Solo Writing Retreat by Laurie Buchanan

Laurie Buchanan (Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth) recently went on a solo writing retreat and I was excited to ask her about it. Every Tuesday I visit Laurie's popular blog Tuesdays with Laurie. I'm thrilled that she is visiting us here today. Please welcome her.

What gave you the idea to go on a solo writer's retreat?

I write best when I have no distractions—none whatsoever. 

Have you, would you, will you go on a writing retreat with other writers? Are there any that interest you?

I would love to be accepted for a writer’s residency at Hedgebrook (http://www.hedgebrook.org) on Whidbey Island, Washington.

What other writers (living or dead) would you like to go on a retreat with? Why?

I would love to be at a writing retreat where Mary Oliver (one of my favorite, still-living poets) was writing. Why? Because I know she’d stay in her cabin (like I would stay in mine) and we’d only meet for meals at the main lodge.

What do you see as the main difference between going solo and going as a member of a group? 

My idea of "solo" is no distractions—being completely by myself. I have no interest in group writing situations; it wouldn’t work with my writing style. 

How did you pick your retreat's location? 

When my in-laws called to say they were going to Australia for three months (Jan-Mar), I told them I’d love to house-sit for them. It was a win-win situation.

What were you retreat's main goals? 

To write The Business of Being: Soul Purpose In and Out of the Workplace

Why do you think these goals couldn't have been achieved without going on this retreat? 

I would have eventually finished writing The Business of Being, but it would have taken double or triple the time to do it. I was hoping for a 2018 publication date. When I sent the Preface and Introduction to my publisher, not only did they say YES, it’s slated for a June/July 2018 publication date.

I understand one of your goals was to work on your next book, please tell us a little about it. 

In a nutshell, The Business of Being spotlights the intersection of workplace and spirituality; it’s designed to help readers thrive in business and life.

What was the best thing about going on this retreat? 

1. Solitude

2. It was breathtakingly gorgeous. Darby, Montana is located between the Bitterroot and the Sapphire Mountain ranges, and I was within walking distance of the Bitterroot River. Without fail, I saw wildlife every day.

What was the worst thing? 

It was the worst winter Darby had had in record-breaking years, so there was tons of snow and ice on the roof. When the snow started melting, there was a place in the ceiling that started leaking. Yikes! I went next door to the neighbor man to see if he had any suggestions. Nope—a portion of his ceiling had caved in. I called my husband (Boise, ID), and he made an emergency trip to Darby and saved the day!

What did you have to overcome? 

Driving 17 miles each way on treacherous roads to get groceries once a week.    

What do you wish you had planned for? 

I wish I’d taken a second power cord for my Mac. I don’t think there’s an Apple store in the entire state of Montana. The closest one is in Boise, Idaho (where I’m from). I don’t know what happened to my cable, but I woke up to “crimp” marks. My husband overnighted a cable to me—a rather expensive, but necessary, undertaking.

Please share a memory of your retreat. 

It’s against the law (at least in Darby, Montana) to feed deer, so I waited until twilight each night and then snuck out under cover of dark and fed the deer organic apples, blueberries, and carrots that I cut into bite-size pieces. I did my research first—making sure that those three foods aren’t harmful in any way to the deer. 

Do you view this retreat as successful—why or why not? 

I accomplished what I set out to do so I feel the retreat was successful.

What advice would you give writers who are planning a solo retreat? 

Stay on task and use your time to write, Write, WRITE! In the evening I refueled by reading. I read over a dozen books in the twelve weeks I was there. 

Would you go on another solo writing retreat—why or why not? 

In a heartbeat! I already told my in-laws that if they go anywhere, for any length of time, to please call me and I’ll housesit.

Are you planning to go on another solo writing retreat? Where will/would you go this time? 

I’m applying for a writer’s residency at Hedgebrook. We’ll see how that turns out…

Sending you tons of positive energy, Laurie. I hope you get in.

AUTHOR BIO 

Board Certified with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, Laurie Buchanan is a holistic health practitioner, transformational life coach, speaker, and author. Her areas of interest include energy medicine, inner alchemy, and spiritual awareness.

Embracing the belief that “Life is an expression of the choices we make,” she’s a teacher and student of purposeful living.

With tremendous respect for the earth’s natural resources, Laurie’s goal is to leave the slightest footprint on the planet, while at the same time making a lasting impression on its inhabitants—one that’s positive, uplifting, constructive, and healing.

Laurie’s previous book, Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth was a 2016 Idaho Author Award winner for inspiration; a 2016 Foreword Indies Book of the Year finalist; and a 2016 Body, Mind, Spirit Book Awards finalist.

book review: Note to Self by Laurie Buchanan

Have you ever felt a little off and wished you could talk to someone wise? I know, who hasn't--right?

Buy 

Note to Self: A Seven-Step Path to Gratitude and Growth 

by Laurie Buchanan

Note to Self not only helps you puzzle through what may be wrong but also gives you solutions on what to do about it -- including visiting your doctor. The large solutions require lifestyle changes. The small ones include incorporating certain colours into your environment. 

(Only suggestion for improvement:  colour photos of the colours suggestions)

This book demands to be read slowly. You need time to digest it. I received Note to Self in November, as a birthday gift. I tore open the wrapping and cracked open the book and am still reading it--and I plan to never stop. It's a book that can address different aspects of your life--or different selves--as the need arises. 
Note to Self is divided into seven selves:  Self-Preservation, Self-Gratificaiton, Self-Definition, Self-Acceptance, Self-Expression, Self-Reflection, and Self-Knowledge. As Sheila Glazov wrote in the foreword:  'The whole essence of Laurie Buchanan's book is timely and timeless....This book helps readers understand how they can easily unpack the emotional baggage they persistently pack and cautiously carry on their journey through life.'

Note to Self by Laurie Buchanan is a must-read -- as good for you as kale, but reads like chocolate -- smooth, rich, and fun. It's sure to leave a good taste in your mouth. 

("Spring in Paris on Mayne Island, photo by LDyck)

Next Post:  Sunday, March 26th (at approximately 5 PM)
Are you an ant or a caterpillar?

An Easier Way to Achieve Your Goals by Leanne Dyck

Jenny Hansen wrote an interesting article titled:  Is Fear Freezing Up Your Creativity? In the article, she discussed a strategy she's used to abandon her fears and work toward her monthly goals. She concluded the article by asking a series of questions. But one stood out for me: How do you approach your goals?

I used to make a long list of goals. I even added a fun goal at the end to help with motivation--something like eat chocolate. But nothing worked. Lists were usually abandoned, half-finished. Well, I chided myself. But all that did was make me feel bad. 

My overall goal was to build my author career. I knew what I needed to do to work towards this goal. I was doing it, every day. But the lists didn't reflect this. Clearly, something had to change.

2014 dawned and, with help from my friend Laurie Buchanan (of Tuesdays with Laurie), I fell into a brand new plan. This year I choose one word to summarize my goal. That word was 'keep'--as in I will keep writing; keep submitting; keep working on revisions; keep learning the writing craft; keep building community. 'Keep'--that one word is so easy to focus on. Motivated, I now do at least one thing every day to work toward my goal. At the end of the day, I use a journal to document my progress this helps to keep me on track and motivates me to build on my daily successes.

How to propel your author career by Leanne Dyck

Kinematics...kinetics...analytical dynamics...dynamics explains 'how and why things move in the ways they do....There are numerous practical applications for kinetics' -wiseGeek

And because I'm not a scientist, I feel free to use it how ever I wish. In fact, I think I'll use it to describe building a successful author career. 

Theory:  my writing career is fed on positive energy. The more I create the farther I can go.

Testing this theory:  This week I'm creating positive energy by...

Monday, February 10th

Being published:  Have you heard about Sonia Marsh and her 'My Gutsy Story' Anthology?

Well, I did because Laurie Buchanan--yes that Laurie--told me about it. And I voted for her. 

Voted? 

Yes, voted.

I'll get into that. 

Now...

Sonia Marsh writes about her Gutsy contest: 'Every Monday, we shall feature a short story on "Gutsy Living" about something Gutsy you have done in your life'

I wrote a gusty story--Oh, yes, I can--and Sonia has published it on her blog.

You can help:  by reading my story. 

Wednesday, February 12th

Reading my writing:  at the Canadian Authors Association Open Mic Nights.

Readings are limited to 3 minutes. So it will be fast paced and fun.

You can help:  by listening to me

Address:  Alliance for Arts 100-938 Howe Street, Vancouver, B.C.

Time:  7:00 to 9:00 p.m. [doors open at 6:45 p.m.]

Note:  This is the first time I'll be reading in Vancouver. It would be so nice to have people cheering for me. : )

This entire week...

Keeping my pen moving:  I'll continue to work on revisions and work on a short story.

You can help:  By being here. It really helps to have some one to be accountable to. Please know that I appreciate you.

And...

Friday, February 21st to Sunday, February 23rd

Attending literary festivals:  There are two literary festivals during the last weekend in February:  Galiano Literary Festival on Galiano Island and WordsThaw in the University of Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Last year, I attended Galiano Literary Festival and walked away inspired.
This year... Well, this year I'd like to be able to split myself in half. But I think that might be painful. So I was forced to choose. I'll be attending WordsThaw.
You can help:  I'd like to support both of these fine festival. So here's my idea:  half of you attend the Galiano Literary Festival and the other half attend WordsThaw. Sound like a plan?
Here's an article about WordsThaw
Here's my review of the Galiano Literary Festival
Don't worry if you can't follow through on our plan. I'll share my adventure at WordsThaw on February 24th.
***
Next post:  Interview with Sheila Johnston
I meet Sheila Johnston at Words Vancouver. Here's a little more about that. (After clicking the link, please stroll down to Pauline Johnson--A Vancouver Legend with Shelia)

Guest Post: Author Laurie Buchanan on writing

Please welcome my online friend and fellow author Laurie Buchanan.  I've been following Laurie's blog for over a year and I'm delighted she's here...

When Leanne invited me to post about the current phase of my up-and-coming nonfiction book, “Discovering the Seven Selves: Your Key to Offloading Baggage and Increasing Joy - Now!” I was tickled pink! Where to begin...

Earlier this year my literary agent took my manuscript to BookExpo America (BEA) in New York where it caught the interest of three different publishers. She is currently in the process of determining which of them is the best to represent my work.

In the meantime, as a nonfiction writer it’s my job to “prime the pump” and “set the stage” for a launch:

RADIO APPEARANCE

As a result of that exposure, I was invited by radio host Roi Solberg to be interviewed on “Authentic You Radio” for a 15-minute guest appearance.  

PRINT

I’ve enlisted the help of MOO to do the print promotional pieces: business card-sized handouts, bookmarks, and postcards. Here’s a link: http://www.moo.com/share/bmwbt6. At MOO you have full control of the presentation (size, graphics, color, etc). 

So what am I doing in the meantime?

I’m working on my next book. A publisher wants to know you’re not a one-shot deal. An enthusiastic writer with another work in progress (or more) is precisely what they’re looking for.

Write on!

Laurie Buchanan

Guest Post Author Laurie Buchanan (interview)

How/why did you start to write?
Many years ago I had a typing service and placed an ad in "Writers Digest" stating "It's My Job To Make Your Work Look Great!" I soon found myself editing and formatting manuscripts for authors--many of them Harlequin romance writers.

People started asking me how I got started, what made it successful, and similar business-type questions, so I wrote, "Pages To Go! How To Start and Maintain a Successful Freelance Typing Service."

These experiences "primed the pump" and served me well when I went back to school and had to write a thesis and dissertation for my Master's and PhD degrees.

Where can we find your current work?
I am an anchor writer for SibylMagazine, a regular contributor to Evolving Your Spirit magazine, and I currently have a non-fiction under consideration with a literary agent in the San Francisco area.

What inspires you?
My creative muse is "wabi-sabi"--a practice where inessentials are trimmed away or eliminated.

The intersection where wabi (minimal) an sabi (functional) meet is the foundation for my creativity--space. Space to move at my own pace, space to invest my time the way I want, space for inspiration and quiet solitude.

Please share one of your successful marketing techniques
As a non-fiction writer, it's important to establish and maintain a "platform". In other words, exposure, Exposure, EXPOSURE.

I have a high-traffic blog (Tuesdays with Laurie) and an author website (Laurie Buchanan) am active in several online social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Do you attend writer's conferences?
I attend the annual Writers' Institute at UW-Madison. I have found that spending a weekend with other writers, literary agents, and publishers keeps me excited and engaged.

Parting words
"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." -Laurie Buchanan

The Sweater Curse reviewed

Laurie Buchanan reviewed The Sweater Curse

Stitch by colorful stitch, Leanne Dyck knits a tale of intrigue with The Sweater Curse. Set against the backdrop of Canada and told in the first-person voice, the reader steps into the life--or rather, afterlife--Gwen Bjarnson.
With a physician mother who has her sights set on career advancement, and a father who's left emasculated in the wake of his wife's ambitions, Gwen is placed in the care and keeping of her Aunt Oli's loving and capable hands--gentle hands that teach her how to knit.
Her love of knitting stays with Gwen as she finds herself estranged from her family and squeezed into the lives of the upper echelon of society where trophy wives dangle from the arms of fragile, old millionaires. Drifting from house to house, she always has her knitting needles--the one constant in her life.
Like a revolving door, men come and go, drawn like moths to a flame, enjoying erotic pleasures with Gwen. Until the fateful night when she meets Jaron Cardew, a self-published novelist who sees her for what she is--an artist--and believes in her.
Drawing her into his circle of artistic friends, Jaron and Gwen become emotionally entwined. While purchasing skeins of yarn--a decadent blend of wool and alpaca--to knit a sweater for Jaron, the shopkeeper warns Gwen, "Knit your boyfriend a hat, scarf, socks--anything but a sweater." But she doesn't heed the sage advice. Knit with love, the sweater turns out beautifully--quite literally to die for!

My Favourite Sweater Story by Laurie Buchanan

Years ago, as a way of promoting a new release, I solicited stories about 'Your Favourite Sweater'. I was delighted by the stories I received, such as...

Laurie writes...
Growing up I often admired a sweater that my mother only wore on special occasions. Hand-knit by my grandmother for my mother's high school graduation, the body was deep red and the yoke was intricately patterned black and white mohair.

Mom kept the sweater folded carefully in tissue that crinkled softly as she removed it from her cedar chest. We were instructed to "Look with your eyes, not with your hands" when she laid it on the bed as she got ready to go out to dinner with dad. While mom was in the shower, my sister and I would gently finger the mohair, and rub our cheeks against its softness.

I longed for the sweater. What do you suppose I received on my 15th birthday? I cried and cried when I opened the tissue and saw the sweater. I knew then that in my mother's eyes I was grown up.