Alone Together

"I know I've never given myself a better gift."

I wrote those words in my very first blog on this website as I reflected upon the writing retreat I attended in the Cotswolds last December 2025. It was such a magical, productive time for me, and a place where our group of nine female writers became true friends. We stay in touch regularly through our "Cotswolds Author's Guild" group on What’sApp. We share our successes (and health woes) and cheer each other on (and up, in the case of the health woes). One writer chimed in recently to share she was returning to the Cotswolds for another retreat this December with Go And Write! We were all so happy for her (and jealous)!

Magical grounds of Abbots Grange Manor House, Cotswolds, England December 2025

Not long after, Sylvia, another member of the "Guild," said she'd rented an apartment in Brittany, France for her birthday month of November (also my birthday month!). She offered two bedrooms if anyone wanted to join her. She’s a former French teacher that speaks French fluently, loves the culture as I do, and has chosen an apartment within walking distance to the ocean and town. It took me about 32 seconds to volunteer to take a room off her hands. I immediately made my travel arrangements before she could change her mind. I'd been to Brittany once before -- as a high school exchange student in the 1970's! I'm so excited to go back!

Because we've spent time at a writing retreat together, Sylvia and I are comfortable being 'alone together.' She wants to sew, write, read, and go on walks. I want to write, read, and walk to the ancient Roman bath ruins she loves. We understand the need to have our own alone time to work on projects, while also welcoming the opportunity to share morning coffee, a meal, and do some sightseeing. I couldn’t be in better company!

Then something else happened...Go and Write! announced a new retreat in Scotland in November 2027. I’ve never been and the itinerary looks amazing! I signed up and told the Cotswolds group I was going. My phone kept pinging as everyone reacted. Next thing I knew, most of the Cotswolds Authors Guild signed up for the Scotland retreat!! Sadly, we will miss a few of the OG crew on this trip, but what a testament to the power of the bond we created last year, and our desire to see each other again and deepen connections. It's also a nod to the fabulous retreats that Go and Write! offer.

I'm thrilled to be able to write in new amazing settings, deepen friendships with other writers, and become a more confident solo traveler. I'm looking forward to seeing how these new experiences will show up in my writing.

What gift do you plan to give yourself? Let me know in the comments below.

Ready to give yourself the gift of a writing retreat? You'd be hard pressed to find anything better than one planned by award winning writers Dr. Gerard Collins and Jane Simpson, the pair behind Go and Write! retreats. Their retreats offer the perfect blend of solitude to allow writers to create in luxurious settings, writer-themed group outings and experiences to historic sites, luxurious accomodations, and helpful instruction and discussions with Gerard on participants' writing. Their retreats sell out fast -- so if you're thinking about it, don't wait!