Solo Writing Retreat Checklist

There’s nothing I love more than a solo writing retreat. It’s my favorite way to reset my mind, reconnect with my stories, and remember that writing is supposed to feel fun.

Over time, I’ve learned that the best retreats aren’t the ones where I force myself to produce the most. They’re the ones where I create the most space—and let the words come naturally.

If you’ve been craving a weekend away to write, dream, and breathe again, this is your sign. Here’s my personal checklist for planning the perfect solo writing retreat, the cozy way.

Step One: Pick the Right Place (Your Brain Needs Beauty)

The location matters more than people think. I always choose somewhere with a view—trees, water, mountains, misty mornings… anything that makes me feel like I can finally exhale.

A cabin is my personal favorite, but a quiet resort or boutique hotel works too. The key is choosing a place that feels peaceful, safe, and just a little bit magical.

Step Two: Keep It Short and Sweet

My perfect solo writing retreat is usually just a weekend. Two nights is enough time to unplug, settle into the rhythm, and actually sink into the story.

Longer retreats can be amazing too, but you don’t need a full week to feel the shift. Sometimes the smallest getaway creates the biggest creative breakthrough.

Step Three: Pack Like a Writer (Not Like You’re Moving In)

I used to overpack for trips like this. Now I pack light, but intentionally, because the whole point is to feel free.

I bring only what supports the mood: cozy layers, something that makes me feel like myself, and the tools that help me write without friction.

What I Always Pack for a Solo Writing Retreat

I always bring my laptop and charger, plus a notebook and a favorite pen. Even if I type the whole time, handwriting something in a notebook makes the retreat feel extra personal.

I also pack cozy clothes, socks, and a sweater I can live in. If I feel comfortable, I write better—every single time.

Snacks are non-negotiable. I like to have pastries, chocolate, or something salty on hand so I don’t have to overthink meals when I’m in the zone.

And of course, I bring something that makes the space feel warm. A candle, a mini perfume, a playlist, or even just a book I want to read in bed makes it feel like a true retreat.

Step Four: Set the Mood Before You Write a Word

When I arrive, I don’t open my laptop immediately. I let myself settle in, look out the window, and just be still for a moment.

That pause is important. It reminds my nervous system that I’m safe, I’m not rushing, and I don’t have to prove anything.

Up Next: The Work Is The Work: Writing Without The Noise

Step Five: Create a Gentle Writing Routine

I don’t do strict schedules on retreat. I do rhythms.

Usually it looks like coffee or tea, a slow morning, and writing in a cozy burst. Then I take a break, go for a walk, or just stare out the window like a dramatic main character.

My Ideal Retreat Writing Flow (No Pressure Edition)

I start the day with something warm—latte, tea, whatever feels comforting. I like to eat something small too, because writing on an empty stomach is not the vibe.

Then I write for 60–90 minutes without overthinking it. I don’t edit, I don’t judge, I just let the story spill out however it wants to.

After that, I take a break. I walk, shower, read, or do absolutely nothing, which is honestly when half the best ideas show up.

Step Six: Don’t Force It (Flow Is the Whole Point)

The biggest rule of my solo retreats is simple: I don’t force the process. If the writing comes, I follow it.

If it doesn’t come right away, I let myself rest. Creativity is not a machine, and the fastest way to shut it down is to treat it like one.

Step Seven: Give Yourself “Unstructured Magic Time”

I always leave room for wandering. Wandering in the town, wandering through a bookstore, wandering through my own thoughts.

Some of my best plot twists have come from doing nothing but sitting near a window and letting my mind roam. That’s not wasted time—that’s the work.

Step Eight: Choose One Tiny Writing Goal

Instead of setting a massive word count, I choose one small focus. Something like “write the next scene,” or “get to the emotional turning point,” or “figure out what the character really wants.”

It keeps me anchored without making me feel trapped. And most of the time, I end up writing more than I expected anyway.

Step Nine: Romanticize It (Yes, Seriously)

I love making writing feel special. I love making it feel like something I get to do, not something I have to do.

So I lean into the cozy rituals. I light the candle, I sip the latte slowly, I write like I’m building a world that matters—because I am.

Step Ten: End the Retreat With a Soft Landing

When the weekend is ending, I don’t want to slam back into real life. I like to close out the retreat gently, like I’m bookmarking a chapter instead of finishing the whole book.

I’ll write a few notes about what happens next in the story, what I’m excited about, and what I want to return to when I’m home.

A Simple Solo Retreat Reflection (My Favorite)

Before I leave, I always ask myself: What felt easy this weekend? What felt inspiring?

Then I ask: What do I want to bring home with me? Not just words—but a feeling, a pace, a softness.

Because the real magic isn’t only what you write on retreat. It’s how you learn to carry that calm creative energy into your everyday life.

Printable-Style Checklist (Copy/Paste for Your Notes or Planner)

Solo Writing Retreat Packing

Laptop + charger
Notebook + favorite pen
Book to read (something cozy or inspiring)
Cozy clothes + warm socks
Toiletries + skincare basics
Headphones + writing playlist
Snacks (sweet + salty)
Water bottle
Candle or “comfort item” (optional but elite)
A simple outfit for going out (coffee shop / dinner)

Solo Writing Retreat Essentials

A place with a view (trees/water/mountains = bonus)
A loose plan, not a strict schedule
One small writing goal
Break time built in
Permission to rest
A gentle ending + notes for “what’s next”

My Retreat Rules

No rushing
No pressure word counts
No comparing my process
No forcing the story
Yes to cozy rituals
Yes to letting it be fun

I hope your solo retreat is all you ever want it to be: relaxing, kind and full of bursting muse energy.

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The Perfect Solo Writing Retreat Checklist (A Cozy Guide to Creative Flow)