Did you ever have a project that really, really excites you… but you just can’t seem to get it done?
Not because you lack motivation.
Not because you don’t have the right tools.
But more because… life does not stop.
Kids still need to eat to stay alive.
Laundry keeps piling up.
There is always something on the to-do list getting in the way.
This is what has been happening to me. And to a few of my close friends too.
I’ve been wanting to write this super cool graphic novel. One friend has a full line-up for a fantastic romance novel. Another one had an important uni paper to write and was struggling to focus with everything going on at home…
So we decided we all needed a little push to finally get things started.
And… how convenient… we happen to live not too far from a magical place, tucked in the mountains, with little huts you can rent. No wifi involved.
Perfect.
So last week, I went on my second and a half writing retreat. (I am not counting my very geeky middle school graphic novel club.)
And it was amazing.
No mum mental load for a few days, meals prepared in advance, and only three things on the to-do list:
- write
- walk in the forest
- play salad bowl to unwind (if you don’t know this game, you are missing out on a very good laugh)
I can proudly say that I finally started storyboarding my graphic novel! I am about 6 spreads in. That is 12 pages… out of what will probably be around 200.
I have not worked on a long-format graphic novel since high school (and I am turning the big 4-0 at the end of the year), so yes… I am a bit rusty. But also extremely excited!
I mapped out the main events of my little heroine’s journey, and I am now deep into the storyboard phase. First draft. Messy. Fun. I cannot wait to share more of it here as it grows.
And honestly… We will definitely organise more of these little writing bubbles.
So if you are a writer at heart, let me know in the comments. I will keep you in the loop for the next retreat
Gears needed for a writing retreat in a hut in the mountains
view from the hut, doggies in bonus for a big hug at break time
More photos of the Storyboard process on the original post HERE 👈♥︎
