Dr Tanya Scott: Accepting the gift of time

Leave the questions of whether you’re wasting your time and should be doing ‘more important’ things, guilt and imposter syndrome at home.

It’s no secret that I love a writing retreat. There’s nothing better than quarantined writing time and the company of other writers. I think I’ve tried all the permutations: from official writer-in-residence programs, casual writing weekends, arranged workshops, self-arranged solo retreats—I’ve done them all. Most recently, I enjoyed a tranquil two weeks as a Writer-in-Residence at the KSP Writers Centre in Perth. (100% recommend!)

If you’re planning a retreat or a residency, here are some tips to help you emerge at the other end with the satisfaction of time well spent:

1. Accept the gift of time with gratitude. Leave the questions of whether you’re wasting your time and should be doing ‘more important’ things, guilt and imposter syndrome at home. To get the most out of your time, you need to be fully present. Accept the gift, give thanks, and start writing.

2. The practicalities. Bring what you need to maximise your comfort and productivity, including but not limited to: a good attitude (see #1 above), laptop stand, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse (non-negotiable if more than a few days), warm slippers/clothes, coffee stash, treats. Bring items that will keep you in the right headspace for writing.

3. Know and understand your chronotype. Your chronotype is your natural preference for the time of day you have the most energy. Normally, we’re bound by 9-5 jobs, kids’ bedtimes, social conventions; but during your retreat, you can go with your natural rhythm. If you’re someone who likes to get up at 5am or write into the wee hours, this is your chance to embrace it.

4. Explore your relationship with planning and goal-setting. For most of us who write ‘in the cracks’ around other commitments, having hours of free time without a plan can be…daunting. But not everyone loves working to a schedule, either. Consider setting flexible goals or intentions; take time to explore the way you want to write.

5. Embrace the messy first draft. To me, this is one of the hardest lessons. Consider ways to tame your inner critic so you can get the words down without interfering too much. Free-writing is a great exercise for this. If you can switch off the editing brain, which wants you to fix typos and move commas around, you’ll get to THE END much more quickly. You’re going to edit anyway; leave it for later!

6. Connect, but maintain your boundaries. Some retreats and residencies offer great social opportunities, and connecting with other writers is magic. However, it’s completely acceptable to politely withdraw to focus on your writing. That’s what you’re there for.

7. Walk. Plan to do some quality solo walking. This means bringing appropriate footwear and checking the weather reports for the duration of your stay. Enjoy the physical space you’ve been gifted for this time; how is it different from your usual writing environment, and what can it add?

8. Read. Bring books that support your writing—or that take you elsewhere. Reading is part of writing.

9. Prioritise rest and sleep. A retreat should leave you feeling nurtured, not frazzled.

10. Reflect on what you’ve learned. As your retreat comes to an end, think about what you can bring from experience into the bustle of your everyday life. Can you maintain some of the momentum when you get home?

Dr Tanya Scott is a writer, doctor and medical educator based on the Victorian Surf Coast. Her love of twisty mysteries has made her an ‘accidental’ crime writer. She writes character-driven fiction informed by years of working in mental health care, where patients have taught her more than any textbook – not just about physical and mental health, but about humanity, resilience and the absurdity of life. Tanya’s first novel, Stillwater, was published in 2025, with a second on track for 2027.