Journaling has never been a daily habit for me.

As much as I would LOVE to tell you that I wake up with the birds and gleefully open my notebook to do morning pages (look up The Artist’s Way if you’re not sure what that is) the reality is very different.

I journal in bursts. Sometimes multiple times a day, on my phone and in several notebooks. Other times, I’ll manage one paragraph of incoherent ramblings and resist trying again for months. There’s no shame in this, and it doesn’t mean that you’re not ‘good’ at journaling.

Personally, I’ve been seriously struggling to organise my thoughts recently and wondered if this focus mapping technique would help you. While it isn’t going to solve all of life’s problems, it has helped me get back into a groove with writing, after many many months of feeling unable to get started. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you might enjoy these other therapeutic writing techniques.

Forget ‘perfect’ journaling. Journaling doesn’t have to be a long, linear story of your day. Our thoughts jump around – let’s allow ourselves a more natural way of organising our ideas.

Try Focus Mapping

Focus mapping is a visual technique that can help you journal more easily. Here’s how to do it:

1. Grab a blank sheet of paper.
2. Write today’s date in the centre and circle it.
3. Draw 4-5 lines branching out from the date.
4. At the end of each line, write a topic on your mind (e.g., work, family, goals).
5. Add more branches to each topic with specific thoughts or ideas.
6. Keep expanding until you’ve written everything on your mind.
7. Review your map and choose one topic that stands out to you, and journal further on it.

Why it works

– It’s visual and fun
– Helps organise scattered thoughts
– Shows connections between ideas
– Lets you choose what to focus on

And hey, there’s no right or wrong way to journal. This method is just a tool to help you get started AND gives you a bank of ideas to work from the next time you open your notebook.

Try it out and see if it works for you.

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I’ve been publishing poetry on a secret Instagram account for a while now.

 

Partly because I’m embarrassed about how new I am to this art form, partly because I feel like an imposter, but mostly, because the idea of showing you my poems is like showing you my innards and asking you to tell me I am beautiful.

 

I’ve published books about my personal life, and written about being depressed and anxious for national publications. I’ve been honest about not wanting kids, about my tarot obsession and coming out later in life.

 

But something about turning my thoughts into lyrical creations feels like an emotional challenge. Perhaps it’s because writing from your gut is more than one hurdle.

 

There’s the initial discomfort of choosing to dig around in your emotional landscape, uncovering joyful moments that have slipped away and experiencing hard times that you’d rather forget.

 

Then comes the task of shaping those experiences into something that not only feels truthful and authentic but also performs in a way that touches an audience in the way you intend.

 

But ultimately, for me, I use writing as a way to feel seen. A way to be visible in a world that wants queer women to be quiet.

 

The final step may be the most painful part: choosing to share those words with others and knowing that not everyone will like it, understand it or even care.

 

So why publish poetry at all? Why not just write it in my bedroom and keep it safe in the pages of my journal?

 

I don’t think this is a bad idea actually. There are hundreds of words in my journals and on my laptop that will never see the light of day.

 

The advice I always give to my mentoring clients is that you can always post your work anonymously. If you’re worried about a friend or family member reading it, or having your boss see you badmouthing your company, there is absolutely no requirement to attach your name to your work. Use a fake name. Create an anonymous instagram account.

 

 

But ultimately, for me, I use writing as a way to feel seen. A way to be visible in a world that wants queer women to be quiet.

 

For that reason, I knew that publishing my poetry was going to be an important part of my journey as a writer as well as an act of acknowledgement of my own creative spirit. A tangible action to prove that my voice matters.

 

It’s an act of empowerment to have my poems in a digital space instead of hiding in my notebooks.

 

Around September 2022, I made an instagram account and started posting little poems that were small enough to fit in a square. I tagged them in Spain (wow, really covering my tracks like a spy here) and told one friend that the page existed, because I knew she would think it was cool.

 

I shared poems intermittently over the last year and the act of posting those poems online has given me the confidence to take poetry more seriously.

 

I posted online and the world didn’t crumble. I shared my account with my newsletter subscribers and no one took the piss out of me. I look back on the posts now and again and having them collected in one place makes it feel more real.

 

It’s an act of empowerment to have my poems in a digital space instead of hiding in my notebooks. Just like I struggle everyday to take up space as a queer woman in a world made for cis heterosexual men.

 

But I know I can’t hide in the shadows forever. I know I need to, for my own well-being, share those words with you to prove to myself that I am allowed to take up space as a person, never mind as a poet.

 

So here goes, my Instagram account where I post all my poetry. I’d love for you to follow me to keep up to date with my journey and hopefully get inspired to take creative leaps of your own.

 

 

The post I’ve Been Posting Poetry on a Secret Instagram Account appeared first on Fiona Fletcher Reid.

I was too depressed to go to work and too anxious to socialise. My ‘professional working woman’ outer shell, the one I’d spent years creating, had all but disintegrated and I was…. confused.

Writing online was my way of figuring that out and a few years later it turned out rather well. I published two books and was paid to write for magazines. I began to host online writing courses for others, finding satisfaction in pulling others up to where I felt we all deserved to be.

But this time, writing explicitly about the gurglings in my subconscious through personal essays or a memoir hasn’t felt quite right. It hasn’t felt enough.

But over the last few years, amidst coming out as a lesbian and processing a painful divorce, I’ve felt that urge return again. An urge to find myself through writing.

I’ve written a few blogs, regularly written to my newsletter fam (I see you!) but there is something more potent stirring that needs a unique outlet.

Non-fiction has always been my jam.

A true story tugs on my heartstrings everytime, I’m a nosey bugger and I want to know about people’s lives and the stories they survive. But this time, writing explicitly about the gurglings in my subconscious through personal essays or a memoir hasn’t felt quite right. It hasn’t felt enough.

I’m only just finding the courage to really say what is going on in my brain and to shape it into something subjective, something that cannot be bumped up by a clickable headline or polished by a professional editor.

I need a fresh set of paints to create my art.

And I really do mean art, because after writing books as part of the traditional publishing model I feel as though I disregarded myself as an artist completely. I tweaked my words and edited my ideas to make my writing profitable.

Do I regret it? Not necessarily.

It’s a process I had to go through to experience first-hand. I have tangible proof that I can write professionally (which not everyone needs, but I’m insecure so it helps) but now I want to prove to myself that I can write artistically too.

My approach to non-fiction has always been about the internal monologue mixed in with external events. But there aren’t always words that express the wild and unspeakable things that go on in our heads.

So I turned to poetry to figure out what was going on in there with the hope of alchemising it into something that I feel is an artistic representation of who I am. 

I’ve been writing poetry for over a year, but more recently something shifted in me. I gave myself permission to really dedicate the time to my craft. To read more poetry, to learn about technique, take part in courses and begin editing and sharing my work.

This is all vulnerable in a way that feels rather dramatic. Who cares if I’m writing poetry? Does anyone care? I have no idea and maybe that’s what I’m finding so unbearably raw. That I’m only just finding the courage to really say what is going on in my brain and to shape it into something subjective, something that cannot be bumped up by a clickable headline or polished by a professional editor. This is all on me now.

I’m writing this because I don’t think enough writers talk about changing lanes. About getting out of a niche they’ve built for themselves and doing the scary thing of trying to break out of it.

Perhaps you’ve told yourself that you could only ever write fiction because your life isn’t interesting enough to be a memoir.

Maybe you’ve stuck to poetry because a novel seems like a mammoth task you’re incapable of completing.

Or perhaps like me, you’ve stuck with the kind of writing that other people said you are good at.

Whatever your writing lane, consider this blog post a flashing green arrow encouraging you to merge into a new one, and allow your inner artist to take the wheel. Read more about my poetry.

The post Breaking Out of Your Writing Niche: A Creative Call to Change Lanes appeared first on Fiona Fletcher Reid.

In a moment of reflection during Christmas break, while sitting in my parents’ house, I allowed myself to confront the truth about my sexual identity. It was a realisation that would ultimately explain the depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and sexual issues that had plagued me for years.

Coming Out & Navigating the Initial Pain

The path to self-discovery was not without its challenges, especially when it came to the initial pain of coming out as a lesbian.

While the full story is too raw for me to share at this moment, I found myself like a kid in a sandbox of possibilities, free to explore life without the constraints of a partner.

This newfound sense of wholeness sparked my curiosity and desire for self-experimentation.

Stepping into Change

As I contemplated the possibilities, my mind raced with both big and small changes I could make.

From moving to the seaside and starting a new career to getting a nose piercing and wearing waistcoats proudly (oh the joy of being a lesbian stereotype!) my journey of self-acceptance was filled with excitement and courage I didn’t know I had.

But there is no discomfort more dangerous than the one that comes from denying your own evolution.

It was a time of both joy and grief for what had come before. Grief for the marriage, for my wasted youth, and for the stability I had in the false life I had chosen to live.

I knew that navigating the post-coming-out bubble would require proactive mental health management. Triggers were everywhere, from wedding photographs to social media posts, and even TV shows we used to watch together.

To cope, I delved deep into self-help practices such as meditation, journaling, yoga, and tarot readings. Astrology, birth charts, and oracle cards became integral parts of my daily routine.

Integrating Authenticity into My Writing

Not everyone understood my choices, and I could see it in the faces of friends and relatives.

But there is no discomfort more dangerous than the one that comes from denying your own evolution.

I will no longer stunt my growth to please others. It it their own denial that comes to the surface when they judge me asserting my freedom to choose. They see in me what they are incapable of giving to themselves.

It limited my authentic expression to a small circle, reinforcing the belief that my whole self was not worthy of acceptance.

This isn’t a dig. Don’t get me wrong, I am angry; but not necessarily at the people who dismiss my choices. I’m angry at myself for tweaking my personality to fit in for so many years.

Integrating my newfound self into my work as a writer and course facilitator was a challenge. I realised that not everyone needed access to every facet of my life, but it felt wrong to compartmentalise my life into things that could and couldn’t be shared online.

I wanted desperately to protect my mental health, but it seemed like hiding parts of myself toed the line between safe and dangerous.

My personal brand, closely linked to my identity, has always played a significant role in my writing career and while it was tempting to keep certain aspects hidden, I believe that sharing the most genuine parts of myself is where my magic as a creative resides.

My Patreon Journey: Pros and Cons

To create a safe space for sharing my spiritual experiences, I started a Patreon.

This allowed me to write candidly about mystical experiences, tarot readings, and all that jazz. It provided regular writing practice and boosted my confidence in tarot. However, it came with guilt for withholding content from some subscribers and the pressure to cater to a small audience.

Why I Closed My Patreon

Running my Patreon was a safe but confining experience. It limited my authentic expression to a small circle, reinforcing the belief that my whole self was not worthy of acceptance.

Ultimately, I closed it to avoid perpetuating the divide between the sellable and the real me.

And while I know that there are people on the internet and in my real life will not accept me, will not see my choices as wise, my beliefs as appropriate …. I refuse to silence myself in order to maintain an outdated self-image for people who aren’t willing to witness my evolution.

It’s time to combine the two and be true to myself in every aspect of life.

Embracing my Full Self

In the end, Patreon brought financial gains, but for my personal circumstances, it raised questions about the cost of authenticity.

While Patreon can provide a private writing space, it demands significant time and effort for profitability. For me, the love of writing lies in self-expression shared with as many people as possible.

Good news: I’m in the process of copying all my Patreon blogs over to this website. Sign up for my newsletter to receive updates.

The post Why I Started and Closed my Patreon (even though it made me money) appeared first on Fiona Fletcher Reid.

I’ve seen some major shifts in my life over the summer: I have my divorce paperwork all done and dusted, I finally moved out of my parents’ house and am renting a room in Glasgow. I own six plants! Will they survive the winter? Only time will tell.

Writing-wise, I’ve begun blogging again which has felt like an emotional release I didn’t know I needed. The thing about being self-employed is that a lot of the writing I do is either for a client, a publication, or rooted in marketing strategy in order to generate more sales.

But blogging, maaan, I forgot how much freedom I have on this platform to just say what I need to say. Write what is in my head at that exact moment, and publish it without needing to be positioned in a certain way, it’s so freeing for me personally and is also reminding me WHY I started writing in the first place.

If you’re new to these parts, you might not know that I started my writing career as a fitness blogger. After doing that for a year, I bit the bullet and started writing about my mental health.

Back in 2013, that was a scary prospect. I didn’t share my blog with friends and family for yearsssss because I was kind of embarrassed about being so vulnerable on the internet. But really, it was that vulnerability that taught me the therapeutic potential of writing, and it also led to my first book deal.

Anyway, I’m kinda feeling envigorated about writing which is perfect timing because I want to share 3 ways you can work with me on your writing over the next few months:

1. Join me for an afternoon writing retreat on Sunday 20th of August

Perfect for you if you’re looking for a one-off, creative burst to reignite your writing journey. Together I’ll take the group through a mix of journaling, fiction and poetry exercises interspersed with creative conversations and pep talks.

You might meet a buddy who you can continue to write with online, you might create something you’re really proud of, or get a brand new idea that you’re excited to get stuck into. Either way, you’ll leave with your creative cup full to the brim.

£111 or payment plans from £37

2. Sign up for 12 weeks of writing together on Zoom

My signature writing program Inspire Write Repeat is back for the final iteration of 2023! If you’re someone who struggles to make the habit of writing stick for any longer than a few days, this one is for you.

We log onto Zoom twice a week (although some people opt for just once!) and write together using fresh prompts or do a guided session where I teach you a new technique. This round also includes a free ticket to the retreat mentioned above, a 1:1 tarot reading and a chance to socialise with members.

£677 or payment plans from £67

3. Get 1:1 mentoring from me

For those of you who want my undivided attention, private mentoring offers me in your pocket for 3 months.

You’ll get 1:1 mentoring calls, goal-tracking spreadsheets and written feedback on your writing. If you’re ready to level up your writing, get in touch.

£1500 or payment plans from £500

The post 3 ways to work with me in August, September and beyond appeared first on Fiona Fletcher Reid.

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I became a self-published children’s writer in December 2020, it was the year that changed everything for most people and I was no exception.

It allowed me to throw caution to the wind and just do it. Big girl panties were well and truly on.

If you’re reading this you’re either an avid reader of Fiona’s blog, one of my friends or family members (hi guys!) or you want to know how you too, can become a self-published writer.

Self-Publishing Tips

You’ve got the idea, you may even have a full manuscript and you’re at the, “What the H E double hockey sticks do I do now? “stage. Firstly, take a deep breath. Inhale for four, exhale for six, and we’ll get through this together.

My first self-publishing tip is this: Be realistic and define your version of success.

There’s a good chance you’ve got something incredible in your midst but traditional “success” won’t come overnight. It’s a gruelling path but one that can be rewarding in more ways than just making money. If money is your main goal it’s probably best to re-think your career choice or add side hustles.

The Basics of Self–Publishing

These are the three most common ways to self-publishing your book:

1. Self-publishing completely by yourself. With this option you can of course hire the freelance assistance you may need but you cover working with retailers and distributors to sell your book. You can also be your own distributor.
2. Self-publish by paying a service company to assist you.
3. Work with a hybrid publisher.

I chose to go down option one for my personal circumstances, so the knowledge I have has come from trial and error in this process.

I submitted to publishers and I, amazingly, got positive feedback each time but as I’m classed as an ‘unknown author’ they won’t take the chance of giving a traditional contract (Where the publisher pays you for your book) and only offered me hybrid contracts (where they ask you to pay anything from £2,000-£10,000 to publish your book with them and they can make any changes they want).

I was told by author Alison Belsham that you should never accept a contract where you have to pay money to a publisher and I’m so glad of that advice.

Print On Demand vs Offset Printing

The next steps would be to tackle 3 key factors. These factors will help you to see which avenue is best for you and whether it would be best to do print on demand (POD) or traditional offset printing. Ask yourself the following questions:

• How/where do you plan to sell your work?
• Where do you want to drive sales?
• What is your budget?

I personally use Amazon KDP which is a free way to publish your book on Amazon on e-book, paperback and hardback form and the only charge is a percentage taken off any sale you get.

You get any royalties owed to you automatically every three months. This is a great option overall, but especially if, like myself, you don’t have a large budget to play with.

Side note: If you’ve got a book with a lot of illustrations or are catering to children, I wouldn’t recommend e-book formats as they don’t translate well at all and the demand for children’s e-books isn’t there like adult books. 

Printing Your Book

I also print my own copies of my books as the books made using KDP are a different size, paper texture etc than I’d personally choose so I use Digital Printing UK where I can choose everything for myself including the quantity.

After my first book, I learned that doing a pre-order campaign is a great way to determine how many books you’ll need before getting carried away and ordering more than you can store, sell or afford.

If you are going down the children’s book or illustrated book route, please bear in mind that costs for these will be higher than just text-based books.

I am lucky to be able to collaborate with my husband, who is a skilled graphic artist and illustrates my books but if you don’t know someone personally, there will be this added cost also.

Hybrid Publishing

If you choose to get someone to publish for you or feel that you are in a position to hybrid publish, please do be extra careful. More money doesn’t always mean you’re guaranteed success and there are a lot of scammer companies out there who will take your money and never do a thing they promised you.

Do your research on the companies and publisher before you sign anything or send them any money. Look at their websites and have a separate search for the authors and books they say they’ve helped previously.

It might sound like an obvious thing but when you’ve worked so hard on something and you’re just desperate for it to be put out there, these companies can make it sound like they have the solution to all your problems.

Editing Your Self-Published Book

Before actually selling your book, I would recommend making sure your book is edited to a professional standard. As my books are children’s books, I am able to make the edits I need to, however, if you have three hundred plus pages, I’d recommend a professional editor.

Sales Channels for Your Book

All authors/writers would love to have their work on the shelves of Waterstone’s, WH Smiths and even on the supermarket shelves and this doesn’t necessarily have to be a pipedream for self-publishing but be prepared for it to take a long time and some hard graft behind the scenes.

To even have your book looked at by the likes of Waterstones or libraries, you have to be registered with Nielsen and then further contact the wholesalers and suppliers to set up an agreement contract with them.

Gardners is the main wholesaler for Waterstones and then once you have confirmation of set up you then apply to Waterstone’s via their Independent Publisher scheme. For libraries, you will find Gardners and Askews and Holt are two of the most popular wholesaler and each has its own requirements to be on their seller list.

If you want to start by just selling on Amazon KDP or alternatives I’ve recently discovered Draft 2 Digital and Ingram Spark that are perfectly acceptable and will be a lot less hassle for you in regards to printing, shipping etc.

Amazon KDP also gives you a free ISBN which helps with costs and it does offer help in regards to marketing but this part isn’t free and depends on your budget.

You can also sell on your own website if you plan to give out to only family and friends etc, to begin with, you don’t need the use of an ISBN but if you plan to sell to the public, wholesalers, suppliers etc you must buy an ISBN.

What is an ISBN number?

ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number and is a unique thirteen-digit code specifically generated for your book. You can easily register for an ISBN online, I personally use the Independent Publishing Network website however Nielsen have options to buy on their site and many others also.

The cost of an ISBN is around £89 and some companies may charge extra for barcodes. If you plan on selling your book in paperback and hardback you will, unfortunately, need a separate ISBN for each format. The good news is, ISBNs never expire so once you purchase them, it’s yours and you never have to renew.

There is a legal requirement for all UK publications that have ISBNs whereby once your book is registered and published, you must send one copy to the British Library within one month of publication. You have a legal obligation to do this and supply any further copies for them or any of the six National libraries in the UK that request copies.

Promoting Your Self-Published Book

This is the part you really need to keep your own defined success in mind and keep grounded. Social media is a great tool for promotion, however, ask yourself if you are prepared to dedicate hours every day to posts, following trends etc. You will find a lot of people who are willing to review your book, especially on Instagra for a small fee.

Make sure your book has a good blurb or tagline. It’s always the attention to detail that catches the eye of buyers, you want them to want your book. In the same vein as this, having a good author bio can also be an advantage.

If you have a text-based book you also have the option of maximising your distribution via the likes of Google Play Store and Apple iBooks, you can even think about doing your own audiobook. I would definitely recommend joining the Goodreads Author Program as with a network of over 65 million members, it makes it a useful promotional platform.

Lastly, I know writing can be enjoyed in solitude but making writer friends will be a great help on this journey, not just for promotion but also for support and rejuvenation when you need it the most.

Final thoughts

Self-publishing isn’t for the faint of heart or those who want to make a quick buck. It has been one of the most exhilarating and mind-blowing experiences for me so far and I’m still learning as I go. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Fiona for being such a wonderful mentor to me and giving me this opportunity.

If you are ready to take on the journey, I wish you all the luck in the world and by all means, please contact me or connect with me on social media via my website Made You Co. There you will also find more of my writing work and how to purchase my books.

Love hard. Be fierce. Horns high.

The post A Guide to Self-Publishing Your Book [Guest post] appeared first on Fiona Fletcher Reid.

As I’m a UK writer, I knew I wanted to explore some scenic locations in the country as part of my first solo writing retreat, so I was over the moon when I was offered to stay in Fort William for a few nights at an Air BnB.

I was kindly gifted this stay at The Garage in Fort William but there was no obligation to post a review and all views are my own. Prices start around £80 a night depending on the time of year.

Here are some tips on how to plan your solo writing retreat in Scotland:

Pick a remote location

When planning solo writing retreats in Scotland it’s a good idea to pick somewhere that’s slightly out of town. Let me explain. This means that you can minimise distractions and the temptation to ‘nip out’ for a coffee, yet still have access to the supermarket and transport links. Smart, right?

Look at the accommodation photographs

Pick accommodation with good lighting and an inspiring view. This will make staying in a lot more enjoyable and you might even find your creativity is boosted as a result of the change of scenery. Creative flow, incoming!

Check the wifi connection

Make sure to ask ahead of time if the accommodation for your writing retreat has a wifi connection. For some, this might be a dealbreaker, especially if your writing project requires a lot of research or you’re submitting work via email. For others, the absence of a wifi connection might actually help you stay focused.

For me, I really wanted to have wifi for safety reasons and was glad that The Garage had a strong connection.

Set a goal

Don’t head off to your highland writing retreat with nothing more than a blank notebook. You’ll likely be totally overwhelmed with possibilities and feel unable to write anything at all.

Think about what you want to achieve. A book outline? The first few chapters? Character development? A non-fiction proposal? Redraft an existing manuscript?

Think big and then break it down into smaller chunks that can be tackled every day. Even better, write a list and check them off as you go. So satisfying.

Looking for some personalised support on your writing journey? Let’s work together.

Take regular breaks

Short bursts of writing is a smart way to make sure you sustain your energy over the course of a week-long writing retreat. Set a timer for 25 mins and write (I like to turn the wifi off for this) uninterrupted and then stop for 5 minutes.

Take a break, get some fresh air, pop to the loo, do whatever you need to do and then get straight back to work for another 25 mins. Repeat this a few times and then take a longer break.

Solo writing retreat in Fort William

With 2022 in full swing and a writing deadline on the horizon, I hopped on the train from Glasgow to Fort William on a brisk Monday morning in March, just after 8am.

The journey up north takes just under four hours and the views are nothing short of spectacular. From start to finish, it’s rugged mountain tops, vast lochs, and barren landscapes that look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a Scottish Highlands tourist video.

Fort William Airbnb Accommodation

Once I arrived in Fort William, there was a 20-minute walk up a (very) steep hill to my accommodation.

The Garage is tacked on to the hosts’ home but comes with a private separate entrance and isn’t overlooked by the main house. As a solo female traveller, I actually liked knowing that there were people (and an adorable doggo called Dexter) in the house attached because there was always someone to call on if required making me way more relaxed during my writing retreat.

Beautiful writing room with a view

Lorna and Brian were around to show me the accommodation which is a converted garage (hence the name) and has been renovated with real care, attention to detail and high-quality fixtures and fittings.

It was easy to spend a good twenty minutes hypnotised by the view from the window. The mountains are so magnificent.

One morning I managed to catch sight of the clouds rolling in under blue skies, it really was something special.

Spacially, the studio is laid out open plan but with two distinct areas.

Naps are a must on the double bed which comes with space to store suitcases underneath and bedside lights, plug sockets and handy shelves for your phone on each side.

The living room area has a gorgeous brown leather sofa, a wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a mirror for getting ready.

Cupboards are well-stocked with a great selection of tea, coffee (decaf too), hot chocolate, green tea as well as porridge pots to make for breakfast.

For your convenience, there is even a minifridge with loads of milk on hand and Lorna and Brian said that they would supply dairy-free milk too, just send them a message ahead of time. A few biscuits (Tunnocks, of course, the lifeblood of Scotland) were stashed in the cupboard which I was grateful for.

Because I was using the break as a writing retreat, the hosts offered to put a desk and chair into the studio which was so kind and thoughtful! Feel free to message them ahead of time and they’ll do the same for you.

Meals for a writing retreat

With no cooking facilities in the space, I managed to get creative with the kettle and made some noodles, cuppa soups and couscous then stored some cooked chicken, yoghurts and fruit in the mini-fridge.

Plates and cutlery were available too which made it all very simple. Because this was a writing retreat, I was happy to forego cooking any elaborate meals in favour of lots of writing, staring out the window and early nights.

Shower room essentials are on hand; plenty of towels, facecloths, soap, toilet paper and loo cleaner. There was also cleaning supplies, a first aid kit, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, space to hang up clothes, extra blankets (you’re in Scotland, remember!) and bedding is provided.

This shower was SO powerful, I just wanted to mention that because it was honestly better than a lot of hotels I’ve stayed in and made me way more motivated to get up in the morning and start writing early.

Outside, there is a private seating area where I liked to drink my coffee in the morning. It has space to light a fire and all the tools required to get that going as well.

Essentials to pack

You’ll need to pack toothpaste and shower gel but other than that my rucksack was filled with a few bits of clothing, pyjamas, my Kindle, a notebook, laptop, headphones and some snacks to see me through the first few days of writing.

I popped down to the Tesco on the high street halfway through the week and stocked up on more food to keep me fuelled for the rest of my writing retreat.

Local cafes to eat

Whilst I was in Fort William town I visited Rain Bakery where I had an obscenely delicious toasted goat’s cheese mozzarella pesto grilled sandwich followed by the most beautiful apple streusel danish.

Washed down with a coffee the whole thing set me back about £12 total. I think this might be the best bakery in Scotland.

Next day I went back for another serving. I saw one person sitting with a laptop in the bakery but it is quite a small shop so I wouldn’t recommend going in there to write as I think they would need the tables back pretty quickly as it can get very busy around lunchtime.

Final thoughts

Four nights spent at The Garage in Fort William and am genuinely so sad to leave! The good news is that I managed to write a lot, getting my book ready and into a solid second draft which I’m so happy with. I’m already thinking about booking a summer writing retreat later in 2022.

Hand on heart, I swear I did more writing in those four days than I’ve done in the four weeks leading up to the retreat. It just goes to show the power of a room of one’s own (especially when it has a breathtaking view.)

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Book your writers retreat with Lorna and Brian via Air Bnb

The post Plan Your Solo Writing Retreat in Scotland 2022 appeared first on Fiona Fletcher Reid.

A chance to get creative and write some words with guided exercises you can do from home.

On Wednesday 12th January 2022, 19:00 – 20:30 GMT.

The post NEW WORKSHOP: Fun with Fiction appeared first on Fiona Fletcher Reid.