabin in some delightful (i.e. Bear-free) woods somewhere. A place the Muse would be happy to come, too, but wouldn’t run amok by taking me into my own personal horror story. Yeah, my imagination is about that bad.

Do you ever get the urge to flee yourself? To go Gifts from the Sea and get inspired on a beach somewhere? Please tell me I’m not alone. Not only will I feel better, but your comment will be entered into my monthly drawing for an AnaBanana gift basket ($25 value). Winner announced first blog post of the new month.

Perilously yours,

Speaking of getting away from it all…

“The reader is transported into yesteryear during a time of war where our heroes should never be forgotten in a war that costs so many their precious lives and loves, in a heart-felt story that spins with much creativity.” Five hearts! The Romance Studio

You can buy Out of Time right now on Amazon and watch for it at other online bookstores next week!

(Available in digital, audio and print)