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Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.
— Gene Fowler.
Anyone who has been doing this for a while knows that writing is pain as much it is joy. Infected by this art, a writer feels a compulsion to create so relentless that an idea can fester in their mind for years until they finally release it onto paper. The cliched scenes of writers portrayed in films where they crumble pages after pages in frustration and are tormented by the craft do hold some truth to them. All the glory aside, it's a longterm battle; creating something real and being satisfied with it in the end.
Writing in the modern world in an even bigger challenge where distractions are aplenty diluting your focus with each notification. And if you don't do this for a living, which is true for a majority of writers and authors, your job or daily responsibilities can leave you with a fraction of your time and energy for the craft. This is where writers' retreats come in. The notion of "If I could just go away and just sit and write" comes true in writing residency programs that are built to create a haven where the only purpose is to create. They allow us to commit to a period of time that is only dedicated to writing, sometimes even with workshops and discussions to get the juices flowing.
For this reason we have curated a list of some writers' retreats across India that you can check out if you're looking to get away and finally finish that project.
Boathouse
Boathouse is a residency for artists and writers in the outskirts of Ahemdabad. It's also close to the great Nal Sarovar, a UNESCO World Heritage site for bird watching. This eco-friendly modern house was built in 2017 on principles of sustainable architecture where you can enjoy their two separate live/work spaces and an open living space, common to all. In the house, is a fully equipped kitchen, pantry, library and conference room. It also has a bio pool where you can swim with the fishes. Boathouse provides a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 6-month residency.
Find out more information here.
Indian Summer House
Indian Summer House is a holistic writers' retreat where you can attune your body, mind to your creative spirit. Located in the serene town of Muvattapuzha, Kerala, this residency offers lush gardens, private villas and shared spaces where you can pick your own corner for some quiet contemplation and writing. Their program also includes daily workshops and discussions, along with yoga and meditation sessions, a cooking experience with the chef and even a walking tour with canoe river crossing. They have an upcoming memoir week that you can apply for.
Find out more information here.
Panchgani Writers Retreat
Brought to you by Social Lite House LLC , a Frederick, Maryland, literary and publishing company, this residency is an annual event where you can head to a remote location that changes every year and write for six days in a cozy homestay. Panchgani Writers Retreat offers six days of yoga, meditation, nature trails, beach walks and home cooked vegetarian food along with some optional poetry, creative writing and memoir workshops. It is founded and organized by Shabnam Samuel, a writer, business coach, social media trainer and the dates for the 2023 retreat will be out soon.
Find our more information here.
Himalayan Orchard
The writers' retreat at Himalayan Orchard is created by Michael and Devanshe who own a farm and orchard that they started renovating in 2012. The couple is learning how to be Himalayan farmers, cheese-makers, cider and wine producers. They're both teachers who taught English their whole lives and now are facilitators of this residency program. The retreat takes place in the month of August every year where guests can stay as long as they like and write in the library, sitting rooms, the billiards room, the garden or the terrace. They are also welcome to join the guided hikes through the orchard and forest or take part in farm activities and some cooking.
Find out more information here.
